Qantas, Virgin and Air New Zealand named best airlines in the world. But who’s #1?
The World's Best Airlines for 2022 have been announced – and Qatar is on top.
AirlineRatings.com has unveiled the world's best airlines for the year. And while Qantas and Virgin made the top 10, it's Qatar Airways that's come away with the crown.
The 5-star airline, which was previously sitting at #9, was called out for its innovation, product and industry leadership.
More fittingly, perhaps, it was also commended for maintaining critical long-haul routes open during the pandemic, helping people get home when they needed to the most.
"The airline has a host of industry firsts," said AirlineRatings.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas. "First to complete IATA's important IOSA safety audit and first to be fully COVID audited and compliant by both AirlineRatings and Skytrax."
On top of snagging the gold for World's Best Airline, Qatar also won Best Airline in the Middle East and Best Business Class.
The awards are judged by a panel of 7 experts and is made up of a 7-star rating system that considered safety, customer reviews, product offerings, environmental leadership, fleet age and profitability.
Australia and South Pacific Winners
On our side of the globe, 3 of Australia and the South Pacific's airlines also made the cut.
Air New Zealand, which had previously held the crown, was nudged down the list to #2. It also won the Best Airline in the Pacific, Best Premium Economy and Best Economy.
Air New Zealand punches way above its weight. In so many ways it has set the standard for airline excellence over the past 15 years. Its Premium Economy is just superb and the benchmark in the industry and without doubt the best value in the sky.”
In fact, its economy seats are shaping up to be even better in the future with the introduction of Skynest. These are the world's first sleep pods in the sky. They're due to arrive from 2024 and are aimed at giving long-haul travellers in economy a good night's rest.
Economy Skycouch, which gives you a space to lie down or spread out, and Economy Stretch, which offers more legroom than a regular economy seat, will also be available to make your journey that much more comfortable.
Qantas came in at number 6 and its regional arm Qantaslink won the Best Regional Airline award.
Virgin Australia came closely behind at number 7, with its cabin crew highlighted as the best in the world.
The top 20 airlines for 2022
- Qatar Airways
- Air New Zealand
- Etihad Airways
- Korean Air
- Singapore Airlines
- Qantas
- Virgin Australia
- EVA Air
- Turkish Airlines
- All Nippon Airways
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- Japan Air Lines
- JetBlue
- Finnair
- Emirates
- Hawaiian
- Air France/KLM
- Alaska Airlines
- British Airways
Check out the latest flight sales with the best airlines in the world.
