For most of us, flying an airplane is a rather rare enjoyable experience. Stuffy and crowded flights, unhealthy food and elusive flight attendants can often make a flight feel more like an ordeal than the miraculous miracle it is supposed to be (after all, you are flying through the clouds in a "giant metal bird").
But flying shouldn't be an uncomfortable burden. This list brings together some of the world's most luxurious airlines - airlines that make travel more than a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
You may ask, "What makes an airline luxurious?" How about fully reclining champagne and caviar seats served immediately after boarding the plane. Or perhaps you'd rather book a room - actually three rooms - where you'll have your own butler and a sophisticated chef? How about a free limousine transfer or Giorgio Armani toiletries on board the airliner?
These services, which will impress anyone, are offered by the world's most luxurious airlines! So if you have thousands of dollars to shell out for a flight across the sky, then you can become someone who can appreciate services so high that even the Ritz-Carlton looks like a regular hotel by comparison.
25. United Airlines (USA)
Expanding since 2010 with the merger with Continental Airlines, United Airlines is ranked 25th on our list of the most luxurious airlines.
United GlobalFirst's top-class saloons, with two-meter suites that transform into full beds (with a duvet) and varied cuisine (with cheese and afternoon liqueur), deserve this place, although, admittedly, pale in comparison to some of the most luxury airlines are listed on this list.
24. Air China (China)
Chinese carrier Air China offers first class passengers a "Forbidden Pavilion" with eight individual luxury compartments. The pavilion offers passengers 10 different lighting options, each of which creates an atmosphere ideal for different phases of the flight.
All First Class passengers can take advantage of a complimentary limousine ride upon arrival, as well as pajamas and slippers during the flight. In addition, passengers receive gift sets from the French cosmetics company L "Occitane, which include lotion and a sleep mask.
23. Asiana Airlines (Republic of Korea)
One of the two largest South Korean airlines, Asiana Airlines offers 5 service classes: one economy class, two business class and two first class, including suites.
Flaunting the largest individual 32-inch TVs on our list, each First Class suite also features a personal minibar and starry sky projection lighting to help the passenger fall asleep.
22. Garuda Indonesia (Indonesia)
Garuda Indonesia is Indonesia's national carrier and one of the most luxurious airlines in the world.
Ranked by Skytrax (an influential airline and airport service provider) of 5 stars (the highest), the airline is renowned for its Immigration On Board service (obtaining an Indonesian visa while in flight) and large first class seats. (almost 2 meters).
Garuda Indonesia's flight attendants were also named the best in the world in 2015 ("The World's Best Cabin Crew"), according to Skytrax passenger surveys.
21. Japan Airlines (Japan)
Bringing a Japanese expression to high-quality service, Japan Airlines offers passengers fully reclining seats and even 23-inch individual televisions in the Sky Suite seats.
As the second largest airline in Japan, Japan Airlines has partnered with renowned chef Seiji Yamamoto to create a menu that includes special meals that can be ordered in advance and served during the flight.
20. Delta Air Lines (USA)
Delta One, Delta Air Lines' flagship service, is a delight for any flying foodie.
Master sommelier Andrea Robinson combines fine dining with fine wines that are served to passengers throughout the flight.
Lumbar cushions and freshly brewed Starbucks coffee are also available for Delta One passengers. But even that kind of service pales in comparison to the top-ranked airlines on our list.
19. Thai Airlines (Thailand)
Thais are renowned for their hospitality, and Thai Airlines' on-board service proves that once again.
Passengers in the Royal Fest cabin begin their flight with a glass of champagne and caviar. During a flight lasting 6 hours or more, passengers are offered pajamas, slippers and an eye mask.
And to ensure that Thai Airlines customers experience the ultimate in luxury before boarding, Royal First passengers are entitled to a full body massage or Thai massage when leaving Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport.
18. Kenya Airways (Kenya)
A former winner of the "World's Leading Airline - Business Class" award from the World Travel Awards (now our number 10 airline), Kenya Airways continues to delight its passengers with excellent service. aboard airliners.
In addition to the standard, fully reclining seats, great food and wine pairing in the First Class cabin, even Economy Class passengers can enjoy complimentary alcoholic beverages.
