Human beings weren’t designed to fly through the sky at 40,000 feet in a pressurized metal tube – with our aching limbs, burbling gastric systems and willful propensity to annoy other airborne human beings.
If, however, we absolutely must, the way to make that experience the best it can possibly be is to fly with Qatar Airways.
For the eighth time in the 25-year history of the prestigious awards – known as the Oscars of commercial aviation – Qatar was named the World’s Best Airline, in recognition of the quality of service it offers passengers on its modern fleet.／Wikimedia Commons
At least that’s the verdict from this year’s Skytrax Awards, which were announced Monday.
For the eighth time in the 25-year history of the prestigious awards – known as the Oscars of commercial aviation – Qatar was named the World’s Best Airline, in recognition of the quality of service it offers passengers on its modern fleet.
“This is a remarkable achievement for Qatar Airways to win this World’s Best Airline title for 2024, the eighth time they have triumphed,” Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted said in a statement to mark the award ceremony, which gathered airline execs and cabin crew in a manor house near London’s Heathrow Airport.
“We congratulate Qatar Airways on this success which should be a source of great pride and satisfaction for the airline management and staff.”
The Middle Eastern carrier has built a strong reputation over the past decade, helping Qatar’s award-winning Hamad International Airport establish itself as a global aviation hub to challenge regional rivals Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
ANA, meanwhile, picked up the accolade for World’s Best Airport Services, as well as Best Airline Staff Service in Asia. Saudia was named World’s Most Improved Airline, beating Taiwan’s Starlux and Iceland’s Play into second and third places.
Delta Air Lines was declared the Best Airline in North America, also picking up the award for Best Airline Staff Service for the region.／PxHere
At the budget end of flying, AirAsia was once again crowned the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline – repeating an achievement it has made every year since 2010. Singapore’s Scoot was named the World’s Best Long Haul-Low Cost Airline.
AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes said his airline’s unwavering success was thanks to the work of its “Allstars” cabin crew coupled with strong brand loyalty.
“No other companies come to my mind in achieving such a winning streak, and we are very proud of it,” he said in a statement. We dedicate this award to all of our Allstars who work tirelessly to make today happen, and also to everyone who has remained loyal to us through the ups and downs AirAsia has experienced.”
Still in Asia, Bangkok Airways picked up the World’s Best Regional Airline prize for the eighth consecutive year, while Vistara was named best India/South Asian carrier and Fiji Airways was Best Airline in the Australia/Pacific region.
Ethiopian Airlines was named Africa’s best, for the sixth year in a row. Turkish Airlines was Europe’s best, airBaltic was Eastern Europe’s winner and Hainan Airlines was best in China.
Delta Air Lines was declared the Best Airline in North America, also picking up the award for Best Airline Staff Service for the region.
The post-Covid world of heightened germ awareness, the top 10 of the World’s Cleanest Airlines were mostly based in Asia. Cathay Pacific took the top spot, with ANA, EVA, Qatar and Singapore lining up next.
