Emirates Voted World’s Best Airline by Travellers

The results are in as the prestigious Skytrax awards have been handed out and once again, Middle Eastern and Asian carriers have dominated the top ten. Selected by travellers, UAE’s national airline, Emirates, took home top honours, followed by their neighbour that held top spot last year, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines rounding out the top three.

The top ten airlines list includes many perennial favourites such as Cathay Pacific, Etihad and Qantas and features only two European carriers in Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, in what was overall a fairly predictable showing based on past results.

Top 10 Airlines 2016

Emirates
Qatar Airways
Singapore Airlines
Cathay Pacific
ANA All Nippon Airways
Etihad Airways
Turkish Airlines
EVA Air
Qantas Airways
Lufthansa

Air Canada, which finished #27 last year in the World Awards, slipped down to #31, and down to #2 from the top spot last year as Best Airline in North America. Porter Airlines moved up a spot to #47 from last year’s #48 and WestJet finished up at #50, down from #47 a year ago.

Other notable winners include:

Best Economy Class Cabin: Asiana Airlines

Best Premium Economy Cabin: Air New Zealand

Best Business Class Cabin: Qatar Airways

Best First Class Cabin: Etihad Airways

Best Onboard Entertainment: Emirates

Cleanest Aircraft Cabins: Cathay Pacific

Most Improved Airline: Thai Airways

Best Airline in North America: Virgin America

World’s Best Cabin Staff: Garuda (Indonesia)

Best Regional Airline: Bangkok Airways

World’s Best Low-Cost Airline: AirAsia

Canadian airline achievements include:

Best Airline in North America: Air Canada (#2), Porter Airlines (#4), WestJet (#5)

Best Regional Airline in North America: Porter Airlines

Best North American Low-Cost Airline: WestJet (#2), Air Canada rouge (#4)

World’s Best Leisure Airline: Air Transat (#2), Sunwing Airlines (#6)

Skytrax World Airline Awards represent a global benchmark of airline excellence and are voted on by travellers from across the globe via the world’s largest airline passenger satisfaction survey yearly.

We, at Flight Centre, would like to congratulate all of our partner airlines on their achievements this year and wish them all nothing but the best for next. The people have spoken!

Looking to experience one of this year’s winning airlines? Connect with us online, call us at 1877 967 5302 or visit your nearest Flight Centre store today.

Tags: Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Air Transat, ANA All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airline, Bangkok Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad, EVA Air, Garuda, Lufthansa, Porter Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Skytrax, Sunwing, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, Virgin America, WestJet, World Airline Awards

About the Author

Daniel Nikulin turned his love of travel into a living and has worked for Flight Centre in various capacities since the late 90’s. Currently an in-house copywriter, Daniel uses his industry experience to bridge the gap between travel professional and professional traveller. When he’s not abroad with a pen in hand, he spends his time with his band and cat, Leroy.