The Oscar of the aviation industry announced Singapore
Airlines as the best
After 10 years, Singapore Airlines has been named Airline of
the Year at the 2018 Skytrax World Airline awards, an honour it last held in
2008. It beat last year's victor, Qatar Airways, which came second.
The top prize in what is seen as the aviation industry's
equivalent of the Oscars, was one of four awards taken home by Singapore. It
also claimed best first class, best airline in Asia and best first class seat,
according to CNN.
Qatar Airways, which held the crown in 2015, 2012 and 2011
-- as well as 2017 -- didn't leave empty handed, with the airline's Group CEO
Akbar Al Baker taking to the stage to pick up award after award.
Resurgence in Asian carriers
Singapore's victory marked resurgence in Asian carriers,
which have been in competition with their Middle Eastern counterparts for
dominance ever since UK-based aviation industry reviewer Skytrax began its
awards in 2001.
Aside from a win by Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific in 2014, the
past seven years have all gone to airlines based around the Arabian Gulf.
US airlines failed to pick up a single award.
Air France lived up to its nation's reputation for culinary
excellence with awards for best first class onboard catering, best first class
comfort amenities and best first class lounge dining.
The top 10 world's best airlines for 2018
1. Singapore Airlines
2. Qatar Airways
3. ANA All Nippon Airways
4. Emirates
5. EVA Air
6. Cathay Pacific
7. Lufthansa
8. Hainan Airlines
9. Garuda Indonesia
10. Thai Airways
