Qatar Airways has been named the World’s Best Airline at the 2024 World Airline Awards. This marks the eighth time the airline has won the Airline of the Year title in the 25 years of the awards’ history.
The 2024 World Airline Awards were revealed during a gala event on June 24, 2024, at Fairmont Windsor Park near London Heathrow Airport. The event was attended by over 325 guests, including many airline CEOs, Presidents, and Senior Management, who were there to receive their awards. As usual, numerous uniformed airline staff showcased their companies’ brands proudly.
Regarded as ‘the Oscars of the aviation industry’, the World Airline Awards began in 1999 and remain independent and unbiased. All costs, including customer surveys and the awards event, are covered by the organizers, Skytrax.
Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, expressed pride in this achievement, attributing it to the dedication and service of their hardworking team. This recognition also came with additional accolades, including the World’s Best Business Class, the World’s Best Business Class Lounge, and the Best Airline in the Middle East.
Ranking second in 2024 was Singapore Airlines, followed by Emirates in third place, ANA All Nippon Airways in fourth, and Cathay Pacific in fifth, from a pool of over 350 airlines. Singapore Airlines also won awards for having the World’s Best Cabin Staff and the World’s Best First Class. Additionally, they were named the Best Airline in Asia.
ANA All Nippon Airways earned the fourth spot globally and won the award for World’s Best Airport Services and Best Airline Staff Service in Asia. Saudi Arabian Airlines was recognized as the World’s Most Improved Airline, followed by STARLUX Airlines and PLAY in second and third places respectively.
AirAsia continued its streak as the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, maintaining this title since 2010. Scoot was awarded the World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline. In Europe, Volotea was recognized as the Best Low-Cost Airline, with Transavia France and Vueling following in second and third places.
British Airways took home the award for being the World’s Most Family-Friendly Airline. This category evaluates various factors like family seating policies, check-in facilities, priority boarding, children’s meals, and onboard entertainment for children.
Plaza Premium was awarded the World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge operator, with its lounge at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport ranking highest.
Cathay Pacific was honored with the World’s Best Economy Class, while Japan Airlines received the award for the World’s Best Premium Economy Class.
Bangkok Airways topped the global ratings for the World’s Best Regional Airline for the eighth consecutive year. In the India/South Asia region, Vistara was named the Best Airline and also received the award for Best Airline Staff Service.
Fiji Airways won the award for Best Airline in Australia/Pacific and Best Airline Staff Service in the same region for the second time. Delta Air Lines was recognized as the Best Airline and Best Airline Staff Service in North America. Allegiant Air was awarded the Best Low-Cost Airline in North America for the first time.
Air Transat took home the title of the World’s Best Leisure Airline, a feat the Canadian airline has achieved five times before. Ethiopian Airlines was named the Best Airline in Africa for the sixth year in a row, while Turkish Airlines won the Best Airline in Europe title and the Best Business Class Catering award. Hainan Airlines took the Best Airline in China award, and airBaltic was named the Best Airline in Eastern Europe.
Air France earned multiple awards, including the World’s Best First Class Catering, Best First Class Lounge Dining at CDG, and Best Airline in Western Europe. Star Alliance was recognized as the World’s Best Airline Alliance and its lounge at Paris CDG Airport was awarded Best Airline Alliance Lounge.
The Best Airline Staff Service awards emphasize the combined service standards of both airport and onboard experiences. Winners included Iberia for Europe, Kenya Airways for Africa, and Oman Air for the Middle East.
The World Airline Awards, which evaluate all types of travel classes, aim to provide a global customer satisfaction study. They maintain strict independence, with Skytrax covering all related costs. The awards are based on a survey running from September 2023 to May 2024, offered in multiple languages, and saw participation from over 100 nationalities. Survey entries are meticulously screened to ensure validity, with more than 350 airlines being evaluated in the final results.