17. Air Seychelles (Seychelles)
Seychelles is a luxury vacation destination and their national airline reflects the same values. One of the services offered to Air Seychelles passengers is to arrange for a luxury yacht charter upon arrival in the islands.
16. Air New Zealand (New Zealand)
Air New Zealand has revolutionized air travel with its SkyCouch seats in Economy Class. The seats feature retractable armrests and lift-up footrests that, when leveled, create a flat surface that you can lie on. Economy class has even been nicknamed the "hug class".
For those willing to pay a little more for the flight, the Business Premier class offers the longest compartments of any business class and an ottoman for the legs that can serve as additional passenger space.
15. American Airlines (USA)
The world leader in the size of the passenger fleet, American Airlines has recently become an increasingly active player.
The Flagship Suites, which are equipped on all Boeing 777-300ER super-long flights, offer in-flight wine tasting, bedtime preparation (complete with pajamas) and a swivel chair that allows passengers to create their own workspace. to stay connected even during the flight.
14. Oman Air (Oman)
Winner of the World Travel Awards 2015 in the "World's Leading Airline - Economy Class" category, Oman Air also won the "World's Leading Business Class Airport" award for lounge area at the capital airport (Muscat).
The airline is special among most airlines with a record zero fatalities and accidents.
First class passengers can benefit from a limousine transfer service as well as an eight-point massage system built into the seat.
13. Swiss International Air Lines (Switzerland)
The subsidiary of the German airline Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, is known for the fact that all passengers on most flights are treated to Swiss chocolate.
The successor to Swiss air carrier Swissair, the airline also offers advance booking of cake, champagne or red wine as a surprise on board.
First class passengers can use the pajamas of the Swiss company Zimmerli of Switzerland, as well as toiletries from the luxury brand La Prairie.
12. Qantas Airways (Australia)
As the name suggests, it might sound like Qantas Airways is a Middle Eastern airline, but no - it's Australia's largest airline.
Its name is an abbreviation of the original name - Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services (Queensland and Northern Territories air transportation), although in everyday life the airline was nicknamed "flying kangaroo".
Each first-class seat on an international flight is more like a personal cabin equipped with an electronically controlled bed and a sheepskin mattress. Flying gourmets can go for a menu consisting of dishes of eight national cuisines.
11. Lufthansa (Germany)
The largest airline in Europe, Lufthansa demonstrates perfectly that German simplicity and efficiency can be the key to the airline's highest qualifications in providing luxury services.
First class passengers departing from Frankfurt Airport can use their own terminal, with a staff of 200 serving 300 passengers every day. To board the plane, passengers are brought to the airliner in Mercedes Benz S- or V-class cars, or in a Porsche Cayenne or Panamera.
10. Hainan Airlines (China)
Little-known airline Hainan Airlines received the World's Leading Airline - Business Class award for the second time in a row in 2015. It also received the award for the best in-flight service.
Business class passengers are offered a bedside down service (including a silk blanket) and a wide range of teas.
9. Virgin Atlantic Airways (UK)
The brainchild of Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Atlantic Airways, along with other Virgin airlines, brings a little fun to air travel.
In addition to chic onboard chatting bars, this luxury airline offers express check-in, so Upper Class passengers can visit the SPA before their flight. Have we already talked about the massage sessions that are offered on board the plane? ..
8. All Nippon Airways (Japan)
The All Nippon Airways (ANA) first class cabin is more like a train compartment. Equipped with a built-in wardrobe, each compartment is also equipped with international telephone communication, providing passengers with the opportunity to be almost completely distracted from the world around them.
7. Korean Air (Republic of Korea)
Korean Air's new Kosmo Suites are cocoons among the first class compartments, providing passengers with maximum privacy.
Passengers can visit the "Celestial Bar" which gives the impression of being the newest chic Chelsea Bar just opened.
Korean Air has been nominated for the "World's Leading Airline - First Class" award along with American Airlines, leaving six more luxurious airlines in the world on our list.
6. British Airways (UK)
There are two things that the British love the most - the queen and the tea time. And although it will hardly be possible to see the Queen of Great Britain on a British Airways flight in the near future, you can be sure that afternoon tea will still be served to you, even at an altitude of 11,000 meters.
First Class passengers departing from London Heathrow Airport and New York John F Kennedy International Airport can enjoy a luxurious facial or relaxing massage before their flight.
