Air New Zealand named airline of the year

AS MANY of us prepare to take to the skies over the Christmas break, a list of the world’s top carriers has been released. So how did Aussie airlines rate?

AIR New Zealand has again been named airline of the year by AirlineRatings.com.

The international airline safety and product rating website says Air NZ is being honoured for the second consecutive year for its in-flight innovations, record financial performance, operational safety and motivation of its staff.

The AirlineRatings.com editorial team praised Air NZ’s commitment to a young technologically advanced fleet and its continual focus on the environment.

The airline also won the award for best premium economy class. “Quite simply Air New Zealand is an airline of first choice. And given the airline’s location and the country’s size its performance is even more remarkable,” AirlineRatings.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas said.

Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon says the award recognises the outstanding efforts of our 11,000 employees globally.

A list of the best airlines has been revealed.

“We’ve invested in new aircraft and enhancements to the customer experience and continued our strong focus on cost control and operational excellence. We head into our 75th anniversary year well positioned to continue sustainably growing Air New Zealand,” he said.

Qantas took three awards: best domestic service, best catering and best lounges.

Qantas won three awards.

Virgin Australia was named best new world carrier, recognising transformation many airlines are trying to meet with rapidly changing market demands. The airline’s cabin crew were also rated the best.

Top 10 airlines for 2015: Air New Zealand, followed by Etihad, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, Lufthansa, All Nippon Airways and British Airways.

Living it up on Lufthansa. Picture: Travelingotter