Singapore Airlines undermines Qatar to become world's best airline

Air transport is now out of the pandemic crisis, and this is also demonstrated by the timely rankings which annually celebrate the world's best airlines. Back in the spotlight, in fact, is Asia's entire industry: the resumption of flights and reopenings throughout the area are picking up the Asian domination which had already developed through 2019.

After the maxi order of IndiGo for 500 Airbus aircraft, now it is Singapore Airlines which takes back the top spot as the world's best airline 2023 according to Skytrax , undermining Qatar Airways. The Middle Eastern carrier had won the award from the famous British analytics firm seven times (most recently in 2019, 2021 and 2022).

Now the title of Skytrax's World's Best Airline 2023 was awarded to Singapore Airlines, which has led the same ranking four other times in past years (most recently in 2018).

The Singapore-Qatar duel

SIA also took first place in the categories of "World's Best First Class," "World's Best First Class Seat," and "World's Best First Class Comfort Amenities."

Qatar Airways , on the other hand, was awarded for "World's Best Business Class," "World's Best Business Class Seat," "World's Best Business Class Lounge" (the Al Mourjan lounge at Hamad International Airport), "World's Best Business Class Lounge Dining," and as the best airline in the Middle East.

Just a few months ago, in March 2023, theSingapore Changi Airport had overtaken Qatar Airways' own lhub, Doha, in the Skytrax ranking of the world's best airports by taking back the scepter it had lost during the pandemic.

The SkyTrax awards were presented at a gala ceremony held in the iconic Air and Space Museum at the Paris Air Show 2023 and are based on surveys of more than 20 million travelers, who rated more than 325 airlines.

Goh Choon Phong, chief executive officer of Singapore Airlines, said:

"This award testifies to the indomitable spirit of our people, who worked tirelessly and made many sacrifices to ensure that SIA was ready for air travel recovery. This has enabled us to emerge stronger from the pandemic as a leading international airline. We are very grateful to our customers for their loyalty and affection for Singapore Airlines. During the pandemic, their support and encouragement gave us the strength and determination to overcome unprecedented challenges. Today, as we recover from the pandemic, we are firmly committed to innovating and investing in industry-leading products and services and ensuring that SIA continues to offer its customers a world-class travel experience."

The top 20 companies in the world

In second place, therefore, comes Qatar Airways, followed by ANA-All Nippon Airways in third place, Emirates in fourth, and Japan Airlines in fifth.

Next, the top ten sees Turkish Airlines in sixth place, followed by Air France, Cathay Pacific and Eva Air. In tenth place comes Korean Air. In 11th place, however, is China's Hainan Airlines, followed by Swiss, Etihad, Iberia and Fiji Airways.

Closing the world top twenty is the group consisting of. Vistara (15th), Qantas, British Airways, Air New Zealand and Delta Air Lines.

What changes from 2022

Compared with last year Emirates loses one position (from third to fourth place) in favor of All Nippon; while Qantas slips from fifth place in 2022 to sixteenth this year. Japan, Turkish, and Air France all gain one position; while Korean Air loses one position (from ninth to tenth) and Swiss two places, dropping out of the top ten (from tenth to twelfth).

The new entries among the top ten airlines of 2023 are both Asian: Catahy Pacific makes a leap from 17th place to eighth; Eva Air takes ninth place in 2023 after being 18th last year).

As for Italy, finally, Ita Airways resoundingly drops out of the top 100 (last year she was 98th) while Air Dolomiti gains one position, rising to 96th place.

The other awards

Finally, among the various awards received during the 2023 edition, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines both received nine awards. In North America, the winner was Delta Air Lines (six awards in total), Latam won in South America. In Europe on the podium is. Turkish Airlines which received a total of four Skytrax awards.

Volotea was named the best low-cost airline in Europe; while the new award introduced in 2023, for the World's Most Family Friendly Airline, was won by Air Canada. IndiGo retains the first position as the best low-cost airline in India and South Asia.

The candlestick Air Transat, on the other hand, wins for the fifth time the award of Best vacation travel airline in the World.

• Skytrax