Released last week, the Skytrax World Airline Awards, "Oscars of the airline industry," are based on voluntary customer surveys covering over 200 categories and 350 eligible airlines from over 100 nationalities.
Air travel is back in business due to post-pandemic revenge travel, with travelers being more discerning and demanding, prompting many airline companies to step up and deliver quality service.
Qatar Airways was named the best airline in the world, overtaking last year's winner Singapore Airlines.
AirAsia was named the top low-cost airline globally for the 15th consecutive year.
Delta Airlines was awarded the Best Airline in North America for the fourth consecutive year and the Best Airline Staff Service in North America for the third consecutive year.
Qantas Airways ranked 24th overall and won several subcategories, including Best Business Class and Cleanest Airline in Australia/Pacific.
Rex Airlines and Jetstar were recognized as the Best Regional Airline and Best Low-Cost Airline in Australia/Pacific, respectively.
Star Alliance was named the World's Best Airline Alliance, with its Paris Charles de Gaulle airport lounge winning the title of World's Best Airline Alliance Lounge.
Iberia won the award for Best Airline Staff in Europe, recognizing excellence in customer service at all touchpoints.
South African airlines LIFT and South African Airways (SAA) received recognition, with LIFT winning Best Airline in Africa and Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa, and SAA receiving awards for third place in the Best Airline in Africa category and Cleanest Airline in Africa. Airlink took the 3rd spot in the Best Regional Airline in Africa ranking.
Skytrax's Customer Satisfaction Survey, covering over 350 airlines, helps determine the best airlines. Skytrax also awards the World's Best Airport, covering over 100 countries, and 570 airports, based on criteria such as ease of entry, cleanliness, food, security, and staff services.
Incheon International Airport has consistently ranked among the top airports in the world, including being named the World's Best Family-Friendly Airport. It also ranked third in the "Best Airports in the World" by Skytrax, after Hamad Airport in Doha and Changi Airport in Singapore, and received the highest customer experience certification from ACI.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: Business Insider, La Vanguardia, Punch, ECR, The South African, LionhearTV, BusinessKorea, Travel and Tour World, Pattaya Mail, SAPeople, KBS, Libre Mercado, Head Topics, KATA Kenya, Alternatives Economiques, Korea JoongAng Daily, The Voice of Chandigarh.