World's Best International Airlines
Despite high oil prices and growing economic uncertainty, the number of airline passengers on international routes has risen every month as of April compared to 2011, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
In addition, the world’s second largest aircraft maker — Boeing — predicts that global air traffic will continue to rise by 5 percent a year over the next 20 years. As more people decide to fly, there are some airlines that have a distinctive edge over their rivals when it comes to providing the best service.
This year, no North American or western European carriers made the top 10 cut.
The rankings are based on overall customer satisfaction across first, business and economy class, using surveys from more than 18 million airline passengers worldwide. The survey covered 38 individual aspects of airline service, such as check-in, boarding, seat comfort, cleanliness, food and beverage and staff service.
Malaysia Airlines
Fleet size: 84
Hub: Kuala Lumpur
Hub: Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia Airlines breaks back into the top 10 rankings of the world’s best airlines after placing 12th last year. It was ranked as high as sixth in 2008.
The airline also won the top honor for the best cabin staff and best catering signature dish for its "satay service" this year. Founded in 1947, Malaysia Airlines is one of the oldest carriers on the list and has been undergoing a major overhaul in recent years to modernize its fleet. It made headlines earlier this month when it took delivery of its first Airbus A380 at the Farnborough Airshow.The A380 (pictured) is one of four aircraft that Malaysia Airlines expects to receive this year, with two more to be delivered in 2013.
Thai Airways
Fleet size: 90
Hub: Bangkok
Hub: Bangkok
Thai Airways dropped four spots to rank ninth this year after placing among the world’s five best airlines in 2011. In 2006, the airline took the top honor as the world's best airline and placed second a year later
Emirates
Fleet size: 174
Hub: Dubai
Emirates, the largest carrier in the Middle East, moved up two spots in this year’s rankings after placing 10th in 2011.
The airline also won the best in-flight entertainment award for the eighth year in a row. Its in-flight entertainment selection boosts of 1,200 channels and 280 movies. Founded in 1985, the government-owned carrier operates over 1,200 flights from Dubai each week. It is one of the world’s biggest airlines by passenger numbers and the largest customer of the Airbus’ A380 superjumbo.
Hub: Dubai
Emirates, the largest carrier in the Middle East, moved up two spots in this year’s rankings after placing 10th in 2011.
The airline also won the best in-flight entertainment award for the eighth year in a row. Its in-flight entertainment selection boosts of 1,200 channels and 280 movies. Founded in 1985, the government-owned carrier operates over 1,200 flights from Dubai each week. It is one of the world’s biggest airlines by passenger numbers and the largest customer of the Airbus’ A380 superjumbo.
Turkish Airlines
Fleet size: 184
Hub: Istanbul
Turkish Airlines is the only European airline to make the list of the world’s best airline for the second straight year. The carrier moved up two spots in the rankings after breaking into the top 10 for the first time in 2011.
Founded in 1933, the airline has been undergoing considerable transformation since the government shed more than half its stake in the carrier in 2003. Turkish Airlines has adopted an aggressive marketing strategy in recent years. Television ads for the airline have featured some of the world's most recognizable faces, including such superstar athletes as the NBA's Kobe Byrant, the Manchester United soccer team, tennis star Caroline Wozniacki, as well as actor Kevin Costner.
Hub: Istanbul
Turkish Airlines is the only European airline to make the list of the world’s best airline for the second straight year. The carrier moved up two spots in the rankings after breaking into the top 10 for the first time in 2011.
Founded in 1933, the airline has been undergoing considerable transformation since the government shed more than half its stake in the carrier in 2003. Turkish Airlines has adopted an aggressive marketing strategy in recent years. Television ads for the airline have featured some of the world's most recognizable faces, including such superstar athletes as the NBA's Kobe Byrant, the Manchester United soccer team, tennis star Caroline Wozniacki, as well as actor Kevin Costner.
Etihad Airways
Fleet size: 66
Hub: Abu Dhabi
Etihad Airways is in the six spot for a second year and retains the top ranking for the world’s best first-class cabin and first-class catering.
In first class, the airline offers seats that transform into 6-foot-8 flatbeds with a built-in massage system. The seats are upholstered with the same leather that supplies Ferrari interiors. Passengers in first and business class also get free chauffeur service in a dozen cities across the world.
Hub: Abu Dhabi
Etihad Airways is in the six spot for a second year and retains the top ranking for the world’s best first-class cabin and first-class catering.
In first class, the airline offers seats that transform into 6-foot-8 flatbeds with a built-in massage system. The seats are upholstered with the same leather that supplies Ferrari interiors. Passengers in first and business class also get free chauffeur service in a dozen cities across the world.
