Business travelers fly with dozens of airlines annually. There are around 230 airlines registered with the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) in total. Whether it's charters, major airlines, or budget carriers: it's often hard to see the forest for the trees. Because which airline is truly good?
For and by business travelers
Fortunately, Skytrax presents the World Airlines Awards annually. Skytrax is a British agency that researches the quality of various aspects of the aviation industry, such as the quality of airports and airlines, including catering, lounges, and in-flight entertainment. They recently published the world's best airlines of 2018, and as a business travel agency, we naturally want to share this list with you.
Here are a few more interesting facts that you might find useful business traveler Good to know. Are you reading along?
The best airlines of 2018
10. Thai Airways
Thai Airways is the national airline of Thailand and was founded in 1960. Its main routes are between Europe and Thailand, and in North America, Thai Airways is represented by Lufthansa. From Brussels, you can fly directly to the capital of Thailand in 11 hours. Ideal!
9. Garuda Indonesia
Garuda Indonesia is the first Indonesian airline to be a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance. You can recognize Garuda by the various shades of blue on the wingtips of the aircraft. The airline was founded in 1949 and currently has approximately 140 planes in its fleet, including many Boeing 737-800s. Fun fact = Garuda's CEO personally cleaned toilets to inspire his staff.
8. Hainan Airlines
Hainain Airlines is China's fourth-largest airline. Hainan primarily operates flights within China but is growing in terms of international flights. Fun fact: on January 21, 2016, Hainan was the first airline to introduce scheduled flights between Los Angeles and Changsha (Hunan). To celebrate this historic event, Hainan Airlines came up with the brilliant idea to organize the world's very first in-flight concert. No sooner said than done. World-renowned pianist and Grammy Award winner Lang Lang gave a piano performance. An unforgettable experience for everyone on board.
7. Lufthansa
Lufthansa is Germany's largest airline and has Europe's largest Airbus A380 fleet. Lufthansa has an impressive 284 aircraft that fly to destinations in Europe, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Additionally, it is the world's largest purchaser of caviar. So, on your next business trip, you'll know what to order!
6. Cathay Pacific Airways
Cathay Pacific is an Asian airline and is based in Hong Kong. The company operates to 188 destinations in 47 countries and also has a sister company; Cathay Dragon. No other airline has won the “Airline of the Year” award as often as Cathay Pacific. They won this Skytrax award in 2003, 2005, 2009, and 2014!
5. EVA Air
EVA Air is part of Star Alliance and hasn't been around for too long: the Taiwanese-based airline was founded in 1989. EVA Air currently operates in an international network of over 40 destinations in Australia, Asia, Europe, and North America. Nice to know: EVA Air has rather... remarkable aircraft liveries with Hello Kitty images. Well?
4. Emirates Airlines
With 1,500 weekly flights, Emirates is the largest airline in the Middle East. Emirates flies to 155 destinations in over 80 countries and has a fleet of around 230 aircraft. Emirates offers two direct flights daily from Dubai to Amsterdam. Emirates' mission is: quality, not quantity. And you can still feel that. Fun fact: some Emirates planes have a shower on board. You are welcome to use it. At least, if you pay thousands of euros for a First-Class ticket.
3. (ANA) All Nippon Airways
All Nippon Airways is a Japanese airline and is part of the Star Alliance. It has 191 aircraft and flies to 65 destinations. All Nippon Airways (ANA) has the best Economy Class seats in the world.
2. Qatar Airways
In 2011, Qatar Airways was declared ‘Airline of the Year’ for the first time. This year, they are just short of first place, ranking a respectable second. Service is a top priority for Qatar Airways, and they have developed a special program for their youngest travelers: the ‘Kids Loyalty’ program. Fun fact: Qatar Airways operates the longest direct route in the world: from Doha to Auckland. A flight of 18 hours and 30 minutes, covering a distance of 14,537 km. This is only possible with the 777-200LR (Long Range).
1. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is the best airline in the world according to Skytrax. What do they owe this award to? Excellent service, a wide range of in-flight entertainment, modern aircraft, and very good food. It's not surprising: Singapore Airlines spends at least 700 million on food and 16 million on wine. Furthermore, Singapore Airlines is the second-largest purchaser of Dom Perignon Champagne in the world!
