Air New Zealand has been named the World’s Best Airline of 2023, according to Australia-based aviation safety and product rating agency AirlineRatings.com, which highlighted the carrier’s multi-award-winning in-flight innovations such as the SkyNest economy beds, operational safety, environmental leadership and motivation of its staff. This is the seventh time the airline receives such an award since 2013.
“Air New Zealand’s commitment to excellence in all facets of its business starts at the top with outstanding governance and one of the best executive teams in aviation through to a workforce that is delivering consistently to the airline’s strategy and customer promise,” Airline Ratings Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas said. “Like all airlines across the globe Air New Zealand has faced severe disruptions during and after the pandemic and this year huge challenges from storms and cyclones. The airline has responded well.”
The airline came ahead of Qatar Airways, which had won the title two years in a row, as well as of Etihad Airways, Korean Airlines and Singapore Airlines. The Airline Excellence Awards, judged by five editors with over 180 years industry experience, combines major safety and government audits, with 12 key criteria that include: fleet age, passenger reviews, profitability, investment rating, product offerings, and staff relations. “Our editorial team was impressed by the airline’s commitment to the economy passenger and on long haul offers more comfort options than any other airline,” said Thomas.
There is no doubt that we have more work to do to tackle customer concerns like wait times, on-time departures and arrivals, lost baggage, and refunds.
Greg Foran, Air New Zealand CEO
Qatar Airways picked up Best Business Class for the fourth year running and Best Catering. Singapore Airlines won Best First Class, while Virgin Australia/Virgin Atlantic received Best Cabin Crew. Best-In-Flight Entertainment and Best Premium Economy went to Emirates, while Qantas picked up Best Lounges. Air Baltic picked up Best Regional Airline.
Excellence in Long Haul travel was determined per region. Middle East: Qatar Airways; North Asia: Korean Air; Northern Europe: Lufthansa; North America: Delta Air Lines; South America: Latam; Southern Europe: Turkish Airlines; South-East Asia: Singapore Airlines; Australia/Pacific: Air New Zealand; African Airline: Air Mauritius.
Best Low-Cost Airlines were also determined per region. Americas: Southwest; Middle East: Fly Dubai; Asia: AirAsia; Australia/Pacific: Jetstar; Europe: Ryanair. Vietjet picked up two awards; Best Ultra Low-Cost Airline and Best Low-Cost Airline Onboard Hospitality which recognizes the amazing value of its onboard offering.
Top 25 airlines for 2023
- Air New Zealand
- Qatar Airways
- Etihad Airways
- Korean Air
- Singapore Airlines
- Qantas
- Virgin Australia/Virgin Atlantic
- EVA Air
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Emirates
- Lufthansa / Swiss
- SAS
- TAP Portugal
- All Nippon Airways
- Delta Air Lines
- Air Canada
- British Airways
- Jet Blue
- JAL
- Vietnam Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- Hawaiian
- KLM
- Alaska Airlines
- United Airlines.