5. Qatar Airways (Qatar)
One of only seven airlines rated five-star by Skytrax (along with # 23, 22, 10, 8, 3 and 2), Qatar Airways brings Middle Eastern hospitality to the airline industry.
If, in order to impress you, a business lounge the size of ten Olympic pools is not enough, we add that on board the aircraft passengers receive a gift set of products from Giorgio Armani.
4. Emirates Airlines (UAE)
As one of the world's leading luxury airlines flying across the skies, Emirates Airlines is truly one step up when it comes to flight comfort.
From Bvlgari toiletries to spa showers and bars and lounges, Emirates Airlines knows how to delight its wealthy customers.
And for those who have not yet figured out what kind of airline it is, we add that food will be served to you on bone china plates from Royal Doulton, and there you will be cutlery from Robert Welch. Sounds incredible.
3. Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong)
The luxurious Cathay Pacific First Class cabin is more like an art gallery. Artists Maria Lobo and Linda Leviton have created sculptures that are displayed in the ship's showroom.
Combined with an ottoman that allows another first-class passenger to join you, the arrangement of the compartments makes your in the cabin more like sitting in an Indian cafe than flying on an airplane.
2. Singapore Airlines (Singapore)
Once in the Singapore Airlines suite, the first thing you should do is change into the (provided) comfy pajamas and slippers.
After settling in, look out for the design by French luxury yacht interior designer Jean-Jacques Coste, while your seat is upholstered in the leather of Italian furniture company Poltrona Frau.
The 23-inch LCD TV will keep you busy during the flight, and the suite's sliding doors that enclose the compartment provide as much privacy as you want.
1. Etihad Airways (UAE)
The pinnacle of luxury airline travel, Etihad Airways has everything a passenger could want on a flight.
Etihad Airways is a multiple winner of the World Travel Awards as World's Leading Airline in First Class Service, World's Leading Business Class Airline, World's Best Flight Attendants and even World's Leading Airline 2015 (title awarded for the seventh consecutive year).
Flying first class on Etihad Airways, you feel more like a first-class passenger compartment on the Orient Express.
Passengers wishing to dine in excess of $ 30,000 (on flights from New York to Abu Dhabi) can book "The Residence" - the very cream of comfort and high-quality service during the flight.
The cabins on the upper deck feature a double bed, living room, shower room and a professional butler (not to mention a sophisticated chef) to create the impression that you are staying in a luxury hotel, even if you are at the same time at an altitude of 12,000 meters above the ground.
Skytrax named the world's best airlines in 2017 and honored the winners at the World Airline Awards at the Paris Air Show.
Skytrax is a UK-based independent survey agency that polls 320 airlines worldwide. It is on the basis of these polls that she names the winners.
Skytrax surveys are independent and incorruptible.
