Air New Zealand has been named the best airline in the world for the third consecutive year.
The Auckland-based airline received the award from AirlineRatings.com – a website that rates carriers on safety and in-flight experience – beating the likes of Qantas, Etihad Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
The Airline was awarded for its in-flight innovations, record-breaking financial performance, operational safety and environmental leadership
The national airline of New Zealand was also awarded the Best Premium Economy Class and Best Economy Class.
Geoffrey Thomas, Airline ratings .com Editor-in-Chief, said that Air New Zealand was an airline of first choice and given the airline’s location and the country’s size, its performance was stunning.
Thomas said that Air New Zealand’s focus on its staff had resulted in outstanding performance right across the airline at every touch point, adding that the airline’s innovation continued to impress, including the recently launched tracking of unaccompanied children.
Australian flag carrier Qantas Airways rose two spots to second after coming in fourth last year, while Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways rounded out the top three.