Singapore Airlines crowned world’s best airline for 2018
The world's best have been named. So, who else made the cut?
Every year Skytrax, a review website for airlines and airports, hosts the Skytrax Airline Awards. Votes counted are by real travellers and a list is released of the topmost airlines in the world based on it.
And while Qatar has claimed that number one spot previously, this year Singapore Airlines has finally snatched it away from the Middle Eastern carrier.
It's been a steady climb to the top for Singapore Airlines, too. Last year the 5-star airline held 2nd place and the year before held 3rd, making this a much deserved and well overdue win.
Not to be completely outbeaten, Qatar fell by just one spot down to #2 while Japanese carrier ANA All Nippon Airways held its bronze medal from 2017, holding steady at 3rd place.
Other airlines rounding out the top 10 include Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Hainan Airlines and Garuda Indonesia.
In total, 7 of the 10 top airlines are based in the Asia Pacific with only 2 (Qatar and Emirates) flying the flag for the UAE and Middle East, and Lufthansa taking out 7th place for Europe.
Sadly, Australia's flying kangaroo AKA Qantas missed out on making the top 10 cut, coming in 11th place, up from 15th on the previous year. It did win a slew of local awards though, taking home Australia/Pacific's Best Airline, Best Airline Staff, Best First Class, Best Business Class and Best Economy Class awards.
Of the budget airlines, AirAsia held its #1 spot as the World's Best Low-Cost Airline while Jetstar took the glory for the region, winning Best Low-Cost Airline in Australia/Pacific and 4th best airline in Australia/Pacific.
Virgin Australia and Tigerair both missed out on top placements in all categories but ranked 3rd and 6th respectively, as the Best Airlines in Australia/Pacific.
Here's the list of top 10 World's Best Airline winners in the world and in Australia/Pacific.
World's Best Airlines top 10
| 2018 rank | Airline | 2017 rank |
|---|---|---|
1 | Singapore Airlines | 2 |
2 | Qatar Airways | 1 |
3 | ANA All Nippon Airways | 3 |
4 | Emirates | 4 |
5 | EVA Air | 6 |
6 | Cathay Pacific | 5 |
7 | Lufthansa | 7 |
8 | Hainan Airlines | 9 |
9 | Garuda Indonesia | 10 |
10 | Thai Airways | 11 |
World's Best Airlines: Australia/Pacific top 10
| 2018 rank | Airline |
|---|---|
1 | Qantas |
2 | Air New Zealand |
3 | Virgin Australia |
4 | Jetstar |
5 | Fiji Airways |
6 | Tigerair Australia |
7 | Air Tahiti Nui |
8 | AirCalin |
9 | Air Vanuatu |
10 | Air Niugini |
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