Qantas has been named the world’s fifth-best airline, according to the annual World Airline Awards. And that’s despite being under intense scrutiny lately for its abnormally high level of cancellations, delays, lost luggage, stranded passengers, and generally very average customer service.
The World Airline Awards began in 1999 when Skytrax launched its first global, annual airline customer satisfaction survey. It is now often referred to as the Oscars of the aviation industry. Any airline in the world can be nominated and the award-winning airlines are voted for by customers.
Read: Which airline has the best food?
In the year of its 25th anniversary, Qatar Airways not only won the title of the world’s best airline for the seventh time but also won awards in different categories.
“To be named as the World’s Best Airline was always a goal when Qatar Airways was created, but to win it for the seventh time and pick up three additional awards is a testament to all the hard work of our incredible employees,” said Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker.
Shortly after receiving the award, he told CNN Travel that the secret of the airline’s sustained success was: “Consistent service, consistent product, consistent attention to passengers and absolute dedication from everyone that works in the airline.”
Read: Qantas announces significant inflight entertainment upgrade
“Qatar Airways was the largest airline to have flown consistently throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with their network never falling below 30 destinations, and that determination has clearly been well recognised by customers with this award as Airline of the Year 2022,” commented Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted.
Singapore Airlines, named world’s second-best airline, also took home multiple awards, including World’s Best Cabin Staff.
Travellers from 100 countries participated in the survey, which featured 350 airlines.
Australian airlines
Virgin Australia dropped from 34th place to 43rd this year, while Jetstar, a subsidiary of Qantas, dropped one spot from 56th to 57th.
Perhaps surprisingly, Qantas moved up three places from 2021, moving from eighth to fifth.
The national carrier’s reputation is currently sitting at an all-time low, with many customers calling for CEO Alan Joyce to resign. Only last week the airline was criticised for scrapping and then reinstating vegetarian meals on short-haul flights.
Read: Best airport lounges
The World Airline Awards noted that Qantas has built a reputation for excellence in safety, operational reliability, engineering and maintenance, and customer service.
It said Qantas is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading long-distance airlines and one of the strongest brands in Australia.
The world’s top 20 airlines in 2022, according to Skytrax:
1. Qatar Airways
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Emirates
4. ANA (All Nippon Airways)
5. Qantas Airways
6. Japan Airlines
7. Turkish Airlines
8. Air France
9. Korean Air
10. Swiss International Air Lines
11. British Airways
12. Etihad Airways
13. China Southern Airlines
14. Hainan Airlines
15. Lufthansa
16. Cathay Pacific
17. KLM
18. EVA Air
19. Virgin Atlantic
20. Vistara
What do you think of Qantas’ place on the list? Do you agree with the rankings? Let us know in the comments section below.
