Top 10 Global Airlines Announced, Fiji Airways Makes Its Debut
A recently released list highlights the Top 10 Global World Class Airlines, with one smaller airline making its first appearance. A Texas-based boutique carrier also secured the top spot in a separate U.S. ranking.
The annual “World Class” award, given by the airline’s Passenger Experience Association, acknowledges only ten airlines worldwide that excel in service, safety, and passenger satisfaction.
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This year, Fiji Airways, the national airline of Fiji, achieved its first entry on the list, marking a significant moment as Oceania’s first recognized airline.
CEO Andre Biljoen expressed pride in this achievement, stating that the announcement made on September 11 is a “historic moment” for both Fiji Airways and the country.
“Back in 2016, we were ranked outside of the top 100 globally,” Viljoen noted. “Now, thanks to the unwavering effort and innovation of our team, we’ve become one of the top 10 airlines worldwide.”
“This recognition shows all Fijians and our team that, indeed, we can accomplish what’s seemed impossible,” he added.
Innovations and Overhauls Enhance In-Flight Experience
According to reports, Fiji Airways has revamped its in-flight offerings dramatically. Upgrades to equipment, partnerships with local businesses, and the introduction of high-quality products were part of this effort. Notably, for meals, the airline has added Pacific Rim-inspired cuisine and retrained cabin crews to ensure global service standards are met.
Founded in 1951 and originally known as Air Pacific until 2012, Fiji Airways operates flights to various U.S. cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, and Honolulu.
Other Notable Airlines on the List
The Apex World Class list also recognized several other airlines: Japan Airlines, Emirates, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines. Japan Airlines received accolades for both safety and customer satisfaction, while Saudia was praised for its guest service experience. Turkish Airlines was highlighted for sustainability and their food and beverage service.
Joe Leader, Apex CEO, remarked that achieving this recognition signals a commitment to excellence in service, safety, and customer satisfaction that resonates with modern travelers.
The evaluation process for airlines includes expert audits, customer reviews, and peer assessments.
Francis Hellyer, co-founder of Tikadu, mentioned that smaller airlines are beginning to challenge their larger counterparts by honing in on niche excellence and offering more personalized services.
“Fiji illustrates that when an airline emphasizes service, identity, and consistency, it can compete with the larger players,” he noted.
The trend isn’t limited to just international airlines. In July, Travel + Leisure Magazine ranked JSX, a Houston-based public charter airline, as the top U.S. domestic airline for the second year in a row, emphasizing its quick check-in process and free Wi-Fi.
In addition, the list featured several carriers praised for their efficiency and customer satisfaction, such as Hawaiian Airlines, Breeze Airways, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Airlines. Delta stood alone among the major carriers in high rankings, followed by JetBlue, Southwest, United, American, and Sun Country.
