If you are planning a trip and want to ensure a first-class travel experience, then AFP has ranked 10 of the best airlines world-wide to check out this year.
They were honored for their excellence in passenger comfort, safety and operating efficiency, as these airlines showed a strong commitment to enhancing services and setting new standards in the aviation industry.
1- Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines has been named Airline of the Year 2023 by the ATW Airline Industry Achievement Awards for the third time.
2- Emirates
For those traveling in economy class, Dubai-based airline Emirates is an excellent option. The Emirates has expanded its route network and fleet in recent years, adding flights to various destinations including Santiago, Panama City and Mexico City.
In addition, the airline has invested in cutting-edge technologies such as the Boeing 777X and Airbus A380neo, and has been consistently ranked among the top ten airlines in the world.
3- Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways, established by the Qatari government in 1993, began operations in 1997 with a service connecting Doha and Dubai.
The company now serves more than 160 destinations around the world, having initially focused on expanding within the Middle East. In the first decade of the twenty-first century, Qatar Airways expanded its international reach to include Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.
4- All Nippon Airways
All Nippon Airways (ANA), a Japanese airline, has been ranked as the most punctual airline in both the Asia-Pacific region and globally.
ANA achieved a remarkable 89.79 percent in punctuality for both the global network and Asia Pacific categories, demonstrating its commitment to on-time performance.
The parent company reported a net profit of 89.4 billion yen (US$808.5 million) for the first time in three fiscal years.
5- Cathay Pacific Airways
Cathay Pacific Airways, the flag carrier of Hong Kong, has established itself as one of the world’s leading airlines for more than a decade. Cathay Pacific has received numerous awards since 2013, particularly for its unwavering emphasis on operational safety, which remains a top priority for the airline.
Furthermore, Hong Kong Airlines has invested heavily in passenger comfort and experience, through the introduction of new aircraft such as the A330s, which offer superior aerodynamic stability and spacious cabins with high ceilings and spacious seating.
6- EVA Air
EVA Air, also known as Evergreen International Airlines, is a Taiwan-based airline that began operations with a dual focus on freight and passenger transportation.
Since then the airline has broadened its horizons by introducing new aircraft and routes to meet the needs and preferences of its customers – both domestically and internationally.
The airline has also introduced new premium economy cabins to complement its existing fleet, providing passengers with a more comfortable and luxurious travel experience.
7- Lufthansa
Lufthansa is a five-star airline and the national carrier of Germany.
It is part of the Lufthansa Group which includes airlines such as Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings and Swiss International Air Lines.
According to AirAdvisor, Lufthansa carried 46.9 million passengers in 2021, making it the second largest airline in Europe.
Lufthansa is also one of the five founding members of the Star Alliance network. It offers meals on board the luxury plane, and includes in-flight entertainment including movies, TV series, audio-books and music, in addition to pre-checking baggage for all flights.
8- Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is known for its exceptional airport and onboard services. It has been certified as a four-star airline by Skytrax, which rates airlines based on the quality of its products and employee services.
The product rating includes seats, amenities, food and beverages, in-flight entertainment, cleanliness, and more, while the service rating includes both cabin and ground personnel.
It was named the third safest airline in the latest rankings, after last year’s winner Air New Zealand.
9- Garuda Indonesia
Garuda Indonesia, the national carrier of Indonesia, has been recognized as a 5-star airline for its exceptional airport and in-flight products and services.
The airline received high ratings for its seats, amenities, food and beverages, in-flight entertainment, and cleanliness.
In addition to its high-quality services, Garuda Indonesia has been recognized as the most punctual global airline for 2022, with 95.63 percent of its flights arriving on time, according to travel data provider OAG.
10- Qantas
Qantas is Australia’s largest domestic and international airline and the country’s de facto flag carrier. The airline has a storied history, having been established in 1920 and being the third oldest airline still in operation.
Safety is a top priority for Qantas, and it is consistently rated as one of the safest airlines in the world.
Passengers can enjoy checked baggage, in-flight entertainment, fine dining, and other amenities included in every ticket.
