Table of Contents
This article lists the top 10 best airlines in the world, based on Skytrax’s World Airline Awards 2023. The airlines are:
- Singapore Airlines
- Air New Zealand
- Qatar Airways
- Etihad Airways
- Korean Air
- ANA All Nippon Airways
- Emirates
- Japan Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- Air France
The article provides a brief overview of each airline, including its history, fleet, routes, and key features. It also includes some of the awards that the airlines have won.
Here are some of the key points about the top 3 airlines:
- Singapore Airlines is the top-ranked airline in the world. It is known for its excellent service, comfortable seats, and delicious food.
- Air New Zealand is the second-ranked airline in the world. It is known for its innovative approach to flying, such as its lie-flat seats in economy class and its in-flight entertainment system.
- Qatar Airways is the third-ranked airline in the world. It is known for its luxurious cabins and its extensive network of destinations.
Let’s dive deep into more details about all the best airlines in the world.
1. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is the flag carrier of the Republic of Singapore and is top of the list for the best airlines in thw world with its hub located at the Singapore Changi Airport. Below are some key points about the Airline:
Corporate Branding: The airline is notable for highlighting the Singapore Girl as its central figure in the corporate branding segment.
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Since the 1990s, Skytrax has consistently ranked Singapore Airlines as a 5-star airline and has voted it as the world’s best airline five times. They voted it as the Skytrax World’s Best Airline Cabin Crew 2019.
Fleet: Singapore Airlines was the first to put the Airbus A380—the world’s largest passenger aircraft—as well as the Boeing 787-10 into service and is also the only operator of the ultra-long-range (ULR) version of the Airbus A350–900.
Routes: the airline is consistently ranked among the world’s best airlines and serves international destinations from Singapore Changi Airport. It operates some of the longest non-stop services in the world. The SingaporeAir app offers travel convenience from booking to boarding and beyond.
2. Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand is the flag carrier airline of New Zealand and it comes seond in the list of the best airlines in the world. it has been a member of the Star Alliance since 1999.
The airline operates scheduled passenger flights to up to 20 domestic and 30 international destinations in 18 countries and territories across Asia, North America, and Oceania.
Air New Zealand previously operated four fifth freedom routes (i.e. between two non-New Zealand destinations). The airline and United Airlines are Star Alliance members, so it makes it easy for customers to enjoy reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, such as earning and spending loyalty points.
Thus, United MileagePlus® members can earn award miles, Premier qualifying miles, Premier qualifying segments, and Premier qualifying dollars on eligible Air New Zealand flights.
It offers more premium products than Qantas. In a recent study, they ranked Air New Zealand among the best airline in the world.
3. Qatar Airways
The Qatar Airways Tower in Doha serves as headquarters for the airline, which is also the flag carrier for Qatar. The airline operates a hub-and-spoke network with over 200 aircraft, flying to more than 150 international destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania from its base at Hamad International Airport..
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Qatar Airways Group employs over 43,000 people and has many divisions, which include Qatar Aircraft Catering Company, Doha International Airport, Qatar Airways Holidays, United Media Int, Qatar Duty-Free, Qatar Aviation Services, Qatar Distribution Company, and Qatar Executive. Qatar Airways Cargo, the airline’s freight branch, is the world’s third-largest international cargo carrier.
With Qatar Airways, passengers can book flight tickets to more than 150 destinations easily. Its onboard product focuses on comfort, fine cuisine, and trendsetting features. Also, it is a member of the Oneworld alliance.
According to Skytrax, Qatar Airways has been the World’s 5 Star Airline since 2011, leading to higher brand awareness, increased demand, and therefore higher airfares. Qatar Airways recently revealed that it has more global connectivity than any other airline.
4. Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is the national airline for the United Arab Emirates and one of the country’s two major airlines. Below are some key points about the airline:
History: Etihad Airways commenced operations in November 2003.
The airline has its head office in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, near Abu Dhabi International Airport. And it operates over 1,000 flights per week to more than 120 destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America, with a fleet of 102 Airbus and Boeing aircraft.
Safety: Etihad Airways has introduced flexible fares and extra steps to make sure passengers feel safe and well when they fly. Before flying, passengers can read the latest travel requirements online at Etihad Airways.
Loyalty Program: Etihad Guest is the airline’s loyalty program that offers unique rewards and benefits, along with a world of opportunities to earn and spend Etihad Guest Miles.
Mobile App: The Etihad Airways app allows passengers to book and manage their booking, save their boarding pass to their phone, and discover trending destinations to plan their trip with suggestions for local experiences.
5. Korean Air
Korean Air is the flag carrier of South Korea and it is also its largest airline based on fleet size, international destinations, and international flights. Below are some key points about the airline:
Services: Korean Air offers passenger and cargo services to over 100 destinations in 44 countries worldwide.
Alliances: The Korean Air is a founding member of the airline alliance SkyTeam and SkyTeam Cargo.
Safety record: we once knew them for their notorious and abysmal safety record and high rate of fatal crashes. However, the airline has since improved its safety record and is now ranked as a 5-star airline.
Frequent-flyer program: Korean Air is an airline partner of Skywards, the frequent-flyer program for Emirates and Skywards members can earn miles for flying Korean Air and can also redeem miles for free flights.
