Top Airlines 2024: World's Best Carriers Revealed
What are the top airlines in 2024? The Skytrax World Airline Awards, known as the "Oscars of commercial aviation," have released their rankings. They highlight the best airlines in the world. Over 21 million passengers in 100 countries voted for more than 350 airlines1. This survey gives travelers key insights for the best flying experience in 2024.
So, what makes these airlines stand out? What factors lead to their success? And how do they meet the needs of today's travelers? The question on everyone's mind is: Which airlines are the top performers in 2024?
Key Takeaways
- Qatar Airways was named Airline of the Year 2024, its eighth win in 25 years1.
- Turkish Airlines was ranked as the Best Airline in Europe, serving over 300 destinations1.
- Delta Air Lines was declared the best airline in North America for its attentive staff1.
- AirAsia was the top budget airline for the 14th year in a row1.
- European carriers made up six of the top 10 best budget airlines in 20241.
Unveiling the Airline of the Year 2024
The Skytrax rankings have named Qatar Airways the Airline of the Year 2024 for the eighth year in a row2. This Middle Eastern carrier stands out for its top-notch service, new features, and green aircraft23.
Qatar Airways Soars to the Top
Qatar Airways flies to 341 airports on six continents, making it a key player in global air travel2. Its use of the Boeing 777X, which is 20% more efficient, shows its commitment to green flying2.
Exceptional Service and Innovation
Qatar Airways is known for its outstanding in-flight service. It offers top business class, great food, and unique features like "Aroma Therapy" to reduce stress23.
"Qatar Airways has once again demonstrated its unwavering dedication to delivering an exceptional travel experience for its passengers. Their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional service has solidified their position as the world's best airline."
With a record 47 billion passengers expected in 20242, Qatar Airways will likely stay a leader in aviation. It's setting the bar high for the best airlines worldwide23.
Best Airlines in Europe for 2024
No European airlines made the top five globally, but many did well in the 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards4. Turkish Airlines was named the Best Airline in Europe for its wide network of over 300 destinations and top-notch business class catering4. The Air France-KLM Group also did great, with Air France winning awards for the World's Best First Class Catering and more4. Swiss International Air Lines took second place, getting the award for the World's Best First Class Lounge.
Turkish Airlines Leads the Pack
Turkish Airlines is the top airline in Europe4. It has a huge global network and award-winning business class. Passengers in Turkish Airlines' premium cabins get amazing dining and top-notch service.
Air France-KLM Group Shines Bright
The Air France-KLM Group, with airlines from France and the Netherlands, did very well in the 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards4. Air France won awards for its first class, showing its commitment to luxury air travel.
Airline | Ranking | Award |
---|---|---|
Turkish Airlines | 1 | Best Airline in Europe |
Air France | 2 | World's Best First Class Catering, Best First Class Lounge Dining, Best Airline in Western Europe |
Swiss International Air Lines | 3 | World's Best First Class Lounge |
The 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards show the excellence of European carriers, with Turkish Airlines and the Air France-KLM Group leading456. These airlines set the standard for luxury air travel, offering top experiences for travelers.
North American Airlines on the Global Stage
No North American airlines were in the top 10 globally, but Delta Air Lines was the Best in North America. It was praised for its great staff and customer service7. Delta's success shows how North American airlines are working hard to improve their services.
Delta Air Lines: Best in North America
Delta Air Lines was the top North American carrier, showing its commitment to top-notch airline services8. It had a revenue of $53.99 billion and assets of $73.13 billion in January 2023. This made Delta a strong player worldwide8.
Delta's focus on making customers happy helped it become the Best Airline in North America7. Its staff, new amenities, and focus on great experiences won over passengers. This made Delta a top choice among international airlines.
North American airlines are getting better in the global market. Airlines like American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines are also aiming for more international travelers79. But Delta's success is especially notable, showing it can compete with global airlines and offer great services.
After the pandemic, North American carriers are set to shine globally. Delta Air Lines is leading as the Best Airline in the region789.
Airline | Available Seat Miles (ASMs) in April 2024 | Flights in April 2024 | Seats Offered in April 2024 |
---|---|---|---|
United Airlines (UA) | 25,586,308,4017 | N/A | N/A |
American Airlines (AA) | N/A | 178,8787 | 22,691,0877 |
Emirates (EK) | 18,077,349,4307 | N/A | N/A |
Southwest Airlines (WN) | 15,083,550,6387 | N/A | N/A |
The table shows how well North American airlines are doing. United Airlines leads in seat miles, and American Airlines has the most flights and seats in April 20247. International airlines like Emirates also stand out, showing the global strength of the airline industry.
"Delta Air Lines' commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation has propelled it to the forefront of North American aviation, setting a new standard for premium airline services."
As the airline industry changes, North American carriers like Delta Air Lines will keep making a mark globally. They offer a great choice for travelers, showing the region's aviation excellence789.
Rising Stars: Most Improved Airlines
In the world of flying, some airlines have really shone by making big strides. Saudia and Starlux Airlines are two examples. They're seen as the top two airlines that have gotten better10.
