Representatives of more than 40 low cost airlines as well as luxury airliners from different parts of the world had gathered for Skytrax 2010 World Airline Awards ceremony. This ten month survey saw the participation of over 17.9 million air travellers hailing from over hundred different nationalities. The World Airlines Awards were established in 1999 and are commonly known as ‘the Passenger’s Choice’. In fact, these awards are considered to be the only worldwide independent survey of airlines by passengers. Here are the airlines, which managed to make it to the top 10 spots in various categories.
Asiana Airlines
Asiana Airlines bagged the prestigious ‘Airline of the Year’ award. The airline has a fleet of 67 aircrafts and is a member of the Star Alliance network. It is South Korea’s second largest airline and uses the Seoul Incheon International Airport as its base. Asiana Airlines has a secondary base at Seoul Gimpo International Airport in South Korea and serves 20 countries worldwide. Travellers looking forcheap flightscan consider the airline for certain routes.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines got the second place. The airline was awarded the title of 'Best Cabin Staff'. Singapore Airlines is Singapore’s national carrier and is based at the famous Singapore Changi Airport. The airline also has the new age super A380 in its fleet and serves as many as 93 destinations across 38 countries spanning Europe, Australasia, Asia, North America, Africa and the Middle East. Singapore Airlines was one of the founding members of the Star Alliance.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways received the title of ‘Best Business Class’. The airline is the flag carrier of Qatar and one of the Middle East's ‘big three’ airlines. This five star rated Doha based airline serves about 85 destinations and has codeshare partnerships with a number of renowned airlines. Qatar Airways uses the Oryx Entertainment System for in-flight entertainment and is a good option for booking round the world tickets.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific bagged the ‘Best Airline: Transpacific’ award. Cathay Pacific is the national carrier of Hong Kong SAR and is based at Hong Kong International Airport. The airline services a huge network of destinations spanning Australia, New Zealand, Canada, North America, Europe, and Asia. Its fleet includes the wide body Boeing and Airbus aircrafts. Cathay Pacific is also the complete owner of Dragonair and remains one of the popular choices for multi stop flights for travellers who whish to explore Asia and some other continents.
Air New Zealand
The Auckland based Air New Zealand got the award of ‘Best Airline: Australia/Pacific’. Air New Zealand is New Zealand’s national carrier and a member of the Star Alliance. The airline has a total fleet of 98 aircrafts and bagged the 2011 title of ‘Best Air Style for Premium Economy Spaceseats’ in the Wallpaper Design Awards. Sometimes, Air New Zealand also proves to be a cheap airline option for flying to New Zealand.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways was honoured with the ‘Best First Class’ title. Based at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad is the national carrier of Abu Dhabi. The airline was founded in 2003 and operates a fleet of narrow and wide-body Airbus and Boeing aircrafts. Serving an extensive destination network, Etihad Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines in the history of commercial airlines.
Qantas Airways
Qantas Airways received the award for ‘Best Airline Seat - Premium Economy Class’. The airline is a founding member of the oneworld alliance. Qantas is Australia’s national airline and has major hubs in Sydney and Melbourne. The airline also has secondary hubs in Perth, Brisbane, and Singapore. Qantas has a huge fleet of narrow and wide-body Airbus, Boeing and Bombardier aircrafts.
Emirates
Emirates, national carrier of Dubai, won the ‘Best Inflight Entertainment’ title. In terms of international passengers carried, it is one of the largest airlines in the world. Along with Etihad Airways, it is also one of the fastest growing airlines in the world. Emirates also has the largest number of Airbus A380 aircrafts. Dubai International Airport serves as the base for Emirates.
Thai Airways
The award for ‘Best Airport Services, went to Thai Airways. The airline is Thailand’s national carrier and uses the Suvarnabhumi Airport of Bangkok as its hub. Thai Airways also has secondary hubs in Phuket and Chiang Mai. Thai Airways is a founding member of Star Alliance. Although, the airline may not prove to be a very convenient option for travellers planning to book cheap flights and cheap tickets, Thai Airways does offer a high degree of value for money.
Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines, the flag carrier of Malaysia, claimed the title of ‘Best Economy Class’. The airline serves more than 100 destinations spanning six continents. The Kuala Lumpur International Airport is the main base of Malaysia Airlines. The airline has a strong position in East and Southeast Asia, as well as the Kangaroo Route between Australia and the UK.