The world’s best airlines have been rated and ranked in an influential award ceremony hosted by AirlineRatings.com. Qatar Airways was named Airline of the Year for 2024, surpassing previous winners like Air New Zealand, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific Airways, and Emirates.

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The AirlineRatings.com Airline Excellence Awards, determined by five editors with over 100 years of industry experience, evaluate airlines based on major safety and government audits, along with 12 key criteria including fleet age, passenger reviews, profitability, safety rating, product rating, innovation, and forward fleet orders.

Geoffrey Thomas, AirlineRatings.com Editor-in-Chief, said: “In our objective analysis, Qatar Airways came out number one in many key areas although it was a very close scoring for the top ten.

“The passenger reviews however scored Qatar Airways ahead of all airline and its consistency and high standard of service delivery came through in the feedback,” added Mr Thomas.

Top 25 premium airlines:

  • Qatar Airways
  • Korean Air
  • Cathay Pacific Airways
  • Air New Zealand
  • Emirates
  • Air France/ KLM
  • All Nippon Airways
  • Etihad Airways
  • Qantas
  • Virgin Australia/Atlantic
  • Vietnam Airlines
  • Singapore Airlines
  • EVA Air
  • TAP Portugal
  • JAL
  • Finnair
  • Hawaiian
  • Alaska Airlines
  • Lufthansa/Swiss
  • Turkish Airlines
  • IGA Group (British Airways & Iberia)
  • Air Canada
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines
  • American Airline

Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, stated: “We, at Qatar Airways, stand for delivering exceptional customer experiences, and it is always reaffirming to be recognized for our relentless pursuit of service excellence.

“Receiving the ‘Airline of the Year’ accolade by Airline Ratings has reinforced our commitment to innovation and customer care that defines our brand,” he added.

Qatar Airways also won Best Business Class for the fifth consecutive year and Best Catering. Air New Zealand secured Best Economy Class.

Singapore Airlines was awarded Best First Class, while Virgin Australia won Best Cabin Crew.

Emirates received recognition for Best In-Flight Entertainment and Best Premium Economy, and Qantas for Best Lounges.

Etihad Airways was declared Best Environmental Airline for the third consecutive year.

Airlines Qatar Airways Emirates