Rating of the best airlines in the world 2017
1 Qatar Airways
2 Singapore Airlines
3 ANA All Nippon Airways
4 Emirates
5 Cathay Pacific
6 EVA Air
7 Lufthansa
8 Etihad Airways
9 Hainan Airlines
10 Garuda Indonesia
11 Thai Airways
12 Turkish Airlines
13 Virgin Australia
14 Swiss Int'l Air Lines
15 Qantas Airways
16 Japan Airlines
17 Austrian
18 Air France
19 Air New Zealand
20 Asiana Airlines
21 Bangkok Airways
22 KLM
23 China Southern
24 Hong Kong Airlines
25 Finnair
26 AirAsia
27 Cathay Dragon
28 Norwegian
29 Air Canada
30 Aeroflot
31 Malaysia Airlines
32 Delta Air Lines
33 Virgin Atlantic
34 Korean Air
35 China Airlines
36 Alaska Airlines
37 Aegean Airlines
38 Aer Lingus
39 jetBlue Airways
40 British Airways
41 easyJet
42 Iberia
43 Virgin America
44 Jetstar Airways
45 AirAsiaX
46 Air Astana
47 Vietnam Airlines
48 Ethiopian Airlines
49 South African Airways
50 Avianca
51 Saudi Arabian Airlines
52 Azul Brazilian
53 Oman Air
54 Southwest Airlines
55 Porter Airlines
56 SilkAir
57 Indigo
58 WestJet
59 LATAM
60 Scoot
61 Jetstar Asia
62 TAP Air Portugal
63 Alitalia
64 Eurowings
65 SAS Scandinavian
66 Thomson Airways
67 Philippine Airlines
68 Brussels Airlines
69 Copa Airlines
70 Air Transat
71 Azerbaijan Airlines
72 China Eastern
73 Jet Airways
74 American Airlines
75 Fiji Airways
76 Ryanair
77 Air Mauritius
78 United Airlines
79 LOT Polish
80 Air Seychelles
81 SriLankan Airlines
82 Icelandair
83 Juneyao Airlines
84 Gulf Air
85 Air Berlin
86 Hawaiian Airlines
87 American Eagle Airlines
88 Vueling
89 Air Nostrum
90 Tigerair
91 Kenya Airways
92 Royal Brunei Airlines
93 Air Malta
94 Xiamen Airlines
95 S7 Airlines
96 Peach
97 Royal Air Maroc
98 Air China
99 Air Canada rouge
100 Aeromexico.
Rest in distant countries is good. But the question of transport often spoils all the raspberries, because sometimes it takes a very long time to get to the destination. In this case, if you do not want to spend several invaluable hours of your life in an uncomfortable position, you should only look for the best airlines in the world. In this we will help you today. So, here are the top ten air carriers according to tripadvisor.com users.
10. Garuda Indonesia
As the name suggests, Garuda Indonesia is the national airline of Indonesia. She is part of the SkyTeam alliance. What's great is that there are a lot of non-stop flights: about forty in domestic destinations and twenty international destinations. The company operates mainly in its region, but also offers flights to other parts of the world.
Its geography covers thirteen countries of the world: Oceania, Asia, the Near and Middle East and Europe. For those who do not want to spend too much, there are special economy flights. Interestingly, the airline has entire planes offering only economy class tickets. The air fleet also includes airliners with 2 administrative class cabins (analogous to business class) and three-cabin cars (economy, administrative, 1st class).
The hub airports of Garuda Indonesia are two international airports - Ngurah Rai (in Bali) and Sukarno Hatta (near Jakarta). In their country, they have the richest selection of flights, in some directions there are not even alternatives. Prices are generally above average.
Asian airlines are sometimes unpunctual, but Garuda is a welcome exception, which is very important, especially for business travel. If you are interested in which airlines are the best to fly in this region, you can safely choose the Indonesian option. You will receive great service, delicious food, fast check-in, the best perfectly polite staff and a movie on the road.
9. Alaska Airlines
Alaska is the seventh largest airline in the United States. It serves about a hundred destinations in its homeland and its neighbors - Mexico and Canada. About twenty destinations in Alaska alone. Four transport hubs in Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle and Anchorage. Most of the airline's aircraft have two classes of service: first and economy.
In the economy, modest snacks and drinks are free, and you will have to pay about $ 6-7 for food. You will have to pay separately for a luxury that is not available in many airlines - access to the Internet. The network is available from takeoff to landing (with the exception of only a few flights, for example, over the ocean to Hawaii). A special account is created for you, where money is deposited from the card, and these funds can be spent on access to the Internet.
If you have a long flight to Alaska Airlines, you can pay for renting a tablet with the latest movies and exciting games. Charging the gadget lasts for a long time, you can not be afraid that it will be discharged at the most inopportune moment. The air carrier has “client lounges” for first-class passengers in two dozen cities, as well as a loyalty program for regular customers. The staff is helpful, smiling, from check-in to boarding. In general, “Alaska” is included in the rating of the best airlines in the world for a reason.
8. Thai Smile
"Thai Smile" (translated from English. "Thai smile") is a daughter of Thai Airways International. Like Garuda Indonesia, it is a regional carrier. The two main airports for the airline are in Bangkok. Comfortable Airbus A320s are used to transport passengers. The seats in the cabin are arranged in such a way that even large passengers feel comfortable enough. Flight attendants are always ready to help, give others their charming Thai Smiles, are happy to help fill out visa applications and migration cards.
The airline's planes fly in domestic directions: Phuket, Chiang Mai, Songkla, Isan provinces, etc. THAI Smile is already expanding, you can buy tickets to Malaysia, China and Macau. Here, as in THAI Airways, regular customers join the Royal Orchid Plus program: they earn bonus miles and receive luggage allowances.
