When it comes to air travel, the airline you choose can make all the difference. From comfort and amenities to safety and on-time performance, there are many factors to consider when selecting the right airline for your next trip. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the top airlines in the world, as well as the key factors that contribute to their status as industry leaders. Whether you’re a business traveler or a leisure traveler, this guide will help you make an informed decision when booking your next flight.

Who Picks the best airlines?

There are several aviation industry organizations that conduct surveys and evaluations to determine the best airlines, but some of the most well-known and respected ones include:

Skytrax is a UK-based air transport rating organization that has been conducting airline and airport surveys since 1999. Its World Airline Awards are considered one of the most prestigious and comprehensive airline passenger satisfaction surveys in the world.
AirlineRatings.com is an independent aviation safety and product rating website that assesses airlines based on factors such as fleet age, safety record, passenger reviews, and product offerings.
J.D. Power is a global market research company that conducts customer satisfaction surveys across various industries, including airlines. Its airline satisfaction survey assesses airline performance based on factors such as cost and fees, in-flight services, boarding/deplaning/baggage, and flight crew.

While each of these organizations has its own unique methodology and criteria, they are generally regarded as reliable sources for assessing airline performance and determining the best airlines.

Factors to consider for picking the best airline

Safety record
On-time performance
Comfort and amenities (such as seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, and food)
Service (including customer service and the attitude of the staff)
Frequent flyer programs and loyalty rewards
Network and route offerings
Price competitiveness
Environmental and sustainability practices
In-flight technology and connectivity
Awards and recognition in the industry.

Top 20 Best Airlines in the World

1. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is the national airline of Qatar. The airline was founded in 1993 by the government of Qatar and began operations in 1997 with a route between Doha and Dubai. Since then, the airline has grown rapidly and now flies to over 160 destinations worldwide.

In the early years, Qatar Airways primarily focused on expanding its route network within the Middle East. However, in the 2000s, the airline began to expand its international reach, with destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

In 2007, Qatar Airways became a member of the oneworld airline alliance, which gave the airline access to a global network of partner airlines and airports.

In 2013, Qatar Airways was named Airline of the Year by Skytrax, the leading airline and airport review and ranking website, and it has been consistently ranked among the top airlines in the world.

In 2017, Qatar Airways’ CEO announced the airline will launch flights to Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, Buenos Aires, and Sao Paulo, which would make Qatar Airways the first Gulf carrier to fly to South America.

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline was forced to reduce its operations and temporarily suspended flights to certain destinations. However, Qatar Airways has since resumed some of its flights and continues to adapt to the changing travel landscape.

Overall, Qatar Airways has established a reputation as a high-quality airline that provides excellent service and a wide range of destinations to travelers.

2. Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is the national airline of New Zealand. The airline was first established in 1940 as Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL), a joint venture between the governments of New Zealand and Australia. TEAL operated flights between the two countries using flying boats.

In 1965, the airline changed its name to Air New Zealand and began operating jet aircraft. In the following years, the airline expanded its route network to include destinations in Asia, the Pacific, and North America.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Air New Zealand developed a strong reputation for its innovative marketing campaigns and in-flight service. The airline also established a strong presence in the Pacific market, becoming one of the leading airlines in the region.

In 2000, Air New Zealand merged with Ansett Australia, which expanded the airline’s network to include more destinations in Australia.

In 2011, Air New Zealand was named Airline of the Year by Air Transport World, an industry magazine, and it has been consistently ranked among the top airlines in the world.

In recent years, Air New Zealand has focused on expanding its long-haul route network, launching new flights to destinations such as Houston, Buenos Aires, and Chicago. The airline also placed a significant order for new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft in order to replace its older Boeing 747s and 777s.

3. Emirates Airline

Emirates is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is based in Dubai. The airline was founded in 1985 by the government of Dubai with the backing of the royal family. The airline started with just two aircraft flying to just three destinations.

In the following years, Emirates rapidly expanded its route network, adding new destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. The airline also invested heavily in new aircraft, becoming one of the largest operators of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s in the world.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Emirates began to establish itself as a major player in the global airline industry, winning numerous awards and accolades for its service and amenities.

In 2003, Emirates joined the global airline alliance SkyTeam.

In 2013, Emirates was named Airline of the Year by Skytrax, the leading airline and airport review and ranking website.

In recent years, Emirates has continued to expand its route network and fleet, launching new flights to destinations such as Santiago, Panama City, and Mexico City. The airline has also invested in new technologies such as the Boeing 777X and the Airbus A380neo.

4. Qantas Airline

Qantas Airways, or Qantas for short, is the flag carrier airline of Australia and one of the largest and oldest airlines in the world. The airline was founded in 1920 and today operates a large domestic and international network, with its main hub located in Sydney.

Qantas operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including Boeing and Airbus models, and offers a range of classes, including Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First. The airline is known for its focus on safety, with a strong safety record and an emphasis on continuous safety improvements.

In addition to its core passenger airline business, Qantas also operates several subsidiary companies, including QantasLink (regional airline), Jetstar (low-cost airline), and Qantas Freight (cargo division).

Qantas is a member of the Oneworld airline alliance and has codeshare agreements with several other airlines. The airline has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including being named the world’s safest airline by AirlineRatings.com for several years running and is rated as a 5-star airline by Skytrax.

5. ANA Airline

ANA, or All Nippon Airways, is one of the largest airlines in Japan and one of the world’s leading airlines. The airline was founded in 1952 and today operates a large domestic and international network, with its main hub located at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport.

In addition to its passenger airline business, ANA also operates several subsidiary companies, including ANA Wings (regional airline), Vanilla Air (low-cost airline), and Air Japan (charter airline). ANA is also a member of the Star Alliance, a global airline alliance that allows customers to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles across multiple airlines.

ANA operates a modern fleet of aircraft, with a focus on fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability. The airline offers a range of classes, including Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First, with in-flight entertainment and dining options available on many flights.

ANA has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including being named the world’s best airport services and best airline staff service in Asia by Skytrax in 2021. The airline is also known for its commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly practices.