Air New Zealand wins the title of best airline of the year 2023
Air New Zealand has just been named the best airline in the world for 2023. So where did the Aussie carriers place?
Air New Zealand has been crowned the best airline in the world for 2023, surpassing Australian carriers Qantas and Virgin Australia in the Airline Excellence Awards.
Online airline review website Airlineratings.com revealed the winners of the prestigious award on Wednesday, naming the Auckland-based carrier its new champion after it placed second last year.
2022’s winner Qatar Airways bumped down to second place followed by Etihad in third, Korean Air in fourth and Singapore Airlines securing fifth place. Further down the list was Qantas, coming in sixth, and Virgin taking out seventh position.
The awards take into consideration safety, innovation, passenger reviews and profitability and are judged by a panel of five industry experts with over 180 years experience.
Airlineratings.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas said the top five candidates were very close scoring with Air New Zealand shining in many key areas.
“Air New Zealand’s commitment to excellence in all facets of its business starts at the top with outstanding governance and one of the best executive teams in aviation through to a workforce that is delivering consistently to the airline’s strategy and customer promise,” he said.
Mr Thomas also paid notice to the Kiwi carrier’s response during Covid.
“Like all airlines across the globe Air New Zealand has faced severe disruptions during and after the pandemic and this year huge challenges from storms and cyclones. The airline has responded well.”
As well as being the overall winner, Air New Zealand walked away with two other awards: ‘best economy class’ and ‘excellence in long haul travel’.
“We owe our success to the dedication and hard work of our 12,000 Air New Zealanders who wake up each morning to connect Kiwis with each other around the world. This award belongs to them for their grit, commitment, and the exceptional service they deliver every day,” Air New Zealand chief executive officer Greg Foran said.
“It is a sign that we have got our swing back and that our relentless focus on doing the basics brilliantly and delivering our Kia Mau strategy with precision and ambition is working.”