On a pleasant note, tickets can be decently cheaper than those of competitors. The difference can be $ 200, but you won't notice the difference in service or comfort. Even if your flight only lasts an hour, you will certainly be treated to juice and cake! Another worthy representative of the list of the best airlines in the world.
7. Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines, as the name implies, is Japan's largest air carrier. Here you will find flights, thanks to which you can fly non-stop to six dozen domestic and three dozen international destinations. Japan Airlines planes regularly fly to 5 parts of the world: Asia, Oceania, Europe, North and South America.
The airline has a wide range of aircraft classes: first class, executive, premium economy, special class J (economy, only with wide seats - the best choice for budget travel) and economy. Japan Airlines has two, three and four-cabin aircraft. The main airports of Japanese airlines are located in Tokyo and Narita.
Even in Economy Class, passengers will feel comfortable: they can watch a movie, get delicious food, and sit comfortably in a seat. Perfect service awaits you from the check-in counter to the flight deck. Airbuses are modern: you can even dim the windows of the porthole on your own with only touch control - the service is in the best Japanese traditions.
Spacious business class. Everywhere is clean, the toilets have everything you need, even toothbrushes. There are many entertainments, flying is not boring. The food is decent, especially the special meals ordered separately.
Registration is open three days in advance, with a personal purchase, you can choose seats, so if you book tickets through a travel agency, you may already get seats in the very tail.
6. Korean Air
South Korea's national (and largest) air carrier. The base is located in Seoul. With "Korean Air" you can fly directly, non-stop to hundreds of international airports almost all over the world. The Korean airline is part of the second largest SkyTeam alliance (Aeroflot is also a member).
Three classes of service are offered on board: economical, prestige (analogous to business class) and first. Transit hubs are located in Seoul and Incheon. So if you have a flight to Korea, the question of which airline is better to fly will disappear by itself.
Always comfortable interior, excellent conditions even in economy class and even over long distances. The staff are friendly and polite. There are several meals to choose from along the way, including authentic Korean food. Alcohol is poured for adults, toys are offered to children. They provide slippers, blankets, toothbrushes. On the built-in screen you can watch a movie with translation into Russian.
Why is the company not in the 1st place? Sometimes there are delays. But the large selection of duty-free on board and wine during turbulence keeps people flying Korean Air over and over again.
5. Air New Zealand
National airline of New Zealand, based in Auckland. The carrier serves fifty destinations. About half of them are local destinations, and the rest are cities in fifteen countries in Asia, Oceania, Europe and North. America.
Passengers never tire of praising the latest and most comfortable aircraft that fly to local destinations. The footrests can be raised on the chairs - so they turn into a comfortable bed. Interesting TV programs, delicious food (give ice cream!), Smiling staff, comfortable lighting.
True, older aircraft are also produced for long distances. There can be problems with service and convenience. But there is a plus: if you are flying together, for a separate fee on long flights the seat between you will remain free (in three places you can sit together). All aircraft are painted with interesting prints: these are images of animals, characters from books and films (for example, "The Hobbit"), and so on.
4. JetBlue Airways
American kid "JetBlu" has become a leader due to its budget. The carrier operates nonstop direct flights to nearly 90 American airports and also operates outside the United States. You can buy a plane ticket to many countries in this part of the world.
Even on old planes, the large distance between the seats pleases (apparently, this was influenced by the Americans with their large figures). Fast registration and loading. Service on board is decent, wifi is free and mostly stable. Only water and snacks are provided free of charge; you will have to pay for drinks, food and multimedia in economy class. But this is the norm for the United States.
In addition, all inconveniences are covered by the low price of tickets. There are built-in screens in the seat backs. Several programs are offered for viewing, among them there is a children's one. If you have to travel with luggage, it is more profitable to order a ticket with luggage than to pay for the bags separately at the airport.
3. Azul Brazilian Airlines
Azul is also a budget flight option. He works in Brazil and flies to hundreds of destinations. The advantage of the airline is that it makes flights to undeveloped and unpopular destinations. And that is why it is included in the top of the best airlines in the world.
Although tickets are cheaper than the competition, the service is not getting any worse. Most of the flights are operated by small Embraer aircraft, which can accommodate no more than a hundred people. There are almost no delays, everything is on schedule. Delicious snacks during the flight and smiles of the flight attendants will cheer you up. Aircraft cabins are kept clean. The screens show local and American programs, but you need your own headphones.
