In the annual ranking of the world’s best airlines, Singapore Airlines was ranked top for the 26th straight year. As one of the world’s oldest airlines, Singapore is also the best when it comes to the size of its aircraft. And with the largest wide-body plane, Qatar Airways is in the lead, too. Read on to find out why. Here are the top airlines, according to Travel Describe readers.
Air Canada
Canada‘s flag carrier, Air Canada, is a leader in the global airline industry, serving more than 40 million passengers annually. With headquarters in Montreal, it is one of the world’s 20 largest airlines. Founded in 1937, Air Canada operates transcontinental routes and also operates seasonal flights to the Caribbean and Central America. While it is one of Canada’s most recognizable brands, the airline also flies domestically to smaller Canadian cities and serves over 50 million passengers annually.
The company is also popular in Europe, with flights from Toronto to Tokyo every single day of the month. The flight lasts thirteen hours and 20 minutes, and fares start at $892. In addition, Air Canada flies to London 112 times each month, making it one of the most affordable airlines for European travelers. Air Canada also flies to Lima, Peru, and London 112 times a month.
Depending on the destination, Air Canada’s various booking classes vary. From Basic, Standard, and Flex to Comfort and Premium Economy, it caters to all budgets. It also operates a budget airline, Air Canada Rouge, which offers affordable flights to vacation spots in Europe and South America. The airline’s wide-body aircraft, meanwhile, will all have onboard Wi-Fi, making it one of the best international airlines for internet surfing.
Etihad Airways
Based in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways is the flag carrier airline of the United Arab Emirates. It serves numerous destinations around the world with over 1,000 weekly flights. This airline has won numerous awards and was named the world’s leading airline in 2013. Its planes are equipped with massage facilities, in-flight entertainment, and flatbed seats for added comfort. Its customers can choose the best seats for their needs.
In Business Class, Etihad Airways offers dine-on-demand service wherein flight attendants prepare restaurant-style food and serve it to the passengers. Flight attendants welcome passengers with a complimentary drink from the onboard bar. They also serve a ramekin of nuts and other snacks. The selection of food and drinks is extensive and features both Western and Arabic cuisine. Its food is renowned for its superior quality, and many passengers have said that the meal service was exceptional.
In addition to its top-level position, Etihad is an affordable airline that has earned a reputation for reliability, comfort, and safety. As a result, it has won numerous awards including World’s Leading Airline, Customer Experience, and Inflight Entertainment. Its flights are convenient and comfortable, and its extensive network of connections will meet even the most demanding traveler’s needs. If you are planning a holiday, consider flying with Etihad Airways.
Singapore Airlines
Despite its premium positioning, Singapore Airlines is among the cheapest and most environmentally friendly international airlines. The company spends less than half its budget on the cost of labor compared to competitors. Instead, it spends about 40% of its total budget on training and development, 30% on revising processes, and 20% on new products and services. The result is a high level of efficiency and reduced cost. SIA’s environmental focus has translated to lower costs and better customer service.
Among the other criteria used in this ranking include the length of the flight. Singapore has the world’s longest flight, a 19-hour trip from Singapore to Newark. It is followed by All Nippon Airways (No. 7), which recently added the largest wide-body aircraft in the world. Its newer aircraft, the A380, features a first-class suite. The company has a proud history of taking advantage of its geographic location, including the use of satellite communications.
As a leading international airline, Singapore has won numerous awards for its service and safety record. This is due in part to its fleet size: 180 aircraft, plus a budget carrier arm, Scoot. The network spans 110 destinations. And, if you’re looking for a cheap flight to Singapore, you can count on Singapore Airlines to deliver. And, with more than a decade of history behind them, they’ve proven themselves to be the best choice for many travelers.
Turkish Airlines
If you want to fly business class, Turkish Airlines has you covered. You can enjoy 15-cm-reclining seats, an extra 79 cm of legroom, and head and foot support. In addition to these premium amenities, Turkish Airlines’ business class seats feature reading lamps and power units. You can even screen off your personal area to keep you and your belongings separate. During your flight, you’ll have plenty of free Wi-Fi and other amenities to keep you comfortable.
The new Boeing 737 MAX 9 is the latest addition to Turkish Airlines’ fleet and offers more space for passengers and huge luggage compartments. The crew also adheres to strict safety measures. No matter how many people board the plane, the staff is dedicated to making sure they’re safe and comfortable. You’ll be looked after on Turkish Airlines, and there’s no need to wait in long lines for check-in. Of course, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to the food and beverage service. But all in all, Turkish Airlines is one of the best international airlines.
In addition to being named one of the best international airlines, Turkish Airlines has been honoured with numerous awards. In the 2012 Skytrax World Airline Awards, the Turkish airline was voted “Best Airline in Europe and Southern Europe” for the second time in a row. In addition, Turkish Airlines’ Comfort Class seats received the “Best Premium Economy Class Airline Seat” award. The airline is also one of the top international airports, allowing passengers to reach more than 60 destinations within three hours.
