Emirates Wins Top Ranking at 2016 World Airline Awards

This year’s results were again dominated by Asian and Middle Eastern carriers, while budget European airline Norwegian also fared well.

The winners of the 2016 World Airline Awards were announced yesterday at the Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire, England.

Sponsored by Skytrax, a U.K.-based commercial aviation consultancy, Asian and Middle Eastern carriers once again fared well in this year’s rankings.

Taking the top spot in the ‘Global Awards’ category was Emirates, which has received the accolade of being the ‘World’s Best Airline’ as voted by travelers. While this will be the fourth time that the carrier has received this prize, Emirates has also retained its number one ranking in the ‘World’s Best Inflight Entertainment’ category and broke into the top ten global ranking in the ‘World’s Best Cabin Staff’ category.

Speaking of the award, Emirates president Sir Tim Clark, told Skytrax, “We are honored to be recognized by the prestigious Skytrax awards. Emirates has always put our customers at the heart of what we do, and we work hard to deliver the very best experience possible to our customers at every touch-point, every day, all around the world.”

He added that, “The fact that these awards are based on the direct feedback from passengers is gratifying and wonderful recognition for all of the hard work that’s gone into creating the Emirates experience.”

Qatar Airways also fared well, taking second in the global rankings, but placing first across the ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Lounge’ and ‘Best Airline Staff’ categories.

Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and ANA rounded out the third, fourth and fifth spots, respectively.

In the ‘World’s Best “Long Haul” Low-Cost’ category, Norwegian took the top spot for the fourth year in a row. Commenting on the accolade, Norwegian’s CEO Bjørn Kjos told the website, “These awards give us huge momentum as we continue our ambitious expansion plans in Europe, the US and beyond.”

The full results of this year’s World Airline Awards can be viewed here.

[Photo: Emirates]