Even in economy class, they offer refreshing drinks and snacks: chips, cookies, marmalade ... The stewardesses deserve special praise, who treat each passenger with sincere care. Perhaps for this reason, the airline, little-known outside Brazil, took its place in the ranking of the best airlines in the world in 2017.
2. Singapore Airlines
Singapore national air carrier, one of the largest in the world. The network of more than sixty destinations spans six continents. The planes here are real giants, wide-body, quiet. In flight, it almost does not shake at all. Four classes of service are offered to choose from: suite, first, business and economy. There are dedicated lounges for premium customers.
Several times Singapore Airlines has been included in the list of the best in the world. The cabin is perfectly clean and warm. They give blankets, which, by the way, are not taken before boarding, as in several other well-known airlines. The service is beyond praise. The planes have 10-inch screens on which films in Russian are shown. To make it easier to navigate, it is better to look for the movie you are interested in not on the electronic menu, but in a paper magazine. If there is a letter R, then there is a Russian voice acting.
The food on board is excellent, with smiling stewardesses serving metal cutlery, which is a rarity on flights. The crew creates a homely atmosphere, offers various little things like toothbrushes, razors, combs, socks ... Of the peculiarities - the supply of alcohol is limited. After all, Singapore is a Muslim country. And yet - we do not advise you to sit at the toilets: passengers are often exotic and with many children, which means it can be noisy and they will constantly scurry past you.
Treating the client like a king. The stewardesses are in beautiful uniforms, they are surrounded by care. Some planes (for example, on a flight from Moscow to Dubai) have a free bar on the second floor. A wide variety of menu options and a host of in-flight entertainment options. By default, every seat has pillows, blankets and headphones, even in economy class.
For built-in screens, there is a catalog of movies, music, games. On the screen, you can watch the broadcast from video cameras in real time as the plane approaches the runway and rises into the sky. Moreover, you can switch angles, several cameras are available for viewing. Users, without saying a word, give this airline the highest points. Takeoff and landing - a huge colossus with 500 seats flies like a feather! Emirates is by far topping the list with the best airlines in the world.
How the first class Airbus A380 of the best airline looks like in the video.
Related entries:
"received a four-star rating from British Skytrax for the level of service. 38 airlines in the world have a similar rating now, and seven airlines have a higher five-star rating," according to the correspondent website.
Aeroflot received four stars for the level of service in all classes and types of routes, but slightly lower on certain parameters. This mainly concerns the service at the airports.
In the economy class airport services, only three stars were awarded the services of check-in, arrival service, transfer service, and the organization of boarding was awarded only two and a half stars. Only baggage delivery is rated four stars.
On board in Economy Class, four stars are rated for cleanliness in the cabin and in toilets, on-board entertainment system, Internet access on long-haul flights, and quality of food on short-haul flights. Three and a half points were awarded to Aeroflot for the comfort of the seats, pillows and blankets, the quality of food on long-haul flights, and three points for entertainment on short flights. The worst is the situation with the press - two points on long-distance routes and three on the rest.
The work of the crew was rated four stars in terms of efficiency and attitude towards customers (but only 3-3.5 stars in terms of interaction with them), friendliness, consistency of service, fulfillment of passengers' requests, knowledge of languages, adherence to standards by all crew members. Overall, cabin crew performance ratings are the most even and highest among all areas of service.
In the premium economy class, in terms of airport services, transfer service, arrival service and baggage delivery are rated four stars. three and a half - check-in and boarding arrangements. On board in Premium Economy Class, four stars are exhibited in all parameters - from the comfort of the seat to the availability of the press. The same goes for crew performance, with the exception of two aspects: three and a half stars for customer interaction, and attention throughout the flight.
The usual airport service for business class turned out to be even better - four stars in almost all parameters, except for registration (three and a half). But in the service in business lounges, passengers have complaints: four points were received only for cleanliness, the attitude of the staff and the quality of food (but not for its choice). Comfort and general atmosphere in the halls, accessibility and convenience of chairs, privacy, choice of food, Internet access, efficiency of problem solving, hospitality of service, friendliness of staff and command of foreign languages were rated three and a half points.
