AirlineRatings.com has announced along with its Airline Excellence Awards its Top Twenty Airlines in the World for 2022.

Heading the list are Qatar Airways, Air New Zealand, Etihad Airways, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Virgin Australia, EVA Air, Turkish Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Japan Air Lines, JetBlue, Finnair, Emirates, Hawaiian, Air France, KLM, Alaska Airlines and British Airways.

To be named in the top twenty, airlines must achieve a seven-star safety rating and demonstrate leadership in innovation for passenger comfort.

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.

According to AirlineRatings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas, “we are focused on leadership and airlines that innovate to make a real difference to the passenger experience."

"Of course right now the airline industry is under unprecedented pressure as it strives to recover from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

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.

In the third position is Eithad Airways, which took our inaugural Best Environmental Airlines Award for its leadership in the 787 Greenliner program.

In the fourth spot is Korean Air, followed by Singapore Airlines and Qantas.

Singapore Airlines was also awarded Best First Class and Best Lounges.

Virgin Australia (below) was in seventh place and also won Best Cabin Crew.

Taiwan's EVA (below) was named 8th in the Top Twenty Airlines followed by Turkish Airlines in the 9th spot. Turkish Airlines is also named the Best Airline in Europe.

In 10th position in the Top Twenty Airlines is Japan's All Nippon Airways.

The balance are: Cathay Pacific Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Japan Air Lines, JetBlue, Finnair, Emirates, Hawaiian, Air France, KLM, Alaska Airlines and British Airways.