Top 20 Best Airlines in the World

Knowinsiders August 10, 2021 | 19:29

In the latest airline ranking, AirlineRatings.com awarded Qatar Airways 2021 airline of the year.

Top 20 Best Airlines in the World for 2021

AirlineRatings.com has announced along with its Airline Excellence Awards its 20 Top Airlines in the World for 2021. To be named in the top twenty, airlines must achieve a seven-star safety rating and demonstrate leadership in innovation for passenger comfort.

The List of Top 20 Best Airlines in the World

1. Qatar Airways

2. Air New Zealand

3. Singapore Airlines

4. Qantas

5. Emirates

6. Cathay Pacific

7. Virgin Atlantic

8. United Airlines

9. EVA Air

10. British Airways

11. Lufthansa

12. ANA

13. Finnair

14. Japan Airlines

15. KLM

16. Hawaiian Airlines

17. Alaska Airlines

18. Virgin Australia

19. Delta Air Lines

20. Etihad Airways

Top 10 Best Airports in The World 2021

Changi (Singapore) loses crown as best airport in the world for 2021.

World Best Airlines

The editors of AirlineRatings.com, some of the most experienced and awarded, look for a consistent level of service, innovation, and staff engagement from each major contender.

The AirlineRatings.com Airline Excellence Awards, judged by global editors with over 100 years of industry experience, combines major safety and government audits, with 11 key criteria that include: fleet age, passenger reviews, COVID-19 rating and product offerings.

1. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is being honoured for its multi-award-winning in-flight innovations, commitment to global travellers during COVID-19, operational safety, pursuit of excellence and environmental leadership.

Qatar Airways was ranked number 1 because of its cabin innovation, passenger service, and its dedication and commitment to continue to operate throughout the COVID pandemic.

The airline has a host of industry firsts. First to complete IATA’s important IOSA safety audit, first to be fully COVID audited and compliant by both AirlineRatings and Skytrax, and amongst the first to trial IATA’s COVID Safe Travel Pass.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive His Excellency Akbar Al Baker said “Receiving the Airline of the Year award for 2021 is particularly special for Qatar Airways. Over the past 16 months, we have witnessed some of the darkest days ever seen by the aviation industry. Yet, when so many other airlines stopped flying, Qatar Airways continued to operate and stand by our passengers”.

2. Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand which took the second position in the Top Twenty, is always at the forefront of airline awards because of its constant innovation and industry leadership.

Air New Zealand, a previous winner of Airline of the Year in 2020, picked up Best Premium Economy and Best Economy.

3. Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines received an award for Best First Class — Singapore Airlines Media Room

In third position is Singapore Airlines which continues to excel in technology innovation and in-flight products. The airline also took at Best First Class.

4. Qantas Airlines

Qantas has introduced its suites to the A380.

Qantas took the fourth spot in the Top Twenty for its outstanding safety record and fiscal performance during the extremely difficult COVID pandemic.

Qantas won Best Domestic Airline Service, and Best Lounges while Singapore Airlines picked up Best First Class.

5. Emirates Airlines

Emirates climbed to the fifth spot and has just introduced a premium economy class which is being hailed as one of the best in the industry.

6. Cathay Pacific Airways

Cathay Pacific Airways - Top Best Airlines in the World

Cathay Pacific Airways took the sixth spot and is always in the winner’s circle. It has won numerous awards from AirlineRatings.com including Best Business Class in 2013 and 2015 and Best Asia-Pacific Airline for 2016.

7. Virgin Atlantic (Australia)

Virgin Australia won Best Cabin Crew while Best In-Flight Entertainment went to Emirates.

In seventh spot is Virgin Atlantic which has always been at the forefront of cabin innovation.

8. United Airlines (USA)

Leaping up the rankings to eighth spot in the Top Twenty is Chicago-based United Airlines which has stunned the aviation world with its huge commitments to supersonic, subsonic, and electric aircraft to rejuvenate its fleet and offer passengers the very best in comfort and eco-technology.

9. EVA Air

EVA Air takes ninth spot. EVA Air is a leader in Taiwanese aviation and has always been at the forefront of cabin innovation such as premium economy in 1992.