On board in business class, all parameters are rated four stars - both on long-haul and short flights. Among these parameters, in addition to those previously mentioned in economy class, there is also food at any time at the request of the passenger. The flight attendants also received four points in all respects.
At the moment, in addition to Aeroflot, Skytrax includes two Russian airlines - its subsidiary carrier Rossiya (two stars) and Siberia (S7 Airlines) (three stars). Seven airlines in the world have the highest 5-star rating - ANA All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, Garuda Indonesia, Asiana Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines. Only the last four of them have flights to Russia.
Apart from Aeroflot, 38 carriers have four stars. These are Air Astana, Air Canada, Air Dolomiti, Air France, Air Mauritius, Air New Zealand, Air Seychelles, Austrian Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines, Bangkok Airways, British Airways, China Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Dragonair, Edelweiss Air, Emirates, EVA Air, Finnair, Hong Kong Airlines, JAL, JetBlue, KLM, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Oman Air, Porter Airlines, Qantas, Royal Air Maroc, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Silkair, South African Airways, SWISS, Thai Airways, Tianjin Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin America, Virgin Australia. Only 14 of them regularly fly to Russia.
Summing up the results of 2017, the Federal Air Transport Agency published brief statistics on the work of civil aviation in the Russian Federation. The whole picture for the participants rating of Russian airlines in 2018 looks good. The air transportation market continues to develop, and almost all reliable Russian airlines included in the list showed an average increase in the number of passengers and kilometers flown by 15%. At the same time, the weight of the top five airlines continues to grow. If in 2017 they occupied 67.4% of the total volume, then in 2018 it is already 85%.
Travel with a trusted tour operator: .
Read also:, Skytrax's Best Air Carriers of the Year.
Opens the rating of the largest Russian airlines Nordwind Airlines, also known as "North Wind". Over the past year, the number of passengers amounted to 3.5 million people and compared to 2016 increased by 95%. Passenger turnover also showed growth, increasing by 44%.
One of the largest charter carriers in Russia, which carried more than 2.2 million passengers in 2017, was summoned to the carpet by the Federal Air Transport Agency in the summer of 2016 due to constant long delays in flights up to several tens of hours. The carrier promised to take action. In case of inability to establish regular flights at the exact time, the company is threatened with restrictions on transportation.
Azur Air was a subsidiary of UTair, but two years ago set off on an independent voyage. In 2017, the number of passengers of the company amounted to 3.6 million people, almost 2/3 more compared to 2016.
Globus is part of the S7 Group, being a subsidiary of the Siberian aviation giant, which took second place in the ranking of the best airlines. 2017 turned out to be favorable for the company - the number of passengers increased by 20.2%, amounting to 4.1 million people.
A subsidiary of Aeroflot, which took over from Dobrolet, which died as a result of the UES sanctions, is positioned as a budget company. Although the first tickets for flights of the new airline were sold only two years ago, it confidently entered the top 10 airlines in Russia.
The number of passengers in 2017 amounted to 4.3 million people, an increase of 5% compared to 2016. Despite his youth, the flights of "Victory" have already become overgrown with scandals. User dissatisfaction is caused by the policy of hiding the real price for the flight, demands to pay for the opportunity to sit with families, flight delays and cases when tickets for a flight are sold more than the number of seats.
The fifth place in the rating of Russian airlines in 2018 is taken by Ural Airlines, which carried 7.5 million people in 2017, showing an increase of 25%. In the meantime, the company is demanding from the Federal Air Transport Agency to pay for the transportation of veterans of the Great Patriotic War to celebrate the anniversary of the Victory in 2015. The Federal Air Transport Agency rejected the application for payment, finding fault with the fact that it lacks the words "including VAT" and other points of the same degree of importance.
The owner of the world's largest operating helicopter fleet appears to have recovered from the crisis of late 2014. In 2017, the number of passengers carried by this company amounted to 6.8 million, an increase of 9.1% compared to 2016.
The second subsidiary of the giant Aeroflot, which made it into the top ten of the Russian airlines in 2018, carried more than 10.6 million people last year, demonstrating an impressive 41.5% passenger growth - the highest among the participating airlines. At the same time, the passenger turnover indicator increased by 55.3%.
In second place in the rating of the largest airlines in Russia is Siberia, aka S7 Airlines, which carries out flights to 83 destinations both in Russia and abroad. Most of the latter, however, are served by partner airlines. In total, 9.3 million passengers were transported in 2017.
