Emirates named world's best airline in Skytrax awards 2016
 

Emirates was voted the World’s Best Airline by air travellers in Skytrax awards 2016.

http://www.airlinequality.com/news/2...rds-announced/

Well Etihad is very upfront about claiming they're the world's best airline in some rigged vote, so this can't be true ;)

This is not a presidential election.
Basically we don't know who are the voters, what are the criteria.
Moreover, for such vote to be fair, all the voters should experience all the airlines.

Skytrax is basically a self-satisfaction of the industry.

IMO, Emirates is excellent, but not at the top.

Some elections are very similar though :D

^

In June I flew DXB-IAD on EK after flying EWR-DEL on UA. Rigged or not, still a relatively pleasant experience on EK. All in steerage (e.g. coach).

EWR -DEL on UA!!. ;-(

Hmm, that sounds EXACTLY like a presidential election to me! :p

I tried EK first time after 3 years with LH & will say that EK has an edge over LH as far as comfort and service is concerned. The A380 J class is definitely superior.

SkyTrax provides consulting service for airlines.
SkyTrax gives ratings and awards to airlines.

Go figure. $$$$$kytrax is not rigging votes.

Don't you DARE tell me that Santa doesn't exist.

It does feel good to be on the winning team!

Who's at the top then? (an honest question)

For the average passenger, IMO, it would be a mix of CX, SQ, EK, LH and QR. There is no outstanding significantly better airline.

When it comes to premium products, EY arguably has the most spacious F product, but I wouldn't argue it's the best as I find the seat uncomfortable and there are still too many other issues with that airline. But again, between EK, SQ, LH, QR, one can't easily pick a winner.

As overall experience, I would put JL in first place.
Service is superb. Seats and FB have improved the last couple of years.

But :
1: it is based on my own experience, and it may have been a lucky draw,
2: there are many great airlines I haven't flown (EY for ex)

I won't put EK in top position mainly because of irregular quality of service (both onboard and on land) and slow response to problems (baggage, ticketing, etc), not to mention the disappointing new B777 J seat.