Let’s talk about the best airlines in the world for 2024. Your choice of airline can make a big difference in your travel experience. It’s important to pick airlines known for good customer service, comfort, and dependability. We’re going to look at top airlines based on their 2024 Awards, performance, customer service, and many other criteria. Let’s discover what makes these airlines the best and why passengers around the world love them. With this information, you’ll be able to make smart choices and improve your travel experiences.

• Safety record
• On-time performance
• Comfort and amenities (such as seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, and food)
• Service (including customer service and the attitude of the staff)
• Frequent flyer programs and loyalty rewards
• Network and route offerings
• Price competitiveness
• Environmental and sustainability practices
• In-flight technology and connectivity
• Awards and recognition in the industry

Based on the 2024 recognitions and awards highlighted, it appears that Qatar Airways might have an edge in being one of the best airlines in 2024. Here’s why:

1. APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award: This prestigious award was presented to the Qatar Airways Group CEO H.E. Akbar Al Baker, recognizing his relentless pursuit of excellence and his contributions to setting industry standards. The award also acknowledged his role in enhancing the passenger experience for Qatar Airways.
2. 2024 APEX World Class: Qatar Airways is one of the airlines recognized in this category, which is the premier success category of air travel. This award highlights airlines that excel in customer service, service quality, safety, and health control initiatives.
3. APEX Best In Airline Awards: Qatar Airways won the Best Food and Beverage category, further demonstrating their commitment to passenger service and experience. The Group CEO H.E. Akbar Al Baker also accepted the Best in Entertainment Award in the Middle East for Qatar Airways.

While other airlines have also received significant awards, the combination of recognitions for Qatar Airways, along with the Lifetime Achievement Award for its CEO, indicates a strong and consistent commitment to excellent service and passenger experience. This suggests that Qatar Airways could potentially be the best airline in 2024.

Qatar Airways is the national airline of Qatar. The airline was founded in 1993 by the government of Qatar and began operations in 1997 with a route between Doha and Dubai. Since then, the airline has grown rapidly and flies to over 160 destinations worldwide.

In the early years, Qatar Airways primarily focused on expanding its route network within the Middle East. However, in the 2000s, the airline began to expand its international reach, with destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

In 2007, Qatar Airways became a member of the OneWorld airline alliance, which gave the airline access to a global network of partner airlines and airports.

In 2013, Qatar Airways was named Airline of the Year by Skytrax, the leading airline and airport review and ranking website, and it has been consistently ranked among the top airlines in the world.

In 2017, Qatar Airways’ CEO announced the airline would launch flights to Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, Buenos Aires, and Sao Paulo, which would make Qatar Airways the first Gulf carrier to fly to South America.

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline was forced to reduce its operations and temporarily suspend flights to certain destinations. However, Qatar Airways has since resumed some of its flights and continues to adapt to the changing travel landscape.

Overall, Qatar Airways has established a reputation as a high-quality airline that provides excellent service and a wide range of destinations to travelers.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) is the flag carrier of the Republic of Singapore and one of the world’s leading airlines, It is considered to be the best airline in the world in 2023, according to multiple sources and criteria. Also based on the various ratings, Singapore Airlines is on the top of the list of the best airlines in the world for 2024.

Launched in 1972, SIA has built a reputation for exceptional service, innovation, and an unparalleled travel experience. Singapore Airlines’ roots can be traced back to 1947 when Malayan Airways Limited (MAL) was formed. In 1963, with the formation of Malaysia, the airline was renamed Malaysian Airways. In 1966, after Singapore’s separation from Malaysia, the airline was renamed Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA). In 1972, MSA split into two separate entities: Malaysian Airlines System (now Malaysia Airlines) and Singapore Airlines.

SIA has since focused on innovation, investing in new aircraft, and expanding its global network. The airline was the first to fly the Boeing 747-300, Airbus A340-500, and Airbus A380. It has also won numerous awards, including “World’s Best Airline” by Skytrax multiple times, including the very last update in 2023.

Singapore Airlines operates a global network of routes, serving more than 60 countries across six continents. Its primary hub is at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). The airline has a strong presence in Southeast Asia, South Asia, East Asia, and Australia. It also operates long-haul flights to Europe, North America, and Africa.

Some key destinations include London, New York, Los Angeles, Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Johannesburg. SIA also has codeshare agreements with various airlines, further expanding its network.

Air New Zealand reclaimed the top spot in AirlineRatings.com’s 2024 ranking, known for its excellent safety record and innovative in-flight experiences. The airline was first established in 1940 as Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL), a joint venture between the governments of New Zealand and Australia. TEAL operated flights between the two countries using flying boats.

Photo by Masakatsu Ukon via Flicker

Air New Zealand’s Global Reach

• Flies to over 20 domestic and 30 international destinations across 18 countries, primarily around the Pacific Rim.
• Operates through three main hubs: Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington.
• Offers popular routes to Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia, and even North America.

Air New Zealand’s Safety

• Consistently ranked as one of the safest airlines globally, holding the top spot in AirlineRatings.com’s 2024 ranking.
• Strong focus on training, maintenance, and operational excellence.
• Innovative safety initiatives like the world’s first commercial trial of wearable fatigue detectors for pilots.

