As more and more people are starting to traverse the globe once again, aeronautical number crunchers Flightradar.com tracked 100,085 commercial flights last Friday. Not only is it a massive number but it’s also the first time since March 20 last year that more than 100K flights were tracked in a single day.
And that means a choice of airlines. That’s where airlineratings.com comes in. In compiling its annual list of the world’s top 20 airlines, criteria include a mandatory seven-star safety rating and “demonstrating leadership in innovation for passenger comfort”.
Furthermore, the editors look for “a consistent level of service, innovation, and staff engagement from each major contender”. Audited feedback from passengers on the website also figures into how the awards are evaluated.
Nothing if not thorough, the awards don’t merely stick to a top 20 overall. You can find everything from the best catering and lounges to most improved and best ultra-low-cost airlines. And of course, who is putting the business into business class.
So who took out the top gong? This year it went to Middle East contender, Qatar Airways. The reason it won the prize was, according to airlineratings.com, “because of its cabin innovation, passenger service, and its dedication and commitment to continue to operate throughout the COVID pandemic.
“The airline has a host of industry firsts. First to complete IATA’s important IOSA safety audit, first to be fully COVID audited and compliant by both AirlineRatings and Skytrax, and amongst the first to trial IATA’s COVID Safe Travel Pass.”
Airlines from Australia and New Zealand continue to figure strongly with Air New Zealand slotting in at second spot overall and Qantas coming in fourth – it also took out Best Lounge and Best Domestic Service awards. Virgin Australia also gets a look-in coming in at number 18 worldwide.
The full list of the world’s top 20 airlines for 21 is: Qatar Airways followed by Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, EVA Air, British Airways, Lufthansa, ANA, Finnair, Japan Air Lines, KLM, Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Virgin Australia, Delta Air Lines and Etihad Airways.
