The world’s best airlines in 2023

There’s a new operator at the top of the rankings – with Britain’s flag carrier missing out on the top 15

Which airline took top prize? (Getty Images)

Air New Zealand has been named as the best airline in the world for 2023.

The Antipodean carrier took the top spot due to “its cabin innovation of beds for economy class passengers on its new 787s, passenger service and rapid recovery from Covid disruptions”, according to aviation safety and product rating organisation AirlineRatings.com.

The airline’s “Skynest” sleep pods, which are beds stacked three bunks high, are set to launch in 2024.

The latest rankings saw Qatar Airways, which picked up the award in 2021 and 2022, drop into second place, although it did pick up prizes for offering the best business class experience and best catering.

The UK’s flag carrier, British Airways, was ranked 17^th best in the world.

Geoffrey Thomas, editor-in-chief of AirlineRatings.com, said that Air New Zealand’s “commitment to the economy passenger and on long haul offers more comfort options than any other airline”.

Travellers began flying again in larger numbers in 2022 following two years of severely hampered plans due to the Covid pandemic.

But there was widespread disruption as passengers returned to a shrunken industry, with cancelled flights, issues around staffing and record numbers of lost luggage, all of which influenced decisions in choosing this year’s strongest airlines.

“We are focused on leadership and airlines that innovate to make a real difference to the passenger experience,” said Mr Thomas.

“Of course, right now the airline industry is under unprecedented pressure as it strives to recover from the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with significant disruptions to passengers.”

In third place was Etihad Airways, which also won the Best Environmental Airlines Award for its “Greenliner” programme, designed to test new eco-friendly technologies.

Korean Air and Singapore Airlines rounded out the top five.

The world’s best airlines

1. Air New Zealand
2. Qatar Airways
3. Etihad Airways
4. Korean Air
5. Singapore Airlines
6. Qantas
7. Virgin Australia/Virgin Atlantic
8. EVA Air
9. Cathay Pacific Airways
10. Emirates
11. Lufthansa/Swiss
12. SAS
13. TAP Portugal
14. All Nippon Airways
15. Delta Air Lines
16. Air Canada
17. British Airways
18. Jet Blue
19. JAL
20. Vietnam Airlines
21. Turkish Airlines
22. Hawaiian
23. KLM
24. Alaska Airlines
25. United Airlines