Newcomer flies up airline rankings

By Grant Bradley

One of the world's fastest-growing airlines, Etihad Airways, has leaped into the top 10 carriers in the latest Skytrax global survey.

The airline, based in the United Arab Emirates' capital, Abu Dhabi, started flying just five years ago and has been aggressively expanding since, aiming to fly to 50 destinations by the end of the year.

It already flies to Sydney and will fly to Melbourne from March.

Etihad leaped from 23rd place last year and is one of three Middle East airlines in the top 10.

Singapore Airlines takes the top spot for the third time in 10 years. Skytrax chief executive Edward Plaisted said the survey period coincided with the airline taking delivery of the Airbus A380.

Singapore also had the best business class, while Cathay Pacific took second place and the award for best first class.

Qantas jumped up the rankings released on the same day it was forced to ground six aircraft Boeing 737s in Australia after confusion about maintenance records.

The latest incident is further embarrassment for Qantas, which is already under scrutiny from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority over safety issues following last month's explosion that blew a hole in the fuselage of a Boeing 747-400 near Manila.

Over 15 million travellers of 97 nationalities voted in the Skytrax survey carried out between August 2007 and June this year.

Air New Zealand was the best transpacific airline.

THE TOP 10

1. Singapore Airlines.
2. Cathay Pacific.
3. Qantas.
4. Thai Airways.
5. Asiana Airlines.
6. Malaysia Airlines.
7. Qatar Airways.
8. Air New Zealand.
9. Emirates.
10. Etihad Airways.

CLASS WINNERS

First: Cathay Pacific.
Business: Singapore Airlines.
Premium economy: Eva Air.
Economy: Asiana Airlines.
Cabin staff: Asiana Airlines.
Inflight entertainment: Emirates.
Economy catering: Qantas.
Transpacific: Air New Zealand.

www.worldairlineawards.com