Australia-based aviation safety and product rating agency Airline Ratings has released its annual list of the world’s best airlines. AirlineRatings.com’s editors assessed profitability, fleet age, environmental and safety credentials, as well as passenger reviews and product offerings.
The first airline on the list is Qatar Airways for the second year in a row. According to AirlineRatings.com, the deciding factor was the airlines’ commitment to flying over the past couple years. Qatar Airways also won the Excellence in Long Haul – Middle East/Africa award.
Qatar Airways was the only major airline to remain operating during the pandemic, meaning that it became the largest international airline globally, editor-in-chief of Airline Ratings Geoffrey Thomas told CNN Travel. He added that the airline was the only major carrier to post a huge profit during the pandemic.
The second carrier on the round-up is Air New Zealand, which last year also came in at number two. This year, Air New Zealand was recognized as the airline with the best premium economy and economy options, as well as the best option for long haul travel in the Pacific region.
In third position is UAE-based Etihad Airways, which was named the Environmental Airline of the Year thanks to its commitment to cutting emissions.
The rating agency also highlighted the top low-cost airlines for 2022, although these carriers are not part of the ranking, but just listed alphabetically: Allegiant Air, AirAsia, easyjet, Jetstar, Flair, Fly Dubai, Ryanair, Scoot, Southwest and VietJet Air.
The top 20 airlines ranking for 2022
- Qatar Airways
- Air New Zealand
- Etihad Airways
- Korean Air
- Singapore Airlines
- Qantas
- Virgin Australia
- EVA Air
- Turkish Airlines
- All Nippon Airways
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- Japan Air Lines
- JetBlue
- Finnair
- Emirates
- Hawaiian
- Air France/KLM
- Alaska Airlines
- British Airways
