In 2023, there has been a significant shift in the aviation industry hierarchy. At the most recent Skytrax’s prestigious World Airline Awards, known as the airline industry’s highest accolade, Singapore Airlines has taken the coveted top spot by being recognised as the world’s best airline. This achievement represents a significant turnaround, as it stripped Qatar Airlines of its previously held title.
Founded in 1972 as a modest regional airline, Singapore Airlines has forged its way to become one of the world’s most prestigious travel brands. Recently, at Skytrak’s World Airline Awards 2023, known as the “Oscars of the skies”, the airline was crowned the world’s best airline.
This is Singapore Airlines’ fifth title in the 23-year history of the awards. On this occasion, it managed to snatch the gold medal from Qatar Airlines, which has also shone on the podium in recent years, having won this award seven times. Third place in 2023 went to ANA All Nippon Airways, followed by Emirates in fourth place, while Japan Airlines came in fifth.
The Skytrax awards are based on surveys conducted between September 2022 and May 2023, involving more than 20 million travellers of various nationalities, who evaluated more than 325 airlines.
In addition to Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airlines, which racked up nine awards each, other winners at this edition, which was held last week in Paris, included Delta Air Lines of the United States, which won six awards, and Turkish Airlines of Turkey, which won four awards, including the coveted title of Europe’s best airline. Iberia, meanwhile, came 14th overall.
The most luxurious airline
The prestigious Skytrax awards crown Qatar Airways as the undisputed leader in the business class category, accumulating a series of accolades including the title of best business class worldwide, excellence in business seating, the top award for its luxury lounge (the exclusive Al Mourjan lounge at Hamad International Airport in Doha) and the title of the Middle East’s leading airline. Singapore Airlines emerged as the big winner in the First Class category, further cementing its position as Asia’s leading airline.
The best Low Cost Airline
AirAsia based in Kuala Lumpur, has once again been honoured as the world’s leading low-cost airline, maintaining its title since 2010. In addition, Scoot, Singapore’s low-cost airline, was honoured as the leader in affordable long-haul flights. In Europe, Volotea was recognised as the best low-cost airline, competing in one of the most demanding markets in this category.
Among other notable awards, Air Canada was honoured as the top family airline, while Cathay Pacific was praised for offering the highest quality in-flight entertainment system.
TOP 15 Best Airlines of 2023
- Singapore Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- ANA All Nippon Airways
- Emirates
- Japan Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- Air France
- Cathay Pacific
- EVA Air
- Korean Air
- Hainan Airlines
- Swiss
- Etihad Airways
- Iberia
- Fiji Airways
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