Singapore named top world airline in huge online passenger poll

Skytrax, a web site specializing in issues of airline quality levels (www.airlinequality.com), has issued the results of its annual online poll, which this year garnered 14 million responses from flyers worldwide. Taking the title ‘Airline of the Year’ – best in overall quality -- was Singapore Airlines; in second place was Thai Airways, followed in order by Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways and Qantas. The wide-ranging passenger poll gave the Best First Class award to Qatar Airways; Best Business Class to Singapore; and Best Economy Class to Korean Air. Star Alliance was rated the best global alliance. Australia’s Jetstar Airways, a Qantas affiliate was ranked the best low-cost airline. In terms of in-flight service, respondents rated Malaysia Airlines as having the best cabin staff, while the titles for best in-flight catering went to Gulf Air for first class, Austrian Airlines for business class and Ethiad Airways for economy. Participants voted Emirates’ in-flight entertainment the world’s best. In regional rankings, British Airways was named best transatlantic airline, while Qantas was rated tops on transpacific routes. For airport facilities, Thai Airways was honored as having the best first class lounge, at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, and Virgin Atlantic was said to have the best business class lounge, for its Clubhouse at London Heathrow.