Asiana Airlines has been named the world airline of the year in the 2010 Skytrax World Airline Awards, while Air New Zealand was awarded for best airline in the Australia-Pacific region, ahead of Qantas and V Australia.
“When evaluating the survey results, the real strength that was shining through for Asiana Airlines is their front-line staff,” said Skytrax CEO Edward Plaistad. “Across both the ground services environment at their home base at Incheon International Airport, and the exceptionally high quality and consistent cabin staff service, Asiana Airlines is setting a new world order when looking at the best airlines across the globe.”
Asiana was followed by Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand in the top five. Air New Zealand also won the best airline in the Australia-Pacific region, while Virgin Blue took out the best low cost airline in the region, ahead of Jetstar and Tiger Airways.
Virgin Blue’s new CEO John Borghetti paid tribute to the airline’s staff for the award. “The award is testimony to the great product, brand and people that make Virgin Blue what it is today. Virgin Blue remains committed to providing the best service in the sky with affordable fares, an innovative and evolving product both in the sky and on the ground, and exceptional on-time performance,” he said.
Qantas picked up awards for the World’s Best Economy and Premium Economy seats. The airline also placed seventh in the best airline rankings.
The oneworld alliance won the award for World’s Best Airline Alliance.
