Choosing what airline to fly with can be tough – do you choose based on price, convenience or even a free stopover somewhere enticing? But, if you simply want to fly with the best of the best, consider a new ranking of the top airlines in the world.
Book your next flight on one of the best airlines in the world. Image by Alexander Kirch / EyeEm / Getty Images
Singapore Airlines has been named the best airline in the world for 2019, according to the safety and rating website AirlineRatings.com. It knocked Air New Zealand out of first place, which it had held on for five years in a row. Singapore snagged the top spot for next year thanks its “inflight service, new aircraft types such as the A350 and 787-10, revamped interiors and the launch of the non-stop Singapore to New York service, as well as operational safety”.
The top 10 airlines for 2019 are: Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Virgin Australia, Emirates, All Nippon Airways, EVA Air, Cathay Pacific Airways and Japan Airlines.
Singapore Airlines has been named the best airline for 2019. Image by Singapore Airlines
Judged on criteria like the age of its fleet and product offerings, Singapore Airlines came first in many categories, according to AirlineRatings.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas. “For years Singapore Airlines has been the gold standard and now it is back to its best, leading in passenger innovations and new state-of-the-art aircraft models.”
However, it only narrowly beat out competitors like Air New Zealand, Qantas Airways and Qatar Airways. But, those airlines still took home honours in other categories: Air New Zealand won best premium economy and best airline Pacific; Qatar Airways won best catering and best business class; and Qantas won best domestic airline service and best lounges.
An Air New Zealand interior that is set up for sleeping. Image: Air New Zealand
If you’re eager for a luxury flight, Singapore Airlines also won best first class, but if you’re looking to save, Korean Air won for best economy. The awards also named the best low-cost airline in three regions: Westjet in the Americas; Wizz in Europe; and AirAsia/AirAsia X in Asia and the Pacific.
Has this got you eager to plan your next trip? Check out the 10 most exciting new flight routes in the world.
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