World’s top 10 airlines for 2018 named by AirlineRatings.com

THE latest global airline rankings are out - and the Flying Kangaroo has been named the second best in the world. So who’s No.1?

THE latest airline ratings are out - and Air New Zealand has taken out the honours to be named the world’s best airline for 2018.

Qantas came in second and Singapore Airlines third, followed by Virgin Australia, according to the list released by aviation safety and product rating review website AirlineRatings.com.

It is the fifth consecutive year that Air New Zealand has been honoured for factors including record-breaking financial performance, in-flight innovations, environmental leadership, young fleet and motivation of its staff.

The judging panel said: “Air New Zealand came out No.1 - or equal first - in all of our audit criteria, which is an exceptional performance.”

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Qantas’ new 787-9 Dreamliner will begin flying Perth-London direct flights from March.

However, the airline faces pressure from both Qantas and Singapore Airlines - which both impressed the judges and are rolling out new aircraft (787s for Qantas and A350s for Singapore).

To be in the top 10, airlines must achieve a seven-star safety rating and demonstrate leadership in innovation for passenger comfort.

“We are looking for leadership and airlines that innovate to make a real difference to the passenger experience particularly in economy class,” the judging team said.

“Whether No.1 or No.10 these airlines are the best of the best – the elite in aviation.

“They are the trendsetters and the benchmark by which all others are judged.”

Air New Zealand business premier class.

Qantas also took out the honours for best catering, best lounges and best domestic.

“Australia’s Qantas’s domestic in-flight product is a standout and in many cases, matches or exceeds international service,” the judges said.

Virgin Australia was awarded best business class.

“Its ‘The Business’ suite ... can be argued is more First Class than Business Class,” the panel said.

Virgin Australia's The Business - more first class than business class.

Australian travellers also have a chance to sample the service from another mover and shaker on the list - China’s Tianjin Airlines, which was named the most improved airline.

It’s a big week for the carrier, which celebrated its first Australian flight when it departed Melbourne for Chongqing yesterday.

“This airline is turning heads wherever it goes and it is now flying well beyond China and delivering a superb product at very affordable prices,” the judges noted.

Tianjin Airlines is now flying to Australia. Picture: Melbourne Airport

TOP 10 AIRLINES FOR 2018

1. Air New Zealand

2. Qantas Airways

3. Singapore Airlines

4. Virgin Australia

5. Virgin Atlantic

6. Etihad Airways
7. All Nippon Airways

8. Korean Air

9. Cathay Pacific

10. Japan Airlines

Singapore Airlines was rated the world’s best airline for first class and cabin crew.

TOP AIRLINES BY CATEGORY

Best First Class: Singapore Airlines

Best Business Class: Virgin Australia

Best Premium Economy: Air New Zealand

Best Economy: Korean Air

Best Cabin Crew: Singapore Airlines

Best Catering: Qantas

Best Lounges: Qantas

Best In-Flight Entertainment: Emirates

Best Domestic Class: Qantas

Regional Airline of the Year: Aegean Airlines

Most Improved Airline: Tianjin Airlines

Ultra-Low-Cost Airline: VietJetAir.com

Best Long-Haul Airlines: Etihad (Middle East/Africa), Korean Air (Asia/Pacific), Virgin Atlantic (Europe), Air Canada (The Americas)

Best Low-Cost Airlines: Westjet (The Americas), Scoot (Asia/Pacific), Norwegian (Europe)

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