The Best Airlines for 2018

After 10 years without distinction, Singapore Airlines – the premium airline that flies direct to more than 60 destinations worldwide – returns to the top.

The Asian airline was once again named “Airline of the Year 2018” at the “Skytrax 2018” World Airline Awards, a title it last won in 2008. Qatar Airways, last year's winner of the title, remained in 2^nd place.

“We are thrilled,” said Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience, to CNN, shortly after the ceremony in London.

This major award won by Singapore Airlines is equivalent to the Oscars for airlines.

Singapore has also won 3 other awards for 2018: “Best First Class”, “Best Airline in Asia” and “Best First Class Seat”.

Qatar Airways

Qatar, which held the top spot in 2017, 2015, 2012 and 2011, did not leave the awards empty-handed. Qatar CEO, Akbar Al Baker, went on stage many times to collect corresponding awards.

The Doha-based carrier - the capital of Qatar - won the awards for “Best Business Class”, “Best Airline in the Middle East”, and “Best Business Class Seat”.

The position of Asian Airlines in recent years

Singapore's victory marks a resurgence for Asian airlines, which have lost their dominance since the awards began in 2001.

Apart from Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong)'s victory in 2014, for the past 7 years the top spot has been held by airlines based around the Arabian Gulf.

Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience, states that Singapore's return to the awards was due to the airline's consistent focus on improving its product, as well as its investment in a more modern fleet of medium and long-haul aircraft.

The airline has often been a pioneer in premium services for its customers, such as hotel-room-like seats with a double bed, and the continuous awards it receives in categories related to the best seats.

Its victory is also due to the scheduled restart of the world's longest flight between Newark, New Jersey and Singapore in October 2018.

Yeoh also said:

“I believe that with hard teamwork we can continue to increasingly enhance our customers' experience.”

“We are grateful that our work is recognised and our customers have voted us the best in the world.”

The rest of the top ten

The top 10 is completed by the most well-known airlines from Asia and the Middle East. 3rd place went to ANA All Nippon Airways, 4^th to Emirates, 5^th place belongs to Taiwan's EVA Air and 6^th to Cathay Pacific.

Lufthansa is the only European airline in the top 10, taking 7^th place. It is followed by China's Hainan Airlines in 8th place, Garuda Indonesia – also awarded for “Best Cabin Staff” – in 9^th, and Thai Airways completing the top 10.

US airlines did not manage to win any awards. The best airline in North America is Air Canada, while the best low-cost airline is WestJet, another Canadian carrier.

Air France lived up to its country's reputation for culinary excellence, winning awards in the categories “Best First Class Catering”, “Best First Class Amenities” and “Best First Class Lounge Dining”.

The Best Airlines for 2018
1. Singapore Airlines
2. Qatar Airways
3. ANA All Nippon Airways
4. Emirates
5. EVA Air
6. Cathay Pacific
7. Lufthansa
8. Hainan Airlines
9. Garuda Indonesia
10. Thai Airways

Best airlines – by global region
Northern Europe: Finnair
Western Europe: Lufthansa
Eastern Europe: Aeroflot Russian Airlines
Africa: Ethiopian Airlines
Australia – Pacific: Qantas Airlines
Central Asia – India: Air Astana
China: Hainan Airlines
Central America – Caribbean: Copa Airlines
South America: Avianca
North America: Air Canada
Asia: Singapore Airlines
Middle East: Qatar Airways
Europe: Lufthansa

Best low-cost airlines for 2018
Africa: Mango
Australia – Pacific: Jetstar Airways
Asia: AirAsia
Central Asia – India: Indigo
China: West Air
South America: Sky Airline
North America: WestJet
Middle East: Flynas
Europe: Norwegian

Best Airline Catering
Economy – Thai Airways
Premium economy – Aeroflot Russian Airlines
Business – Austrian Airlines
First class – Air France

Best Airline Seats
Economy – Japan Airlines
Premium economy – Air New Zealand
Business – Qatar Airways
First class – Singapore Airlines

Best Regional Airlines
Africa – Royal Air Maroc
Asia – Bangkok Airways
South America – Azul Brazilian Airlines
Central Asia / India – Azerbaijan Airlines
Europe – Aegean Airlines

Best Airline Lounge
First class – Qatar Airways
Airline alliance lounge – Star Alliance Los Angeles

Independent airport lounge – Plaza Premium Heathrow Terminal Two

First class lounge dining – Air France
Airline lounge spa facility – Thai Airways

Best Airline Staff Service by Global Region
Africa – South African Airways
Australia / Pacific – Qantas Airways
Central Asia / India – Vistara
China – Hainan Airlines
Central America / Caribbean – Copa Airlines
South America – Azul Brazilian Airlines
Asia – ANA All Nippon Airways
Middle East – Emirates
Europe – Austrian Airlines