Air New Zealand named top carrier globally in annual airline awards

The annual airline awards are out, judging the best in the sector across the globe,  airline-ratings.com has come out with the top 20 best-in-class airlines.

For the sixth time in seven years, Air New Zealand has emerged as the best carrier in the world.

The assessment was done by an experienced and awarded team of professionals from the aviation sector.

Comparing the best in class service provided by the top names in the industry, the survey named the top 20 airlines.

To be in the top 20, airlines must achieve a seven-star safety rating, they must also demonstrate leadership in innovation for passenger comfort.

Releasing the findings,  airline-ratings.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas said that going by these standards, Air New Zealand is the leader followed by Singapore Airlines.

Last year, Singapore Airlines ended Air New Zealand's five-year dominance.

Following closely behind is Japan's All Nippon Airways, Australia's Qantas and Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific in the top five slots.

The airlines got rated on 12 counts including fleet age, passenger review, investment rating, staff relations, product offering and profitability

Air New Zealand has had an obsession with the top spot. It is one of the few airlines in the world to have the lowest risk of default. Over the years, the airline has enjoyed a healthy expansion in its domestic and international circuit.

Singapore Airlines at no.2 spot has been at the forefront of passenger safety and comfort. In the past two years, they introduced new fleets of Airbus a350 and Boeing 787 known to be the best with cutting-edge technology

Japanese Nippon Airways enters the big league at no 3 standing out for its cabin innovation. Qantas comes in with its best lounge and domestic service and an all-time high customer approval rating.

Delta Airlines was America's favourite choice while Lufthansa was the best airline operator in the European continent.

Cathay Pacific at no. 5 was the best airline in the Asia-Pacific segment.

Emirates figures at no. 6 in overall rating while being the best airline in the Middle-East and Africa sector. In the coming year, the airline will introduce premium economy to its fleet.

The countdown also includes Britain's Virgin Atlantic, Taiwan's Eva Air, Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia, making a maiden entry at no. 10.

The survey also names the best low-cost carriers and leaders in regional sectors. Jet-blue in Americas, Wizz of Europe, Air Arabia in the Middle East and Africa and Air Asia in the Asia Pacific were the top budget carriers.

This is the first time, the rating has extended its survey to name the top 20 instead of top 10 airlines.