The best airlines for 2021 revealed: Qatar Airways is No1 overall, Singapore scoops the first-class cabin prize and Air New Zealand takes home the gong for economy

Qatar Airways has been named the world’s best airline for 2021 by a leading aviation group. 

Australia-based AirlineRatings.com – a website that ranks airlines on safety and in-flight experience – has released its annual round-up of the top 20 global carriers, with the Doha-based airline scoring gold for its cabin innovation, passenger service, and commitment to continue to operate throughout the pandemic.

Air New Zealand is second overall and claims first in the premium economy and economy categories, while Singapore Airlines is third in the best airlines ranking. 

Qatar Airways has been named the world’s best airline for 2021 by a leading aviation group

Australia-based AirlineRatings.com rated Qatar Airways for its cabin innovation, passenger service, and commitment to continue to operate throughout the pandemic

THE BEST AIRLINES IN THE WORLD 2021 REVEALED

1. Qatar Airways

2. Air New Zealand

3. Singapore Airlines

4. Qantas

5. Emirates

6. Cathay Pacific

7. Virgin Atlantic

8. United Airlines

9. Eva Air

10. British Airways

Source: airlineratings.com 

11. Lufthansa

12. ANA

13. Finnair

14. Japan Air Lines

15. KLM

16. Hawaiian Airlines 

17. Alaska Airlines

18. Virgin Australia

19. Delta Air Lines

20. Etihad Airways

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Other airlines making the top 20 ranking this year include Qantas, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines and British Airways.

The awards and the ranking is judged by a team of editors and takes into account major safety and government audits. There are 12 key criteria that include fleet age, passenger reviews, profitability, investment rating, product offerings, and staff relations. 

In the airline ranking, the Australian flag carrier, Qantas, is fourth. Coming fifth is Emirates followed by Cathay Pacific in sixth and UK-based Virgin Atlantic in seventh.

United Airlines is eighth, Eva Air is ninth and British Airways rounds out the top 10. 

Air New Zealand is second overall and claims first in the premium economy and economy (pictured) categories 

Virgin Australia wins the prize for best cabin crew, pictured

The rest of the top 20 is made up of Lufthansa (11th), Ana (12th), Finnair (13th), Japan Airlines (14th), KLM (15th), Hawaiian Airlines (16th), Alaska Airlines (17th), Virgin Australia (18th), Delta Air Lines (19th) and Etihad Airways (20th). 

The best first-class cabin award goes to Singapore Airlines yet again due to its ‘truly spectacular’ new ‘Skyroom’ Suites on the A380s, which look more like hotel rooms.

Qantas is named best for both lounges and domestic flights, while Qatar takes home another gong for best catering.

The carrier with the best inflight entertainment is Emirates and Virgin Australia takes the title for the best cabin crew for the second year running. 

The winners in the best low-cost category are easyJet, Jetstar, Frontier, Jetblue, Ryanair, Scoot, Southwest, VietJet Air, Volaris, and Westjet. 

The best first-class cabin award goes to Singapore Airlines yet again due to its ‘truly spectacular’ suites product, pictured 

Qantas is named best for lounges. Pictured is the international transit lounge at Perth International Airport 

After being named the winner of the over airlineratings.com awards, Qatar Airways CEO, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, said: ‘Over the past 16 months, we have witnessed some of the darkest days ever seen by the aviation industry.

‘Yet, when so many other airlines stopped flying, Qatar Airways continued to operate and stand by our passengers.

‘Despite the health crisis, we continued to reach new heights and set industry standards that deliver a passenger experience unmatched by any other airline in the world.

‘So, it goes without saying that receiving Airline Ratings’ Airline of the Year award for 2021 is an honour that all of us at Qatar Airways will treasure as we find ourselves emerging from the global health crisis and progressing forward to new horizons and clearer skies ahead.’ 

THE AIRLINE EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS 2021 

Airline of the Year: Qatar Airways 

Best Long-Haul Airline Pacific: Air New Zealand

Best Low-Cost Airlines: EasyJet, Jetstar, Frontier, Jetblue, Ryanair, Scoot, Southwest, VietJet Air, Volaris, and Westjet

Best First Class: Singapore Airlines

Best Business Class: Qatar Airways

Best Premium Economy: Air New Zealand 

Best Economy: Air New Zealand

Best Lounges: Qantas

Best Catering: Qatar Airways

Best In-Flight Entertainment: Emirates

Best Regional Airline: Qantaslink 

Best Domestic Service: Qantas  

Best Long Haul Airline in Asia: Singapore Airlines

Best Cabin Crew: Virgin Australia

Source: AirlineRatings.com 

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