Saudia is the airline of Saudi Arabia. It has changed a lot, getting great reviews for its service and new features. By investing in better planes, seats, and training for staff, Saudia has become a top choice for travelers11.
Starlux Airlines is newer but has quickly made a mark. Based in Taiwan, it focuses on giving passengers a top-notch experience. This includes using the latest tech, serving great food, and offering excellent service11.
Being named the best improved airlines of 2024 shows their hard work and ability to change with the times. Saudia and Starlux are setting new standards for making customers happy and running smoothly. They're expected to be big names in the airline world10.
Airline | Improvement Ranking | Key Highlights |
---|---|---|
Saudia | 1st | Exceptional service, innovative offerings, strategic fleet and cabin investments |
Starlux Airlines | 2nd | Commitment to superior customer experience, focus on technology and dining |
Saudia and Starlux Airlines are now known as the top airlines that have gotten better in 2024. This shows their strong commitment to making flying better for everyone1011.
"Saudia and Starlux have set a new benchmark for airline improvement, showcasing their ability to adapt and innovate in an increasingly competitive industry."
The success of these airlines is inspiring others to focus on what passengers want. They're showing that by putting customers first, airlines can make big improvements and lead in the most improved airlines 2024 rankings101112.
Best airlines 2024 in the world: The Top 10 Revealed
The airline industry has seen a big comeback in 2024. Airlines around the globe are showing their best. The top airlines for 2024 have been announced, with a mix of carriers leading the pack.
Qatar Airways is at the top for 202413. This airline from the Middle East is known for its great service and new ideas. Korean Air is right behind, showing how Asian airlines are making a mark worldwide13.
Cathay Pacific Airways is also in the top three, proving it's one of the best in the world13. Air New Zealand and Emirates follow, making the top five even stronger13.
Other airlines are also doing great, like JetBlue, Hawaiian Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, placing 16 to 1813. But, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines are lower down, at 23, 24, and 2514.
In the low-cost airline category, Southwest is the top in the Americas, Fly Dubai in the Middle East, and AirAsia Group in Asia13. Jetstar Group and EasyJet are the best in Australia/Pacific and Europe, respectively13.
Some airlines have made big improvements, like Vietjet, which won awards for being the best in several areas13. Big names like Cathay Pacific Airways, Emirates, and Air France also did well, showing their dedication to quality14.
The rankings show how resilient the industry is, despite challenges. Issues with Boeing and the Singapore Airlines incident didn't affect the results much13. Airbus and Boeing had the same number of incidents13.
The 2024 rankings highlight the industry's drive for excellence. These leading airlines set a high standard, motivating everyone to aim for greatness.
Best First and Business Class Experiences
In the world of premium air travel, two airlines stand out. Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways offer top-notch first and business class experiences. They are known for their luxury, comfort, and service, making flying a special treat15.
Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways Reign Supreme
Singapore Airlines won the award for the World's Best First Class. This shows their commitment to luxury in the skies15. Qatar Airways got the title of the World's Best Business Class, proving they're leaders in premium cabins15. Both airlines focus on what travelers want, setting high standards in the industry.
They offer amazing service, top amenities, and comfort. Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways have won the hearts of those who love flying first class15. Their drive for innovation and excellence has made them top choices for 202415.
"Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways have consistently delivered the best first and business class experiences, setting a new benchmark for luxury and service in the skies."
Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways lead in the premium cabin world15. Singapore Airlines is the best in Asia for first class, and Qatar Airways is the top in the Middle East15. They also win for the best first class lounges in their regions15.
These airlines are the top picks for luxury and comfort in flying15. Their focus on excellence and customer happiness makes them the best choices for travelers15. They're set to stay at the top in 2024 and beyond15.
Category | Winner | Runner-up | Third Place |
---|---|---|---|
Best First Class Airline Seat | Singapore Airlines | ANA All Nippon Airways | Emirates |
Best First Class Onboard Catering | Air France | Singapore Airlines | Swiss International Air Lines |
Best First Class Airline Lounge | Swiss International Air Lines | Air France | Singapore Airlines |
Best First Class Airline Comfort Amenities | Emirates | Singapore Airlines | Swiss International Air Lines |
Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways have won awards from Skytrax16. These awards show their commitment to top-notch premium flights16.
The competition between these airlines will keep getting fiercer15. Travelers looking for luxury and comfort will find these airlines at the top in 2024 and later151617.
Cleanest Airlines for Pristine Travel
Since COVID, cleanliness and hygiene are key for air travelers. The Skytrax World Airline Awards show Asia's airlines lead in cleanliness18.
ANA All Nippon Airways was named the cleanest in 2018 for its focus on cleanliness18. EVA Air, Asiana Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines followed closely18.
Passengers from around the world rated the cleanliness of aircraft cabins for Skytrax18. These Asian airlines are committed to high cleanliness and safety, offering a safe flying experience.
Asia-Based Carriers Set the Standard
Cathay Pacific won the 2024 Skytrax World's Cleanest Airlines rankings for cabin hygiene19. ANA, EVA, Qatar, and Singapore Airlines were also top picks for 202419.
These airlines are known for their strict cleaning and sanitation. Fiji Airways joined oneworld and is now a leader in eco-friendly flying20.