Flying high: World's best airlines revealed

FIND out which Australian airline has leaped back into a prestigious list of the world's top 10 airlines, only to have its partner airline steal the limelight by nabbing first position.

THE Flying Kangaroo has leaped back into a prestigious list of the world's best airlines, only to be outdone by its partner airline.

Qantas has been voted the tenth best airline in the world according to the Skytrax World Airline Awards, the world's largest survey of air passengers spanning 160 countries with over 18 million respondents.

But its partner airline Emirates stole the limelight, taking out the top spot and booting Qatar – last year's winner - down to second place. Emirates, which placed number eight last year, also won best inflight entertainment.

Scroll down for the full list of winners

The world's best airports

Qantas and Emirates launched a partnership this year seeing all of the Australian airline's flights to Europe stop over in Dubai, a move that raised concerns more Australians could land in trouble. Depending on where in Europe passengers are flying to, they may switch to Emirates planes or stay on Qantas aircraft. These survey results may have some passengers wishing for the swap!

The Skytrax results are a victory for Qantas. Since 2008, when it was named the world's third best airline, Qantas had fallen out of favour with Skytrax - it was beaten by Virgin Australia last year for the title of Australia's best airline.

Budget offshoot Jetstar was named the best low-cost airline in the Australia Pacific for the third consecutive year, and the second-best in the world after AirAsia.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said it has been a big year for the airline, with fleet improvements and new products including mattresses for international business class, updates to menus and wine lists and the use of iPads to stream inflight entertainment.

"Skytrax is a leading indicator of passenger satisfaction. For both Qantas and Jetstar Airways to be recognised as two of the best reflects our investment in creating great travel experiences," Mr Joyce said.

"We now have one of the youngest fleets of any legacy airline in the world. We have invested in more training, new lounges and better on-board products. We pride ourselves on safety and on being the most on-time airline in Australia. The Skytrax result shows how these efforts add up to create a superior experience for passengers."

Top 10 airlines in the world

1. Emirates
2. Qatar Airways
3. Singapore Airlines
4. ANA All Nippon Airways
5. Asiana Airlines
6. Cathay Pacific Airways
7. Etihad Airways
8. Garuda Indonesia
9. Turkish Airlines
10.Qantas Airways

Winners in other categories

World's best premium economy class: Air New Zealand
World's best low-cost airline: AirAsia
World's best aircraft cabin cleanliness: ANA
World's best economy class onboard catering: Asiana Airlines
World's best cabin staff: Cathay Pacific Airways
World's best regional airline: Dragonair
World's best first class: Etihad Airways
World's best economy class: Garuda Indonesia
Best low-cost airline in Australia / Pacific: Jetstar Airways
World's best first class lounge: Lufthansa
World's best airline signature dish: Malaysia Airlines
Best airline Australia / Pacific: Qantas Airways
World's best business class: Qatar Airways
Best staff service in Australia / Pacific: Virgin Australia