The Russians continue to fly with Aeroflot planes. In 2017, the company transported more than 30.5 million people, more than 3 times ahead of the second-ranked Siberia by this indicator. It is not surprising, since Aeroflot is the largest and oldest Russian airline, which has been carrying passengers since 1923. Although the company was included in the black sanctions list of Ukraine, this does not prevent an increase in the number of traffic.
According to such criteria as the number of passengers and passenger turnover, the company recorded an increase of 12% over the past year. By the way, Aeroflot can also be called one of the safest airlines in Russia in 2018- not a single major plane crash occurred on its lines, counting, of course, subsidiaries and accidents caused by the actions of third parties. In the airline safety rating published in 2017 by the audit company JACDEC, Aeroflot is in 37th place.
2017 World Airlines Safety Rating (JACDEC)
| Rank | Airline | The country | Carrier code | Safety index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cathay pacific airways | China, Hong-Kong | CX, CPA | 0,005 |
| 2 | Air New Zealand | New Zealand | NZ, ANZ | 0,007 |
| 3 | Hainan Airlines | China | HU, CHH | 0,009 |
| 4 | Qatar Airways | Qatar | QR, QTR | 0,009 |
| 5 | K L M | Netherlands | KL, KLM | 0,011 |
| 6 | EVA Air | Taiwan | BR, EVA | 0,012 |
| 7 | Emirates | United Arab Emirates | EK, UAE | 0,013 |
| 8 | Etihad airways | United Arab Emirates | EY, ETD | 0,014 |
| 9 | QANTAS | Australia | QF, QFA | 0,015 |
| 10 | Japan airlines | Japan | JL, JAL | 0,015 |
| 11 | All Nippon Airways | Japan | NH, ANA | 0,016 |
| 12 | Lufthansa | Germany | LH, DLH | 0,016 |
| 13 | TAP Portugal | Portugal | TP, TAP | 0,017 |
| 14 | Virgin atlantic airways | United kingdom | VS, VIR | 0,017 |
| 15 | Delta air lines | USA | DL, DAL | 0,018 |
| 16 | Air Canada | Canada | AC, ACA | 0,02 |
| 17 | jetBlue Airways | USA | B6, JBU | 0,02 |
| 18 | Virgin australia | Australia | VA, VOZ | 0,02 |
| 19 | British airways | United kingdom | BA, BAW | 0,023 |
| 20 | Air Berlin | Germany | AB, BER | 0,023 |
| 21 | WestJet Airlines | Canada | WS, WJA | 0,023 |
| 22 | Sichuan Airlines | China | 3U, CSC | 0,028 |
| 23 | Norwegian Air Shuttle | Norway | DY, NAX | 0,032 |
| 24 | Shenzhen Airlines | China | ZH, CSZ | 0,032 |
| 25 | Iberia | Spain | IB, IBE | 0,034 |
| 26 | Jetstar airways | Australia | JQ, JST | 0,036 |
| 27 | Southwest Airlines | USA | WN, SWA | 0,037 |
| 28 | EasyJet | United kingdom | U2, EZY | 0,037 |
| 29 | AirAsia | Malaysia | AK, AXM | 0,043 |
| 30 | Thomson airways | United kingdom | BY, TOM | 0,047 |
| 31 | United airlines | USA | UA, UAL | 0,051 |
| 32 | Singapore Airlines | Singapore | SQ, SIA | 0,051 |
| 33 | China Eastern Airlines | China | MU, CES | 0,061 |
| 34 | Ryanair | Ireland | FR, RYR | 0,064 |
| 35 | Swiss | Switzerland | LX, SWR | 0,064 |
| 36 | LATAM Chile | Chile | LA, LAN | 0,095 |
| 37 | Aeroflot | Russia | SU, AFL | 0,101 |
| 38 | Jet airways | India | 9W, JAI | 0,109 |
| 39 | Alitalia | Italy | AZ, AZA | 0,113 |
| 40 | Air India | India | AI, AIC | 0,115 |
| 58 | Garuda Indonesia | Indonesia | GA, GIA | 0,77 |
| 59 | Avianca Colombia | Colombia | AV, AVA | 0,914 |
| 60 | China Airlines | Taiwan | CI, CAL | 0,977 |
