AirlineRatings.com has announced its Airline Excellence Awards along with its top ten airlines for 2016.
Heading the list is Air New Zealand followed by Qantas Airways, Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, EVA Air, Virgin Atlantic /Virgin Australia, All Nippon Airways and Lufthansa.
To gain a top ten position, airlines must achieve a seven star safety rating and demonstrate clear leadership in innovation for passenger comfort.
AirlineRatings.com developed its unique seven-star ratings system after two years of evaluation and the system is now endorsed by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The editors of AirlineRatings.com, some of the most experienced and awarded, over a period of four months look for a consistent level of service and innovation.
“We want to reward and highlight the leaders in the industry – airlines that go the extra distance to make a difference to the passenger experience,” said Geoffrey Thomas AirlineRatings.com Editor-in-Chief.
“While we do not have a public vote we do consider website feedback from passengers when making our final decisions.”
Mr. Thomas noted a big mover this year was Qantas which jumped from 4th to 2nd place, while Virgin Atlantic /Virgin Australia moved into the top ten at number 8.
Virgin Atlantic introduced new aircraft (787s) and Virgin Australia completed the stunning interior upgrades of its A330s, while Qantas ordered 787s and posted a dramatic turnaround to move into profit.
Singapore Airlines is now introducing its elegant new business class and launched the A350-900ER to the reintroduced Singapore to United States nonstop. The airline also launched its new premium economy.
In late 2014, Etihad Airways stunned the industry by unveiling new first and business class products that are now being rolled out.
