Australia’s national carrier, Qantas, has dropped out of the top 20 in the global airline rankings, falling to 24th place in this year's World's Top 100 Airlines list by Skytrax. This marks a significant decline from its previous position of 17th in 2023 and a dramatic fall from 5th place in 2022.
Qatar Airways claimed the number one spot, followed by Singapore Airlines and Emirates, which ranked second and third, respectively.
Virgin Australia, another major Australian airline, also saw a drop, sliding from 46th to 54th place. Qantas' subsidiary Jetstar fell from 69th to 74th. In contrast, regional carrier Rex was the only Australian airline to improve its standing, climbing six spots to 50th position.
Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA) achieved the fourth position in the global ranking and won awards for the world's best airport services and the best airline staff service in Asia. Saudi Arabian Airlines was recognized as the world's most improved airline, surpassing STARLUX Airlines.
AirAsia continued its dominance in the low-cost category, winning the world's best low-cost airline award for the 14th consecutive year. Scoot received the award for the world's best long haul low-cost airline.
In the Australia-Pacific region, Fiji Airways was named the best airline, ahead of Air New Zealand, with Qantas taking third and Rex fourth, leaving Virgin and Jetstar trailing behind.
Key Highlights from the 2024 World Airline Awards:
Top 10 Airlines of 2024:
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Emirates
- ANA All Nippon Airways
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Japan Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- EVA Air
- Air France
- Swiss International Air Lines
Australian Airlines Performance:
- Qantas fell from 17th to 24th.
- Virgin Australia dropped from 46th to 54th.
- Qantas subsidiary Jetstar fell from 69th to 74th.
- Regional carrier Rex improved, climbing six spots to 50th.
World’s Best Regional Airlines
- Bangkok Airways
- Aegean Airlines
- Azerbaijan Airlines
- Rex Airlines
- Azul Brazilian Airlines
- Virgin Australia
- Royal Air Maroc
- Porter Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
- Hong Kong Airlines
World’s Cleanest Airlines 2024
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- ANA All Nippon Airways
- EVA Air
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Asiana Airlines
- Hainan Airlines
- Japan Airlines
- China Airlines
- Korean Air
Best Airline for Australia-Pacific 2024
- Fiji Airways
- Air New Zealand
- Qantas
- Rex
- Virgin Australia
- Jetstar
Other Award Categories and Winners:
World’s Best Business Class:
- Qatar Airways
World’s Best Business Class Lounge:
- Qatar Airways
World’s Best Cabin Staff:
- Singapore Airlines
World’s Best First Class:
- Singapore Airlines
World’s Best Airport Services:
- ANA All Nippon Airways
Best Airline Staff Service in Asia:
- ANA All Nippon Airways
World’s Most Improved Airline:
- Saudi Arabian Airlines
World’s Best Low-Cost Airline:
- AirAsia
World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline:
- Scoot
Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe:
- Volotea
World’s Best Economy Class:
- Cathay Pacific
World’s Best Premium Economy Class:
- Japan Airlines
World’s Most Family Friendly Airline:
- British Airways
World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge Operator:
- Plaza Premium (Plaza Premium Lounge at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport)
World’s Best Leisure Airline:
- Air Transat
Regional and Special Category Winners:
- Best Airline in Europe: Turkish Airlines
- Best Airline in Asia: Singapore Airlines
- Best Airline in North America: Delta Air Lines (also Best Airline Staff Service in the region)
- Best Airline in Africa: Ethiopian Airlines
- Best Airline in China: Hainan Airlines
- Best Airline in Eastern Europe: airBaltic
- Best Airline in the Middle East: Qatar Airways
- Best Business Class Catering: Turkish Airlines
- Best First Class Catering: Air France
- Best Airline Alliance: Star Alliance
The World Airline Awards, often regarded as the Oscars of the aviation industry, are based on the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey, independently conducted by Skytrax. The 2023/2024 survey received responses from over 21 million customers of more than 350 airlines worldwide, highlighting the top performers in various categories.
