AirlineRatings.com, which regularly reviews carriers around the world, has recently released its list of top 10 airlines for 2017, to let flyers know which ones excel in offering safety, comfort and service in the sky, and are able to maximise their profits at the same time.

According to the rating agency, the airline that shows “exceptional performance” is Air New Zealand.

Winning the “airline of the year” award for the fourth time in a row, the Kiwi airline bested other carriers for its exemplary financial performance, in-flight innovations, operational safety, environmental leadership and motivation of its staff.

“In our objective analysis, Air New Zealand came out number one in virtually all of our audit criteria, which is an exceptional performance,” said AirlineRatings.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas.

Also worthy of high praises are other airlines that comprise the rest of the top ten list for 2017: Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic/Virgin Australia, British Airways, Etihad Airways, All Nippon Airways, Eva Air and Lufthansa.

AirlineRatings picked the top ten airlines using four major international industry and government audits and nine key criteria, including fleet age, passenger review ratings, profitability, investment rating and key product offerings.

“In our objective analysis Air New Zealand came out number one in virtually all of our audit criteria, which is an exceptional performance,” said AirlineRatings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas. The airline has won the title for the fourth time in a row.

Following this criteria, the Best First Class Award went to Etihad Airways for the third time. “Etihad’s commitment to excellence appears to know no bounds. The airline’s new first class and business blass offerings are quite stunning and have set the bar even higher in luxury travel,” said Thomas.

The ‘Best Business Class’ title was won by Virgin Australia, which according to AirlineRatings.com, is more “first class than business class.” If you prefer flying economy, according to the website, you will get the best value for money with Singapore Airlines.

Virgin Australia, Virgin Atlantic and Virgin America won the award for ‘Best Cabin Crew’, while Qantus won ‘Best Catering’, as well as the ‘Best Lounges ‘category. Emirates was on the list of winners for having the best in-flight entertainment.

AirlineRatings.com‘s top 10 airlines for 2017:

1. Air New Zealand

2. Qantas

3. Singapore Airlines

4. Cathay Pacific

5. Virgin Atlantic/Virgin Australia

6. British Airways

7. Etihad Airways

8. All Nippon Airways

9. Eva Air

10. Lufthansa

 
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