Air New Zealand Heads Top Ten Airlines

AirlineRatings.com has awarded Air New Zealand top spot in its annual Airline Excellence Awards for 2017, followed by Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Virgin Australia/Virgin Atlantic.

To be named in the top ten, airlines must achieve a seven-star safety rating, which is developed by AirlineRatings.com and endorsed by the International Civil Aviation Organization, while also demonstrating leadership in innovation for passenger comfort.

Air New Zealand has consistantly led the Asia-Pacific airline scene, with innovative concepts like the Economy Sky Couch and a market-leading Premium Economy product. The addition to its fleet of the 787 Dreamliner has allowed it maintain customer comfort while expanding its network.

A big mover this year was Australia’s Qantas, which jumped up to second spot from fourth, while Virgin Australia and Virgin Atlantic went from seventh up to fifth.

Qantas produced a stunning financial turnaround in 2016 and will take delivery of its first Boeing 787s in 2017. Its customer approval rating is at an all-time high, as it continues to innovate with lie-flat beds on all its A330s that operate domestic and regional international flights.

Singapore Airlines, which took third position, is always at the forefront of airline awards, and has introduced its new premium economy, revamped business class, and the new A350 over the last 12 months.

Cathay Pacific, a traditional winner of airline awards, came in forth place; the airline recently announced controversial plans to introduce a 10-across economy product on its long-haul 777 aircraft but has also received the first of several A350 aircraft, allowing the carrier to expand its network using the state-of-the-art aircraft.

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.

www.airlineratings.com

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The Art of Business Travel is Asia-Pacific's leading portal for corporate travel news and views. We cover everything from airline routes and airport developments, to new hotels, meeting venues, loyalty schemes, and entertaining.