Aviation News

Find Out The Top 10 Best Airlines Of 2018

Rytis Beresnevicius
Airlines-at-Singapore-Changi-Airport.jpg

Top 10 Best Airlines Of 2018

As the year ends and we turn a new calendar page, all aviation enthusiasts and travelers ask themselves: Which airline is on top of the Best Airlines of 2018 list?

And we have the answer to that! So, make yourself comfortable, grab a cup of tea or coffee and let’s find out which airline was the best in 2018.

10. Thai Airways

Starting off the list of Best Airlines Of 2018 is Thai Airways. The national flag carrier of Thailand slowly but surely advanced towards the Top 10 list. In 2015 it placed 19th, in 2016 the airline improved to 13th. In 2017 Thai Airways almost cracked the top 10, but unfortunately, it did not make it – the carrier placed 11th.

Finally, in 2018, it managed to claim its place in the top 10! Their hard work eventually had to pay off. The airline is currently undergoing changes, namely upgrading its fleet and reorganizing its network, Thai Airways is set up to climb even higher in 2019.

9. Garuda Indonesia

Second on the Best Airlines Of 2018 list is Garuda Indonesia. As the name suggests, the Indonesian airline has always fluctuated around the top 10 list. Last year Garuda Indonesia was 10th, while in 2016 the airline fell out of the top 10 list. Nevertheless, the airline has shown consistently that it is one of the best carriers in the world.

The national flag carrier of Indonesia has also received the award of having the best Cabin Crew for 4 years in a row now. Garuda Indonesia is widely recognized as one of the best options to choose when traveling in the South East Asia region and this is why we put it on the list!

8. Hainan Airlines

One of the major airlines of China, Hainan has shown a consistently excellent customer experience throughout the years. That is why the airline has firmly cemented its place in the list for a few years now.

Surprisingly, Hainan Airlines did not even make the Top 10 in 2015 – it ranked 22nd! What a way to improve over 3 years. The airline has this tendency to improve rather quickly, as the airline is the largest civilian-run airline in China. Also, Hainan Airlines is number 4 in terms of the largest airlines in China.

Additionally, Hainan Airlines is also one of 11 carriers in the world, that Skytrax has rated as a 5-star airline.

7. Lufthansa

One of the oldest airlines on the list of Best Airlines of 2018, the German airline established its roots in 1926. At the time, the airline was called Deutsche Luft Hansa. Anyhow, over the past few years, it improved its exceptionally good customer experience record and that is why Lufthansa (LHAB) (LHA) is 7th.

As is Hainan Airlines, Skytrax rated Lufthansa (LHAB) (LHA) as a 5-star airline. It was the first European airline to join the elite club. Lufthansa (LHAB) (LHA) became a 5 star rated airline in late 2017. To celebrate it, the airline event painted 2 aircraft, an Airbus A320 and a Boeing 747 in a 5starhansa livery.

Which is very cheeky, to say the least.

LHAB</a>) (<a class=’stock-widget’ href=’https://www.aerotime.aero/financial-market-chart?tvwidgetsymbol=FWB:LHA’>LHA</a>) -Boeing-747.jpg”> 5starhansa livery on a Lufthansa Boeing 747

6. Cathay Pacific

At number 6 is Cathay Pacific – the flag carrier of Hong Kong. One of the few airlines in the world to operate an all wide-body aircraft fleet, the Hong Kongese airline is also a 5-star airline.

Regarding its ranking, the airline isn’t a new face here. It won the award of being the best airline in the world in 2003, 2005, 2009 and finally in 2014. Unfortunately, since then it has not been on the top step of the Top 10 Best Airlines list. In 2017, the airline placed 5th.

Nevertheless, those numbers are still impressive and Cathay Pacific consistently ranks as one of the best airlines roaming the skies.

5. EVA Air

Most of us probably know the airline as the one which uses very cute and fun liveries, EVA Air also provides customers with an exceptional quality of service.

Although it has never won an award for being the best airline in the world, EVA Air has always been present in the top 10. With persistence and hard work, the airline achieved its highest position in the past few years.

And hopefully, we will see more of the fun and cartoony liveries for many more years, as they decorate the skies like nobody else!

4. Emirates

Emirates is a mixed bag in these awards. The airline was 4th last year. However, 2 years ago they claimed the top spot.

In total, the Middle Eastern airline has won the award 4 times. Nevertheless, the airline is renowned for its luxurious facilities in airports and on the aircraft.

And its influence is so strong, that it single-handedly forced Airbus to cancel the Airbus A380 program

Okay, that might have been quite a hyperbole. But it is not far from the truth – as the aircraft manufacturer said it themselves, that when Emirates lowered the number of its orders for the A380, the program was not sustainable anymore. But even so, the A380 had a number of other problems.

Anyway, we hope Emirates regains it’s from and climbs back on top of the list!

3. ANA – All Nippon Airways

Featured as the airline with one of the most beautiful special liveries in the world, the airline is also known amongst flyers for its one-of-a-kind customer experience.

Also being a 5-star airline, All Nippon Airways has kept its spot it earned in 2017. ANA kept climbing the ladder, being 7th in 2015, and going up every single year. The exception, of course, is 2018. The airline finished in its highest ever finish on the Best Airlines of 2018 list.

However, we think 2019 might be another chance for the airline to climb a bit higher. Because Airbus will deliver the new, turtle-like Airbus A380, to ANA. It will be the first Super Jumbo in the Japanese carrier’s fleet.

2. Qatar Airways

Joining the “4-time winner” club, Qatar Airways, unfortunately, had to cede its positions as the best airline in the world to the winner we will announce soon.

On the other hand, the airline’s representatives shouldn’t be saddened by the 2nd place. Their patience, hard work into making one of the best airlines in the world did not go by unnoticed by the people. Established 26 years ago, it has managed to grow to an exceptional level of comfort, luxury and most importantly, quality. Qatar Airways is definitely an example of how much can you do when someone puts in the effort.

Oh, by the way, Qatar Airways is the only airline on this list to make it to the list of the most punctual airlines in 2018.

1. Singapore Airlines

Known for its exceptional luxurious cabins for passengers, there is not much surprise there that Singapore Airlines (SIA1) (SINGY) has claimed the number one spot on the Best Airlines of 2018 list.

The reasons are pretty obvious. The airline provides exceptional quality to its passengers. Furthermore, its main hub, Singapore Changi International Airport is known for its magical and entertaining exhibitions throughout the years. It even has its own amusement park for goodness sake. Additionally, recently the airport decorated its Terminals with various Harry Potter memorabilia and moments from the films.

Singapore Airlines (SIA1) (SINGY) also flies the longest non-stop route between Singapore and Newark, lasting over 18 hours.

Singapore Airlines (SIA1) (SINGY) won the award for a record-tying 4th time. Congratulations to them!

So, to sum up, here are the Top 10 Best Airlines of 2018:

  1. Singapore Airlines
  2. Qatar Airways
  3. ANA All Nippon Airways
  4. Emirates
  5. EVA Air
  6. Cathay Pacific
  7. Lufthansa
  8. Hainan Airlines
  9. Garuda Indonesia
  10. Thai Airways

However, we ask YOU – who will be the best airline in 2019?

Exit mobile version