AirlineRatings.com, a website that does what its name suggests, has issued its annual list of the world’s best airlines, with a new champion at the top: Korean Air.
The new winner topped eight-time Qatar, last year’s winner. Frequent winner Singapore Airlines finished fifth, with Air New Zealand third and Cathay Pacific fourth.
You’ll note these are all definitely full-service airlines; that’s because the criteria include a “full-service experience” including meals, snacks and beverages, an economy seat pitch a minimum of 31 inches, lie-flat business class beds, a seven-star safety rating and a strong financial standing.”
Sharon Peterson, CEO of the ratings group, said that “While many airlines have added a 10th seat per row on 777 aircraft and reduced seat pitch in economy to 31–32 inches (down from the previous 32–33 inches), Korean Air has chosen not to follow this trend. They have maintained their original seat configuration and a generous 33-34 inch seat pitch, offering passengers a more comfortable experience.”
Among European airlines, Virgin Atlantic placed at 13, with Air France and KLM at 21 and 22. No U.S. airline made the list; the only North American that did was Aero Mexico. In part, that’s because the site has introduced a new category of ‘hybrid’ airlines that fall between the ‘full-service’ and ‘low-cost’ carriers; all the major U.S. and Canadian airlines fell into this category, with JetBlue at the top.
All three lists are available in full HERE
There is a lengthy spiel on the website of what they mean by ‘hybrid’ airlines. Looking at the list, ‘high-cost’ and ‘low-service’ would be MY definition.