Move over first and business class airline awards … this new category just might matter most to travellers.
Skytrax has unveiled the winners of the 2023 edition of the world’s largest airline passenger satisfaction survey – aka the World Airline Awards. And while some of the usual suspects picked up a few of the higher-profile awards, others took care of business in the perhaps less prestigious (but arguably more significant) categories.
One such prize, a new category for 2023, was the award for Most Family Friendly Airline, which according to the World Airline Awards, evaluates an airline’s performance across the “provision of family seating together, dedicated family check-in facilities, priority boarding, children’s meals, children’s amenities, toys and activity packs, child-specific onboard entertainment, free checked luggage and policies for carrycot/pushchairs, and the standard of service assistance from ground staff and cabin crew during the travel experience”. So quite a lot.
The winner of the inaugural ‘Most Family Friendly Airline’ award went to Air Canada.
“We are thrilled to be recognized with the inaugural Skytrax award for Most Family Friendly Airline! Air Canada takes pride in connecting family and loved ones through travel where celebrations and life-long memories are made,” Air Canada Chief Executive Officer Michael Rousseau said.
“We’re continuing to introduce still more family-focussed initiatives through our onboard products, services and Aeroplan Family Sharing, and we look forward to welcoming even more families onboard throughout our global network.”
Already heavily present in Sydney and Brisbane, Air Canada also wants to bring back non-stop services between Melbourne and Vancouver.
Following Air Canada among the top ten performers in the category were Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Etihad Airways, EVA Air and British Airways.
That’s entertainment
Elsewhere, the award for World’s Best Inflight Entertainment went to Cathay Pacific.
This award recognises airlines delivering the best choice and quality of inflight entertainment, “from the choice and currency of movies, TV programmes, music and games through to the availability and functionality of onboard wi-fi”.
“We place immense importance on bringing our customers content and experiences they enjoy and value,” Cathay Pacific Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said.
“We would like to thank everyone who voted for us for the World’s Best Inflight Entertainment award, and we look forward to sharing our award-winning experience with all our customers onboard.”
Following Cathay in the entertainment category were Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, JetBlue Airways and Air France.
Qantas finished just outside the top ten in 11th position, while Air New Zealand placed 14th in the category.
Click here for more on the awards.
