World

World’s best airline for 2025 named by Skytrax

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commersant/ კომერსანტი

It’s been a year of historic milestones for a certain Middle Eastern airline.

Just weeks after announcing the largest widebody aircraft order in Boeing’s history, Qatar Airways is celebrating another huge achievement.

The Qatar flag carrier has just been named the winner at this year’s Skytrax World Airline Awards, announced on Tuesday at the Paris Air Show.

It’s the ninth time Qatar Airways has received the honor in the 26-year history of the awards, which are known as the Oscars of the aviation world.

“This recognition is far more than an award, it is a celebration of the passion, precision and purpose that defines who we are as an airline,” said Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group CEO.

“To retain this title in a highly competitive and ever-evolving global industry reflects the relentless efforts across every part of the business, from the frontline to behind the scenes, the passion and commitment of our people continue to set new standards in aviation.”

Qatar was also named Best Airline in the Middle East, World’s Best Business Class, and Best Business Class Airline Lounge.

The awards come after the airline, established in 1993, announced that it was purchasing up to 210 widebody jets, including 130 Dreamliners, and 30 777-9s from Boeing in a historic order last month.

“These accolades reaffirm our ambition not only to lead, but to redefine what exceptional service means in aviation,” added Al-Meer.

“Whether on the ground or in the air, we strive to deliver a seamless, elevated journey that anticipates the needs of our passengers and reflects the highest standards of quality, comfort, and innovation.”

Singapore Airlines, a five-time winner of World’s Best Airline award, took second place this year, also receiving the award for World’s Best Cabin Crew, along with World’s Best First Class and the Best Airline in Asia.

Hong Kong’s flag carrier Cathay Pacific was third, with Dubai’s Emirates airline taking fourth place, and Japan’s ANA All Nippon Airways taking fifth.

Turkish Airlines was sixth, while seventh place went to South Korea’s flag carrier Korean Air and France’s flag carrier Air France was eighth.

Finally, Japan Airlines took ninth position and China’s Hainan Airlines rounded out the top 10.

“We welcomed back a large number of previous winners and were also delighted to see new faces and airlines represented here today,” said Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax.

“As is indicated by so many former winning airlines being awarded again, quality consistency is clearly well recognized by customers when they vote for these airlines.”

The “wholly independent and impartial” awards, which began in 1999, saw votes gathered from surveys of around 22.3 million customers, with more than 325 airlines featured this year.

Around 500 representatives from airlines around the world attended the gala event in the restored Art Deco terminal of the original Le Bourget Airport, based at the heart of the Paris Air Show, including presidents, CEOs and airline crew.