In a gala ceremony held at Farnborough Airshow, Skytrax today presented the 2016 World Airline Awards. The leaders and top management from over 40 airlines from across the globe attended the event, where Emirates was voted the World’s Best Airline by air travellers.
At the awards event, Edward Plaisted of Skytrax commented: “we are honoured to have so many airlines travel here today and receive their accolades after being voted as Best Airlines in many different categories. For many years we have been dedicated to providing a survey and awards process that remains independent, and delivering an event that is aptly known as the Passenger’s Choice Awards. We have seen many familiar names here today appearing as repeat winners, which I guess reflects that in many cases ‘once a winner, always a winner’ in many customers eyes.
The World’s Top 10 Airlines of 2016
- Emirates
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- ANA All Nippon Airways
- Etihad Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- EVA Air
- Qantas Airways
- Lufthansa
This is the fourth time Emirates has won this top prize in the awards history. The airline also retained its stranglehold on the World’s Best Inflight Entertainment category with another strong performance. In addition to these top awards, Emirates improved its position across a range of awards categories performing well in First, Business and Economy Class survey sections and achieving a top-10 finish (10) in the World’s Best Cabin Staff category.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline said: “We are honoured to be recognised by the prestigious Skytrax awards. Emirates has always put our customers at the heart of what we do, and we work hard to deliver the very best experience possible to our customers at every touchpoint, every day, all around the world. We constantly invest in our product and services, both on the ground and in the air. We listen carefully our customers, and then relentlessly challenge ourselves to deliver and exceed expectations. The fact that these awards are based on the direct feedback from passengers is gratifying and wonderful recognition for all of the hard work that’s gone into creating the Emirates experience.”
Qatar Airways was ranked No 2 in the world, and won other top awards being named the World’s Best Business Class, the World’s Best Business Class lounge and Best Airline Staff in the Middle East. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr Akbar Al Baker, said: “It is a very proud moment for Qatar Airways to be named World’s Best Business Class, Best Business Class Airline Lounge and Best in the Middle East by the prestigious Skytrax Airline Awards, not only for myself, but for every individual at Qatar Airways who creates the passengers’ experience – from our on-board Cabin Crew to the chefs overseeing our catering, to the technicians who ensure the cabin is in perfect working order. Our commitment to continued success is unwavering and a testament to the dedication of our global teams. The airline’s renowned service, modern aircraft and luxurious cabins, combined with an expanding global network, continue to set Qatar Airways apart from the competition.”
Third placed Singapore Airlines achieved top success winning the award for Best Airline in Asia, as well as the title for the Best Business Class Airline Seat. Commenting on the awards. Singapore Airlines said: “We are honoured to receive these prestigious awards, which are a validation of the hard work and dedication of our staff around the world who ensure that Singapore Airlines remains competitive on a global level.”
ANA All Nippon Airways achieved repeat success, ranked No 5 in the world in the global results and securing the awards for the World’s Best Airport Services and Best Airline Staff in Asia for the second successive year. Mr. Osamu Shinobe, President and CEO of ANA, commented on the awards: “ANA is committed to becoming the world’s leading airline and providing all passengers with a superior air travel experience. We are focused on providing a personalized, high-quality service which ensures the comfort and safety of all our customers.”
Norwegian was voted the Best Low Cost Airline in Europe for the fourth successive year, in addition to collecting the award for Best Long Haul Low Cost Airline – for their expanding long haul operation. Norwegian’s CEO Bjørn Kjos said: “I am honoured to accept these awards but this recognition belongs most of all to Norwegian’s hard-working staff and our loyal passengers. We believe that not only should air travel be affordable to all, but also that low-cost can still mean high-quality. It is truly rewarding to see that our brand new planes, expansive route network, low fares and the great service offered by our crew have been appreciated by passengers. These awards give us huge momentum as we continue our ambitious expansion plans in Europe, the US and beyond.”
Award-winning airlines at the 2016 World Airline Awards include Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot, Air Astana, Air France, Air New Zealand, AirAsia, AirAsia X, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Azul – Brazilian Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Cathay Pacific, Copa Airlines, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Finnair, Garuda Indonesia, Hainan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, IndiGo, Jetstar Airways, LAN Airlines, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Plaza Premium Group, Porter Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Singapore Airlines, Sky Airline, South African Airways, Spring Airlines, Star Alliance, Thai Airways, Thomson Airways, Turkish Airlines and Virgin America.
SKYTRAX
Singapore Airlines passed the 