Fleet: As of November 2022, Korean Air operates the following aircraft: Airbus A220, Airbus A321, Airbus A330, Airbus A380, Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787.
Reviews: According to TripAdvisor, Korean Air is the flag carrier of South Korea and flies non-stop to about 15 domestic destinations and more than 115 international destinations across Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, North America, and South America.
6. ANA All Nippon Airways
All Nippon Airways (ANA) is a Japanese airline that operates both domestic and international flights. It is headquartered in Tokyo and has more than 42,000 employees as of 2022.
ANA’s international network currently focuses on business destinations, and it operates several subsidiary passenger carriers, including its regional airline, ANA Wings, Air Nippon, Air Do (a low-cost carrier operating scheduled service between Tokyo and cities in Hokkaido), and Allex Cargo (ANA Cargo – the freighter division operated by Air Japan).
ANA is also the largest shareholder in Peach, a low-cost carrier joint venture with Hong Kong company First Eastern Investment Group.
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Travelers can book flights with ANA through its website and earn ANA Mileage Club miles. ANA has received a 5-star rating from Skytrax for the quality of its airport and onboard product and staff service.
The airline serves more than 50 destinations within Japan and 32 international destinations. United Airlines is one of ANA’s airline partners, and travelers can earn United MileagePlus miles when flying with ANA.
7. Emirates Airline
Emirates is one of two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates. It is based in Garhoud, Dubai, and is a subsidiary of The Emirates Group, which is owned by the government of Dubai’s Investment Corporation of Dubai.
As of 2019, Emirates was the largest airline in the Middle East, operating over 3,600 flights per week from its hub at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport. Emirates is also the world’s largest Boeing 777 operator with 134 aircraft in service.
Emirates was founded in March 1985 with backing from Dubai’s ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The airline’s first flight was from Dubai to Karachi, Pakistan, on October 25, 1985.
Pakistan International Airlines played a large role in establishing Emirates in its early years, providing technical and administrative assistance as well as providing a new Boeing 737-300 and an Airbus A300B4-200.
Emirates offer flights to destinations around the world. The airline is known for its high-quality service, including larger and more modern in-flight entertainment and better-than-average plane food.
Emirates has won Skytrax’s ‘best inflight entertainment’ awards every year for over a decade. Emirates offers a wide range of roles across industries, including aviation, travel and air services, and catering. The Emirates Group employs over 103,363 staff from more than 160 nationalities.
8. Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines, also known as JAL or Nikkō, is an international airline and Japan’s flag carrier and largest airline as of 2022, headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo.
It operates international passenger service, domestic passenger service, and cargo (including mail) service. Its main hubs are Tokyo’s Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport, as well as Osaka’s Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport.
JAL offers flights and vacations to Tokyo, Osaka, and other destinations in Japan and Asia. Customers can manage their bookings and check-in online, select seats, view, earn, and use miles, and access their e-invoice. JAL has been awarded the World’s Best Economy Class by Skytrax in 2019 and 2021.
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JAL has a newsletter that customers can sign up to receive the latest information, best fares, and exclusive deals. The airline also provides travel advice and offers, and information regarding fuel surcharges and insurance surcharges for international flights.
JAL aims to become the world’s most preferred and valued airline group, creating a society and future where many people and goods freely move around.
9. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines, officially known as Türk Hava Yolları Anonim Ortaklığı, is the flag carrier of Turkey. It operates scheduled services to 340 destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, making it the largest mainline carrier in Turkey.
Turkish Airlines offers a unique travel experience, allowing passengers to explore more than 120 countries. Passengers can purchase flight tickets, make hotel reservations, and rent cars through Turkish Airlines.
Turkish Airlines has gained recognition in the aviation industry. In 2023, it was ranked the sixth-best airline in the world by Skytrax. The airline has also been certified as a 4-Star Airline by Skytrax.
Turkish Airlines receives good ratings for onboard catering quality, and many of its cabin product areas meet 4-Star standards. However, the configuration of the Boeing 777 aircraft, with a 2x3x2 seating arrangement, has a negative impact on the final rating.
Turkish Airlines is not limited to passenger services. Turkish Cargo, a subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, provides air cargo services to more than 340 destinations. The aim of Turkish Cargo is to make Istanbul a major hub for air cargo transportation.
10. Air France
Air France is the flag carrier airline of France and is a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group. They headquartered it in Tremblay-en-France and are a founding member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance. Here are some key points about Air France:
Services: Air France offers a range of services and amenities to its passengers. They have introduced a brand-new economy long-haul product with features such as slimline seats, more legroom, wider tables, universal electrical sockets, and high-definition screens for in-flight entertainment. They also provide Audio Video on Demand (AVOD) in all cabins on long-haul flights, offering multiple channels of video, audio, music, and games.
In-Flight Publication: Air France Magazine is the airline’s in-flight publication and is included at each seat.
Online Check-In: Air France provides an online check-in service, allowing passengers to choose their seats, obtain their boarding passes, and purchase additional baggage.
Customer Service: For any questions or inquiries, customers can contact Air France’s customer service department or consult the FAQ section on their website.
Destinations: Air France offers flights to more than 500 destinations worldwide. Together with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Transavia Airlines, Air France-KLM provides a network covering over 300 destinations.
I put together this rating for 2023 and a good deal of info was culled from airlineratings.
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