Yesterday we congratulated Emirates for winning the prestigious World’s Best Airline 2016 for the fourth time in 15 years. But it’s time to show some love to the other impressive winners, such as our own Qantas!
That’s right, the Qantas Group took home four Skytrax awards, including the coveted Best Airline in Australia/Pacific award, as well as the Best Airline Staff in Australia/Pacific, and Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering awards. Jetstar, the budget airline of the group, was awarded the Best Low Cost Carrier in Australia/Pacific.
Great stuff there Qantas!
According to a Qantas spokesperson, the Flying Kangaroo is pleased to have been so well-represented in the awards, and their top placement recognises their continual efforts to improve their product and look after their staff. Qantas is also looking forward to offering free wi-fi on domestic flights from early 2017.
Other airlines that were praised for their staff included Hawaiian Airlines, which won the Best Airline Staff – North America award; Ethiopian Airlines, which won the Best Airline Staff in Africa; Qatar Airways, which won Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East; and Japan’s ANA, which won Best Airline Staff in Asia.
Across the ditch, our Kiwi brothers and sisters did exceptionally well too, with Air New Zealand bagging two Skytrax awards, namely, the World’s Best Premium Economy Class and World’s Best Premium Economy Class Airline Seat.
Boy, Air New Zealand are really killing it with their premium economy product these days! It’s the second year in a row the airline has come out on top in these two categories, with its greater space and premium food, as well as additional baggage allowances, premium check-in and priority boarding, really meeting a need in the market.
And from Premium Economy to Business Class, it looks as if all the hard work has paid off for Qatar Airways after bagging the World’s Best Business Class and Best Business Class Airline Lounge Skytrax awards.
And moving from Business Class to First Class, Etihad are now the undisputed First Class kings after received three highly coveted awards: the World’s Best First Class Airline, World’s Best First Class Onboard Catering, and World’s Best First Class Airline Seat for its First Apartments and Suites.
Other awards winners include Star Alliance winning the Best Airline Alliance Award; ANA being awarded World’s Best Airport Services; and AirAsia winning the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline and Asia’s Best Low-Cost Airline.
Click here to view all the 2016 Skytrax awards winners.