Cathay Pacific is one of the oldest airlines in the world
The airline began flying in the United States in 1919. The airline’s business grew quickly and it became one of the oldest international airlines in the world. In 1981, Cathay Pacific carried more than 3 million passengers and 97 million kilograms of cargo on its flights. The airline began flying six 747s, which are big enough to fly nonstop between New York and London. The airline also added Vancouver, Canada, to its international routes in 1983. Vancouver was added to the airline’s international schedule, and it became home to the largest Chinese community abroad.
Founded in 1946, Cathay Pacific Airways was owned by Australian and American businessmen Sydney H de Kantzow and Roy C. Farrell. The airline was originally based in Shanghai, but its head office is in Hong Kong. Its subsidiaries have scheduled flights to 190 destinations in 60 countries. The airline operates a fleet of Airbus A320s and A321neos, as well as two models of Boeing 747.
The airline is Hong Kong-based and offers scheduled passenger flights and cargo services to over 120 destinations worldwide. Its fleet of 130 wide-body aircraft flies to destinations in Asia, North America, Australia, Europe, and Africa. The airline is a founding member of the Oneworld global alliance. Currently, the airline employs about 32,400 people. If you are looking for a cheap flight, Cathay Pacific is the airline for you.
After the first century, Cathay Pacific suffered losses. These losses increased over the next few years, and the company had to buy new aircraft to survive. The London-based P & O shipping company bought a 31.2 percent stake in the airline and made Captain Kenneth Steele the flight superintendent. Senior engineer Jack Gething took over the Hong Kong Aviation Engineering Company, which was in charge of airplane maintenance.
Qatar Airways has the largest wide-body plane in the world
Founded in 1988, Qatar Airways is one of the world’s youngest airlines. The average age of its aircraft is five years, and its fleet consists of a mix of wide-body Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Its Boeing 777 fleet features luxurious seats, delectable dining options, and award-winning crew members. The airline has also added more Boeing 777 freighters to its fleet to meet growing cargo needs.
A flight in Qatar Airways’ A380 features the largest wide-body plane in the world. This aircraft is equipped with three classes of seating: First, Business, and Economy. Each seat is fully reclinable and converts into a bed in the sky. You can stay connected to the Internet and use your laptop, or simply enjoy the in-flight entertainment. Every seat also comes with a power source, so you can work or play your favorite game while you’re on board.
Airbus and Boeing are rivals in the market for wide-body airplanes. Airbus is the largest supplier of commercial aircraft, and its rival, Boeing, has over 95 Boeing planes in its fleet. This includes 48 777-300 ERs, 30 787-8s, and nine 777-200LRs. The airline has also signed a letter of intent to purchase sixty 737 MAX 8s.
With a record-breaking order for its 777X wide-body plane, Boeing is confident that its 77X freighter can meet Qatar Airways’ needs. The company said the deal is the largest ever made for cargo planes. Qatar Airways also placed an option to buy sixteen additional 777X freighters. Qatar Airways is paying $30 billion for the aircraft, at list prices. With the massive order for the freighter, the company hopes to meet its delivery schedule in the next two decades.
ANA is one of the oldest airlines in the world
ANA is one of the world’s oldest airlines and has operated flights for over 70 years. In addition to flying domestically, ANA flies internationally as well, operating flights to 77 different countries. ANA’s flights can be booked through ANA’s website, with seats starting at $600. The airline is known for its outstanding customer service and world-class facilities. ANA also offers an extensive first-class lounge, which is located at Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport.
ANA is the eighth largest airline by IATA, with flights to 22 destinations in ten countries. While operating an extensive international network, ANA has its roots in its home country, operating more than 800 flights a day to Japan, representing close to 50 percent of the domestic market. ANA prides itself on its attention to detail and strives to provide the best possible air travel experience for business travelers. While ANA continues to expand internationally, it maintains its domestic reputation.
The airline is also committed to the safety of its passengers. ANA Travel Ready services will allow passengers to check in online and upload necessary travel documents prior to departure. Passengers may also opt for ANA Travel Ready when flying to the U.S. and Europe. The list of required travel documents varies by destination, so make sure to check the ANA website frequently for updates. It will also notify passengers of any changes.
In 1923, Colombian immigrants founded Avianca, a regional airline that started international flights in Barranquilla. They initially operated Junkers F13 aircraft with floats. They expanded their operations through passenger and mail services and later introduced Boeing 747s and a fleet of modern aircraft. However, their early days were filled with mishaps. The airline was a victim of a mass hijacking and lost its captain in the 1970s. The airline was later renamed Canadian Airlines, and modernized and rebranded.
