In a decision that will surprise no-one who has flown with this airline, Qatar has been named the world’s top airline.
The announcement was made by Airlineratings.com, which named its top 25 airlines for 2024.
The judging panel considers a range of criteria that includes safety and product rating, fleet age, profitability, serious incidents, passenger reviews from several sources, innovation and forward fleet orders.
Qatar takes over from 2023’s winner Air New Zealand. Qantas makes it into the top 10, but only just, at position number nine.
The judging panel of five editors, led by AirlineRatings.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas, has more than 100 years of industry experience between them.
“Qatar Airways came out number one in many key areas although it was a very close scoring for the top 10,” said Mr Thomas.
“The passenger reviews, however, scored Qatar Airways ahead of all airlines and its consistency and high standard of service delivery came through in the feedback.”
Qantas’ only win
According to CNN, Singapore Airlines won Best First Class, Qatar Airways picked up Best Business Class, Emirates scooped Best Premium Economy and Air New Zealand was awarded Best Economy Class.
Qatar Airways won Best Catering, Virgin Australia had the best Cabin Crew. Australia’s only entry was for Qantas, which triumphed with its lounges.
For long-haul travel, AirlineRatings.com has excellence awards according to region.
For the Middle East, Qatar Airways was the top pick. Korean Air triumphed in North Asia, Cathay Pacific Airways was the leader in Southeast Asia and Air New Zealand ruled in Australia-Pacific. Air France was the top choice for Europe, and Turkish Airlines led the way in southern Europe. Air Canada won the award for North America, and Latam was the winner in South America.
The top 25 are:
- Qatar Airways
- Korean Air
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Air New Zealand
- Emirates
- Air France/KLM
- All Nippon Airways
- Etihad Airways
- Qantas
- Virgin Australia/Atlantic
- Vietnam Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- EVA Air
- TAP Portugal
- JAL
- Finnair
- Hawaiian
- Alaska Airlines
- Lufthansa / Swiss
- Turkish Airlines
- IGA Group (British Airways & Iberia)
- Air Canada
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
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