The 2020 Business Traveller Awards blew up a stiff breeze of positivity in the world of aviation. The British magazine unveiled the best airlines and airports of 2020 that have gone the extra mile in business air travel disregarding turbulent times for the aviation industry.
Panacea Media, the publisher of Business Traveller magazine, rewarded the industry-strongest airlines, leading airports and hospitality facilities across 23 categories. Following the survey results of customers’ experience for 12 months, the host of the event elected nine best airlines and four leading airports all over the world. During the survey, which was carried out from April to July 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic related air travel restrictions that were imposed worldwide in March 2020, were not taken into account.
The winner of the competition is Qatar Airways, the state-owned flag carrier of Qatar. The airline beat its competitors in several categories and grabbed a total of five awards, being named as the Best Airline of 2020 as well as the Best Long-Haul Carrier. According to participants of the survey, Qatar Airways was also recognized as the leader in the Best Middle Eastern Airline category and was acknowledged as having Best Business Class. The air carrier also triumphed in the Best Inflight Food and Beverage category.
British Airways (BA) became the second-most-awarded airline honored as Best Short-Haul Carrier. The British air carrier was also named as a front-runner in Best Frequent Flyer Programme, Best Airport Lounge, and Best New Seat categories. Meanwhile, the participants of the survey rated BA for its multifunctional app awarding the airline in the Best Travel App category.
The third best-rated airline became Singapore Airlines (SIA1) (SINGY) that won a total of four awards and was rated having Best First Class and Best Economy Class and received the award of the Best Asian Airline. The survey showed that customers were so satisfied with the staff of the air carrier that it also gained an award for Best Cabin Staff.
The Dubai-based Emirates was admitted as the leader in the Best Inflight Entertainment category, while Virgin Atlantic was awarded for having Best Premium Economy Class, and Easyjet scored the goal of Best Low-Cost Airline.
In the Best North Airline category the leading position was taken by Delta Air Lines, meanwhile, Aeroflot was named as Best Eastern European Airlines. The state-owned Ethiopian Airlines was named as Best African Airline.
The 2020 Business Traveller Awards also rated the world’s leading airports. The Best Airport Worldwide award was won by Singapore’s Changi Airport (SIN), while Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) was named as the Best Airport in Europe. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) triumphed in the category of Tax-Free Shopping.