All Nippon Airways</font>
Fleet size: 226
Hub: Tokyo
All Nippon Airways (ANA) has broken into the top 10 this year, jumping six spots from last year’s rankings.
It also ranks No. 2 in the world for best ground services and is third for the best first class. The airline is the launch customer for Boeing’s highly anticipated 787 Dreamliner (pictured), and has ordered 55 of the aircraft in an attempt to modernize its fleet. The plane boasts of higher cabin pressure and humidity in order to make flying more comfortable
Hub: Tokyo
All Nippon Airways (ANA) has broken into the top 10 this year, jumping six spots from last year’s rankings.
It also ranks No. 2 in the world for best ground services and is third for the best first class. The airline is the launch customer for Boeing’s highly anticipated 787 Dreamliner (pictured), and has ordered 55 of the aircraft in an attempt to modernize its fleet. The plane boasts of higher cabin pressure and humidity in order to make flying more comfortable
Cathay Pacific Airways</font>
Fleet size: 138
Hub: Hong Kong
Hub: Hong Kong
In 2012, Asia’s No. 4 carrier by market value held on to the fourth spot from last year.
A $128 million plan to revamp its business class cabins has paid off for Cathay Pacific, as the airline won the best business class award. It’s also number two in the world for in-flight entertainment.Despite those measures, the airline still has plans to expand its fleet this year. Last week, it announced plans to buy 26 new widebody A350-1000 planes from Airbusworth about $4.2 billion at list prices. The deal still needs to be approved by its board at an August meeting.
Singapore Airlines</font>
Fleet size: 105
Hub: Singapore
Almost always at the top of any global airline ranking, Singapore Airlines dropped one spot this year to take the title of the third best airline in the world.
Despite its luxury image and being ranked No. 2 in the world for first class, Singapore Airlines scored the top spots this year when it came to the best economy class and best economy class catering. In May, Singapore Airlines said it would suspend services to Abu Dhabi and Athens as of Oct. 26 due to weak demand.
Hub: Singapore
Almost always at the top of any global airline ranking, Singapore Airlines dropped one spot this year to take the title of the third best airline in the world.
Despite its luxury image and being ranked No. 2 in the world for first class, Singapore Airlines scored the top spots this year when it came to the best economy class and best economy class catering. In May, Singapore Airlines said it would suspend services to Abu Dhabi and Athens as of Oct. 26 due to weak demand.
Asiana Airlines</font>
Fleet size: 75
Hub: Seoul
Overtaking Singapore Airlines this year, Asiana Airlines is inching closer to the number one spot it held in 2010. The carrier is also one of six East or Southeast Asian airlines to make the top 10 list of the world’s best airlines.
As one of two major carriers in South Korea, Asiana is one of only six airlines worldwide that has been given five-star status by Skytrax. With a relatively small fleet of 75 aircraft, the airline offers unique services such as an airport lounge exclusively for disabled passengers at Incheon International Airport, in-flight magic shows and make-up events. This year it won awards for best economy seats and came second for having the best cabin staff.
Hub: Seoul
Overtaking Singapore Airlines this year, Asiana Airlines is inching closer to the number one spot it held in 2010. The carrier is also one of six East or Southeast Asian airlines to make the top 10 list of the world’s best airlines.
As one of two major carriers in South Korea, Asiana is one of only six airlines worldwide that has been given five-star status by Skytrax. With a relatively small fleet of 75 aircraft, the airline offers unique services such as an airport lounge exclusively for disabled passengers at Incheon International Airport, in-flight magic shows and make-up events. This year it won awards for best economy seats and came second for having the best cabin staff.
Qatar Airways</font>
Fleet size: 108
Hub: Doha
Qatar Airways has been named the world’s best airline for a second year in a row. Spurred by wealth in the Gulf region, Qatar Airways is one of three Middle Eastern airlines to make the top 10 rankings of the world’s best airlines.
Founded in 1994, the airline is half-owned by sovereign wealth fund Qatar Investment Authority. The carrier has been expanding at a rapid pace in recent years and operates one of the youngest fleets of aircraft in the world with an average plane age of four years. Qatar Airways added more than 10 planes to its fleet in the past year, and has more than 250 aircraft on order with Boeing and Airbus.
Hub: Doha
Qatar Airways has been named the world’s best airline for a second year in a row. Spurred by wealth in the Gulf region, Qatar Airways is one of three Middle Eastern airlines to make the top 10 rankings of the world’s best airlines.
Founded in 1994, the airline is half-owned by sovereign wealth fund Qatar Investment Authority. The carrier has been expanding at a rapid pace in recent years and operates one of the youngest fleets of aircraft in the world with an average plane age of four years. Qatar Airways added more than 10 planes to its fleet in the past year, and has more than 250 aircraft on order with Boeing and Airbus.
source by:CNBC.com
