BEST airline in the world for 2019 revealed – did any British airline make top 10?

The number one best airline for 2019 was revealed to be Qatar Airways yesterday. UK-based constancy Skytrax unveiled the winners of their 2019 World Airline Awards at the Paris Air show. Not only did Qatar Airways win World’s Best Airline but it also scooped a number of other awards. It won World’s Best Business Class, the World’s Best Business Class Seat and the Best Airline in the Middle East.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are thrilled to be globally recognised by our customers by winning these four prestigious awards.

“Becoming the first airline to be named as ‘Airline of the Year’ for the fifth time is a landmark achievement and, combined with three other major Skytrax awards, it is a testament to the tireless efforts of the entire Qatar Airways team.

“It is a proud moment for the airline as our constant innovation and service standards set the benchmark in our industry.”

Unfortunately for Britain, no UK airlines made the list of top 10 airlines.

The only European airline to get a look in was German-owned Lufthansa which came in ninth place.

In second place came Singapore Airlines which was also awarded World’s Best Cabin Staff 2019 and came in fourth place for The World’s Cleanest Airlines.

In third place was Japanese carrier ANA All Nippon Airway. The airline came in third place for both World’s Best Cabin Staff 2019 and The World’s Cleanest Airlines.

Fourth best airline was Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific which came in sixth place for World’s Best Cabin Staff 2019 and eighth place for The World’s Cleanest Airlines.

Emirates was awarded fifth best airline for 2019. The remaining top ten were: Taiwanese airline EVA Air, Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines, flag airline of Australia Qantas Airways, Lufthansa and Thai Airways.

Edward Plaisted of Skytrax said: “To be named as the World’s Best Airline is a great recognition of Qatar Airways high standards, and recognises the hard work and dedication from every member of staff to satisfy customers.

“To achieve this accolade for a fifth time is a remarkable achievement, and we congratulate them for this unique success.

“All of the award-winning airlines are voted for by customers, and the focus of our annual survey is for travellers to make their own, personal choices as to which airlines they consider to be best.

“We operate the survey and awards in a 100 per cent independent and impartial format according to the commitment we gave back in 1999, and whilst every winner may not be the favourite of everyone, those that disagree should understand that these are the Passenger’s Choice Awards.”