The best airlines – Which ones?

Several different lists publish the best airlines in the world, but the most prestigious is Skytrax’s list which is known as “the Oscars of aviation”, which are awarded at an annual ceremony in Paris.

The Skytrax awards, which are granted based on the users’ votes, include not only the main air transport service, but also the cabin crew services, meals, and all the comforts that a passenger can find on board

Below, we present the ranking of 10 of the best airlines in the world in 2019 classified by Skytrax.

The best airlines in the world

Qatar Airlines

This company has grown to more than 140 destinations worldwide, offering levels of service excellence that have been instrumental in the airline winning the Best in the World award. In addition to Best Airline in the World, Qatar Airways was awarded Best Business Class for its well-known “Qsuites”, Best Business Class Seat and Best Airline in the Middle East.

Singapore Airlines

It’s among the six airlines that have achieved Skytrax’s five-star rating. In addition, in 2018 it was the number one airline. It is an international icon for its high standards of care and service. The company has destinations spanning all five continents. It operates flights across the Pacific, including two of the longest non-stop flights in the world today.

ANA: All Nippon Airways

ANA All Nippon Airways also known as Zennikku or simply ANA is the largest airline in Japan. Founded in 1952, ANA flies about 80 international routes and more than 110 domestic routes and is the world’s largest operator of the Boeing B787. This year, ANA surpassed Japan Airlines.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific Group, based in Hong Kong with a fleet of 200 aircraft, provides scheduled passenger and cargo services to over 200 destinations in 52 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania with a wide-body fleet consisting of Airbus A330, Airbus A340, Boeing 747, Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft.

Emirates Airlines

Emirates has a fleet of over 230 aircraft flying to over 140 destinations in 80 countries worldwide. The company, founded in 1985, is the largest in the Middle East, and by 2019 operated nearly 3,400 flights per week from its hub at Dubai International Airport to more than 133 cities in 74 countries on four continents. Cargo activities are carried out by the Emirates SkyCargo Group. Emirates is also the world’s largest operator of Airbus A380s, with 115 aircraft in service plus a further 8 pending delivery.

EVA Airways

It is a Taiwanese airline based at Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei, which operates passenger and cargo services to over 40 international destinations in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America, as well as connecting over 60 major business and tourist destinations. EVA Air was established in 1989 and is a member of Star Alliance. EVA operates from its hub at Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan.

Hainan Airlines

Hainan Airlines founded in January 1993 is a Chinese airline based in Haikou, Haina. By the end of June 2018, Hainan Airlines and its subsidiaries had more than 400 aircraft in operation and 24 bases. The airline covers China, several points in Asia and extends to Europe, North America and the South Pacific.

Qantas Airways

Qantas is Australia’s flag carrier and a founding member of the Oneworld Airline Alliance. Founded in Queensland in 1920, Qantas is the third oldest airline in the world after KLM and Colombia’s Avianca. Qantas is now Australia’s largest national and international airline. Anecdotally, actor John Travolta, a well-known commercial pilot, is listed as an honorary commander of the airline and makes a few occasional flights. No wonder, if you ever fly Qantas, you will hear over the loudspeaker “Commander Travolta and his crew welcome you aboard”.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa is the largest airline in Germany and has been considered the largest airline in Europe since 2009. It is also one of the five founding members of Star Alliance along with the airlines Air Canada, Scandinavian Airlines System, Thai Airways International and United Airline. Lufthansa’s main hub is Frankfurt Airport, and it also has a major base at Munich Airport. Its maintenance hangars are located in Hamburg.

Thai Airways

Thai Airways, founded in 1988 is Thailand’s flag carrier and has its hub in the city of Bangkok. The company flies to 84 destinations in 37 countries, using a fleet of over 90 aircraft. The airline’s slogan “Smooth as silk” is a key brand identifier. It is one of the founding members of Star Alliance.

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