Air New Zealand Ranked the World's Best Airline

For the fourth year in a row, Air New Zealand got recognized as the world's best airline.

[Image Courtesy of Wikimedia]

AirlineRatings announced its Annual Airline Excellence awards and gave out winners in several categories as well as an overall Top 10 list.

AirlineRatings.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas said: "In our objective analysis Air New Zealand came out number one in virtually all of our audit criteria, which is an exceptional performance."

The global product and safety website reviewed overall service, entertainment, cabin crew excellence, and each cabin designation. To qualify for the list, airlines had to meet seven-star safety and innovation for passenger comfort.

Qantas 787 Business Class Suites [Image Courtesy of AirlineRatings]

According to AirlineRatings, Air New Zealand earned recognition from "its record-breaking financial performance, award-winning in-flight innovations, operational safety, environmental leadership and motivation of its staff. These factors have stamped the airline as an industry trendsetter."

The following airlines finish out the top slots: Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Virgin Australia/Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Etihad Airways, All Nippon Airways, Eva Air and Lufthansa.

Four major international industry and government audits also went into consideration to make the decision.

Etihad Business Class [Image Courtesy of AirlineRatings]

In first class seating, Etihad Airways won first place recognition. Virgin Australian won best business class for a suite that feels more first class than business.

Want to know who to fly with for best cabin crew care? AirlineRatings said Virgin Group airlines (Virgin Australia, Virgin Atlantic and Virgin America) provide the most premier services.

Best food goes to Qantas for the third year in a row. The airline offers four unique main meal selections for travelers. Passengers can also order their food online before the flight.

Qantas also takes best pre-flight lounges, including complimentary food and beverages and travel showers.

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Via AirlineRatings