Airlines: The Scoreboard
In the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards—AKA the Oscars of the aviation globe—Qatar Airways has once again strutted off with top honours, securing:
- World’s Best Airline (for the 9th time)
- Best Airline in the Middle East
- World’s Best Business Class & Loung
Australia’s own Qantas roos back into form! After hitting rock bottom at 24th last year, it’s now soared to 14th place—its highest ranking since 2022.
Top 10 Global Airlines (Skytrax 2025)
| Rank | Airline |
|---|---|
| 1 | Qatar Airways |
| 2 | Singapore Airlines |
| 3 | Cathay Pacific |
| 4 | Emirates |
| 5 | ANA All Nippon Airways |
| … | … |
| 10 | Hainan Airlines |
| 14 | Qantas Airways |
Qantas’s Comeback in Numbers
- 2024 – Plummeted to 24th, amid public ire and costly scandals
- 2025 – Skyrocketed to 14th, reaffirming its Aussie bounce-back
- Earned regional honours: Best Airline in Australia–Pacific, and top‑10 global for Premium Economy Cabin & In‑Flight Entertainment
Why the Redemption Flight?
- Near-$1bn investment in upgrades: new jets, revamped lounges, slicker boarding
- Brand repair mission after baggage handler layoffs, ticket-cancellation fines, and CEO shakeup
- Commended by experts like Dr Andrew Hughes for steadying the Qantas flight
Regional and Global Highlights
- Virgin Australia took out Best Airline Staff Service in Australia-Pacific, and ranked second in the world for regional airlines (behind Bangkok Airways)
- AirAsia clinched World’s Best Low-Cost Airline (16 years running), Singapore Airlines bagged Best Cabin Crew and World’s Best First Class
Takeaway for Aussies
- Huge feather in Qantas’s cap—rebuilding trust and improving experiences
- Still room for growth: top-10 global status is within reach
- Travelers can expect better perks: lounges, entertainment, boardings, and cabins
Bottom Line
While Qatar Airways reigned supreme at aviation’s Oscars yet again, Qantas has staged an epic climb back from disgrace. A top‑20 finish, regional awards, and a fresh, customer‑first push prove the Kangaroo is flying high again.
