Air New Zealand named Airline of the Year by airlineratings.com

AirlineRatings said Air New Zealand was awarded for the third consecutive year for “its continuous award winning passenger innovations, environmental commitment, record-breaking financial performance, operational safety and motivation of its staff that have cemented the airline an industry trendsetter”.

Ratings.com celebrates and promotes excellence in the airline industry and the pinnacle of these efforts is its Airline Excellence Awards.

Air New Zealand was also awarded the best premium economy and best economy titles.

“Given Air New Zealand’s location and the country’s size, its performance is stunning”.

Air New Zealand has been named the world’s best airline for the third year running.

He said in a statement: “None of this would be possible without the contribution of our 10,500 employees globally who turn up every day with the most fantastic attitude and the passion for making Air New Zealand a truly great company”.

Having led the way by installing showers in its lounges several decades ago, Qantas cleaned up in the Best Lounges, Best Catering and Best Domestic Service categories.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad was named Best First Class and Singapore Airlines’ “subtle, elegant, functional and very cozy” Business Class stole the top prize in its category.

Other winners in the Airline Excellence Awards are: Qantas, Etihad, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, EVA Air, Cathay Pacific Airways, Lufthansa, Virgin Australia and Virgin Atlantic, Norwegian, Delta Air Lines, Virgin America and Kulula.com.

In addition to its comical commercials featuring Hobbits and Sports Illustrated models, Air New Zealand was also applauded for pioneering new seat technology like the Premium Economy Spaceseat, designed so the person in front can’t lean into a passenger’s space, and the Skycouch, which is a row of three economy seats with footrests that lift up to create a flexible space for young families or couples traveling together. Virgin Australia won Best New World Carrier, an award that recognizes the transformation that many airlines are trying to meet rapidly changing market demands.

In the category of low-priced airline, editors chose Virgin America for the Americas; Norwegian for Europe; Kulula.com for Africa and the Middle East and Scoot for Asia/Pacific.

Best Cabin Crew: For the second year, Virgin Australia’s good customer service has won it this award.

To gain a top ten position, airlines must achieve a seven star safety rating and demonstrate clear leadership in innovation for passenger comfort.