Air New Zealand has been named the best airline
in the Australia/Pacific region, at the annual World Airline Awards in
Germany.
The awards are run by independent reviewers Skytrax, and
based on surveys conducted with more than 17 million passengers over a
10-month period.
Airlines are rated on customer service, comfort of seating, quality of food, lounges and cabin crew.
South Korea’s Asiana Airlines was named airline of the year. The airline was third last year.
“Asiana Airlines are clearly meeting and exceeding their
customers' expectations,” said Skytrax chairman Edward
Plaisted.
Air New Zealand climbed to fifth place from eighth in 2009.
Cathay Pacific slipped to fourth place, after being named top
airline last year. Singapore Airlines maintained its number two
spot.
Australian airline Qantas, who were best-rated in the
Australia/Pacific region last year, dropped to seventh place overall –
from sixth in 2009. In 2008 it was rated the world’s third best
airline, Skytrax reported.
Virgin Blue was rated best low-cost carrier for the Australia/Pacific region.
The final top 10 ranking in the awards were:
1. Asiana Airlines (3)
2. Singapore Airlines (2)
3. Qatar Airways
4. Cathay Pacific (1)
5. Air New Zealand (8)
6. Etihad Airways
7. Qantas Airways (6)
8. Emirates
9. Thai Airways
10. Malaysia Airlines
Other awards:
Best Low-Cost Airline Worldwide
AirAsia
Most Improved Airline
Garuda Indonesia
Best Cabin Staff
Singapore Airlines
Best Inflight Entertainment
Emirates
Best Airport Services
Thai Airways
Best Economy Class
Malaysia Airlines
Best Premium Economy Class
Qantas
Best Business Class
Qatar Airways
Best First Class
Etihad Airways
Best Airline: Transatlantic
Virgin Atlantic
Best Airline: Transpacific
Cathay Pacific
Best Airline: Australia/Pacific
Air New Zealand
Best Airline: Europe
Lufthansa
Best Airline: India/Central Asia
Kingfisher Airlines
Best Airline: Middle East
Qatar Airways
Best Airline: North America
Air Canada
Best Airline: South East Asia
Singapore Airlines
Best Airline Lounge - Business Class
Virgin Atlantic
Best Airline Lounge - First Class
Thai Airways
Best Airline Seat - Business Class
Singapore Airlines
Best Airline Seat - Economy Class
Kingfisher Airlines
Best Airline Seat - First Class
Etihad Airways
Best Airline Seat - Premium Economy Class
Qantas Airways
Best Low-Cost Airline Australia/Pacific
Virgin Blue
Best Onboard Catering - Business Class
Qatar Airways
Best Onboard Catering - Economy Class
Turkish Airlines
Best Onboard Catering - First Class
Etihad Airway
3 News