Qantas makes surprise comeback on world’s best airlines list
Qantas has bounced back in the world’s best airline rankings, as it continues to mends its post-Covid reputation.
The flying kangaroo was named 14th best airline in the world by the British-based Skytrax World Airline Awards on Tuesday (UK time) – with Qatar Airways again taking out the top ranking.
While Qantas remains firmly outside the world’s top 10, it is its best result since 2022 after it slumped to 24th last year.
It comes as the national carrier continues to battle the fallout from its illegal sacking of hundreds of workers during the pandemic, the so-called “ghost flights” scandal that has already cost it $120 million in penalties, and steep post-Covid hikes to airfares.
In a further boost for Qantas, it was also named best airline in the Australia-Pacific region, ahead of Air New Zealand and the winner from the past two years, Fiji Airways.
The national carrier also made the global top 10 for best premium economy cabin and best in-flight entertainment.
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Chief executive Vanessa Hudson said the Skytrax results reflected Qantas’s “ongoing commitment to delivering for customers and was testament to the exceptional work of our people”.
“I want to sincerely thank our incredible team of more than 29,000 people around the world, who bring such passion and pride to the work they do every single day,” she said.
“This award belongs to them.”
It comes a week after Qantas said it would shutter Jetstar Asia after 20 years. The decision, which will cost 500 jobs in Singapore, will free up $500 million the airline has said it plans to invest in fleet renewal.
The Skytrax awards, sometimes called “the Oscars of the aviation industry”, are decided by online surveys filled out by more than 22 million customers of more than 325 carriers.
Travellers are surveyed on factors such as in-flight experience, value for money and the service standards within adjoining airports and lounges.
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Last year, as Qantas’s lacklustre rankings continued, veteran aviation consultant Neil Hansford said the Skytrack data came from a private firm that was lobbied heavily by airlines, and therefore should be treated with some caution.
Nor did it take account of the financial metrics that distinguished between different air networks – including access to lower fuel prices in jurisdictions across the Middle East. That allows those airlines to spend more on luxury services, particularly in premium classes.
“A lot of these airlines have an advantage of what they pay for fuel at their home port,” Hansford told TND.
“The Australian carriers get no free kicks. They pay some of the highest airport fees, very high fuel prices.”
Doha-based Qatar Airways, now a partner with Virgin Australia following this week’s launch of new wet lease flights, took out the top award for the ninth time. Singapore Airlines was second, followed by Cathay Pacific, Emirates and All Nippon Airways.
“Being named the world’s best airline for the ninth time is an extraordinary honour. 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,” Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said.
Virgin Australia won the award for best airline staff service in the Australia-Pacific region, and was also named best regional airline.
In the discount airlines category, AirAsia won for the 16th consecutive year. Co-founder Tony Fernandes said the run was “nothing short of incredible”.
“From flying just 200,000 guests in our first year to aiming to welcome our one billionth guest this year – this journey has been made possible by the unwavering support of our guests, and the tireless dedication of our incredible Allstars (staff),” he said.
Jetstar took out 20th spot.
Singapore-based Scoot was named the world’s best long-haul low-cost airline.
