The world’s best airlines in 2023

There’s a new operator at the top of the rankings – with Britain’s flag carrier missing out on the top 15

Thursday 01 June 2023 14:24 BST

Which airline took top prize? (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Air New Zealand has been named as the best airline in the world for 2023.

The Antipodean carrier took the top spot due to “its cabin innovation of beds for economy class passengers on its new 787s, passenger service and rapid recovery from Covid disruptions”, according to aviation safety and product rating organisation AirlineRatings.com.

The airline’s “Skynest” sleep pods, which are beds stacked three bunks high, are set to launch in 2024.

The latest rankings saw Qatar Airways, which picked up the award in 2021 and 2022, drop into second place, although it did pick up prizes for offering the best business class experience and best catering.

The UK’s flag carrier, British Airways, was ranked 17^th best in the world.

Geoffrey Thomas, editor-in-chief of AirlineRatings.com, said that Air New Zealand’s “commitment to the economy passenger and on long haul offers more comfort options than any other airline”.

Travellers began flying again in larger numbers in 2022 following two years of severely hampered plans due to the Covid pandemic.

But there was widespread disruption as passengers returned to a shrunken industry, with cancelled flights, issues around staffing and record numbers of lost luggage, all of which influenced decisions in choosing this year’s strongest airlines.

“We are focused on leadership and airlines that innovate to make a real difference to the passenger experience,” said Mr Thomas.

“Of course, right now the airline industry is under unprecedented pressure as it strives to recover from the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with significant disruptions to passengers.”

In third place was Etihad Airways, which also won the Best Environmental Airlines Award for its “Greenliner” programme, designed to test new eco-friendly technologies.

Korean Air and Singapore Airlines rounded out the top five.