About Air New Zealand

In 1965, the airline changed its name to Air New Zealand and began operating jet aircraft. In the following years, the airline expanded its route network to include destinations in Asia, the Pacific, and North America.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Air New Zealand developed a strong reputation for its innovative marketing campaigns and in-flight service. The airline also established a strong presence in the Pacific market, becoming one of the leading airlines in the region.

In 2000, Air New Zealand merged with Ansett Australia, which expanded the airline’s network to include more destinations in Australia.

In 2011, Air New Zealand was named Airline of the Year by Air Transport World, an industry magazine, and it has been consistently ranked among the top airlines in the world.

In recent years, Air New Zealand has focused on expanding its long-haul route network, launching new flights to destinations such as Houston, Buenos Aires, and Chicago. The airline also placed a significant order for new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to replace its older Boeing 747s and 777s.

ANA, or All Nippon Airways, is one of the largest airlines in Japan and one of the world’s leading airlines. The airline was founded in 1952 and today operates a large domestic and international network, with its main hub located at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport.

In addition to its passenger airline business, ANA also operates several subsidiary companies, including ANA Wings (regional airline), Vanilla Air (low-cost airline), and Air Japan (charter airline). ANA is also a member of the Star Alliance, a global airline alliance that allows customers to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles across multiple airlines.

ANA operates a modern fleet of aircraft, with a focus on fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability. The airline offers a range of classes, including Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First, with in-flight entertainment and dining options available on many flights.

ANA has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including being named the world’s best airport service and best airline staff service in Asia by Skytrax in 2021. The airline is also known for its commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Emirates is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is based in Dubai. The airline was founded in 1985 by the government of Dubai with the backing of the royal family. The airline started with just two aircraft flying to just three destinations.

In the following years, Emirates rapidly expanded its route network, adding new destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. The airline also invested heavily in new aircraft, becoming one of the largest operators of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s in the world.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Emirates established itself as a major player in the global airline industry, winning numerous awards and accolades for its service and amenities.

In 2003, Emirates joined the global airline alliance SkyTeam.

In 2013, Emirates was named Airline of the Year by Skytrax, the leading airline and airport review and ranking website.

In recent years, Emirates has continued to expand its route network and fleet, launching new flights to destinations such as Santiago, Panama City, and Mexico City. The airline has also invested in new technologies such as the Boeing 777X and the Airbus A380neo.

Qantas Airways, or Qantas for short, is the flag carrier airline of Australia and one of the largest and oldest airlines in the world. The airline was founded in 1920 and today operates an extensive domestic and international network, with its main hub located in Sydney.

Qantas operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including Boeing and Airbus models, and offers a range of classes, including Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First. The airline is known for its focus on safety, with a strong safety record and an emphasis on continuous safety improvements.

In addition to its core passenger airline business, Qantas also operates several subsidiary companies, including QantasLink (regional airline), Jetstar (low-cost airline), and Qantas Freight (cargo division).

Qantas is a member of the Oneworld airline alliance and has codeshare agreements with several other airlines. The airline has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including being named the world’s safest airline by AirlineRatings.com for several years running, and is rated as a 5-star airline by Skytrax.

Japan Airlines (JAL) is the flag carrier airline of Japan and one of the largest airlines in Asia. The company operates a fleet of more than 230 aircraft and serves more than 90 destinations worldwide. It is a member of the OneWorld alliance, which includes other major airlines such as American Airlines, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific.

JAL was founded in 1951 and became the national airline of Japan in 1953. The airline has had a turbulent history, with a major bankruptcy in 2010 that resulted in a government bailout and restructuring of the company. However, JAL has since regained profitability and has focused on improving its customer experience and expanding its network.

JAL offers a variety of classes for its passengers, including First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy. In First Class, passengers can enjoy spacious seats, personal entertainment screens, and a gourmet menu created by Michelin-starred chefs. Business Class passengers also have access to comfortable seats, as well as priority boarding and baggage handling.

JAL is known for its high level of customer service, with flight attendants trained in the traditional Japanese hospitality known as Omotenashi. The airline also offers a frequent flyer program called JAL Mileage Bank, which allows members to earn and redeem miles for flights and other rewards.

In recent years, JAL has focused on expanding its international network, particularly in the Americas. The airline has also invested in new technology, including a partnership with Boom Supersonic to develop a new supersonic aircraft that could travel from Tokyo to San Francisco in just 6 hours.

2024 APEX AWARD WINNERS:

• Delta Air Lines – Innovation Award for Best Inflight Connectivity 
• FlightPath3D – Innovation Award for Best Inflight Entertainment

2024 APEX/IFSA AWARD WINNER: 

• ‎Delta Flight Products – Innovation Award for Best Cabin

2024 IFSA AWARD WINNERS: 

• SriLankan Airlines – Best Inflight Food or Beverage 
• ‎Emirates – Best Onboard Amenity 

Other Top Airlines in the world:

• Cathay Pacific
• Virgin Atlantic
• United Airlines
• EVA Air
• British Airways
• Lufthansa
• Finnair
• KLM
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Alaska Airlines
• Virgin Australia
• Etihad Airways

Singapore Airlines: A Customer Service Champion

Singapore Airlines has earned a reputation for its outstanding customer service, consistently receiving accolades for its efforts. Among these, the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards has crowned Singapore Airlines as the Best Airline in the World six times in a row. The airline’s staff are renowned for their warm, attentive approach, ensuring that passengers feel comfortable and well-cared for. In addition, Singapore Airlines provides an array of amenities to enhanc