Airline Ratings has revealed the top airlines for 2018 in its World’s Best Airlines awards, and they’re a telling tale of the state of the world’s airlines.

Taking in top pick is none other than Air New Zealand, which has made some serious strides in the reputation stakes this year.

Although it’s hardly a surprise, really, is it? Given the Kiwi national carrier has taken out Airline Ratings’ top spot for the fifth year in a row this year.

AirlineRatings.com, the world’s only safety, and product rating agency promotes excellence in the airline industry and the pinnacle of these efforts is its Airline Excellence Awards.

Some of the other lucky winners include Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, Virgin Australia, Emirates, Air Canada, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic, Westjet, Norwegian, Aegean Airlines, Tianjin Airlines, Scoot and VietJetAir.com.

Interestingly, despite Qantas’ local reputation, it was Virgin Australia who took out the ‘Best Business Class’ award, finally making leaps and bounds in an area they’ve aspired to dominate for a while. Qantas did, however, snag the ‘Best Domestic Class’ award over Virgin.

Quite the line-up!

So without further delay, let’s dive into the awards, shall we? We know who we’ll be booking with next time…

Airline Of The Year: Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is being honoured for the fifth consecutive year for its continued record-breaking financial performance, in-flight innovations, environmental leadership, young fleet and motivation of its staff. These factors have stamped the airline as an industry trendsetter.

It was also named by the readers of the highly respected Condé Nast Traveller as Best Airline in the World outside the US.

The judging panel said: “Air New Zealand came out number one -or equal first – in all of our audit criteria, which is an exceptional performance.”

Best First Class: Singapore Airlines

This award has been by won by Singapore Airlines whose name is a consistent winner of awards over the past decades synonymous with excellence of in-flight product.

Best Business Class: Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia has taken out this much sought-after award for the second year running with its “The Business” suite which can be argued is more First Class than Business Class.

Best Premium Economy: Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand has won Best Premium Economy once again for its leadership in this class. The airline is continually innovating in all cabins and this has resulted in higher yields as passengers upgrade their travel experience.

Best Economy: Korean Air

Korean Air is a clear winner with its Economy Class which features 18-inch wide seats at an industry high 33-34-inch seat pitch on its A380s, 777s, and 787s.

Best Cabin Crew: Singapore Airlines

Best Cabin Crew award has been won by Singapore Airlines with its Singapore Girl and their outstanding commitment to service. For decades the Singapore Girl has been the face of the airline.

Best Catering: Qantas

Qantas has again taken out this award for the fourth year running. Its commitment not only to premium dining but to economy travel which makes up 90 percent of passengers is industry leading.

Best Lounges: Qantas

Another win for Australia’s Qantas. Its lounges have become an institution down-under and Qantas’ overseas offerings are also an industry benchmark.

Best In-Flight Entertainment: Emirates

Emirates, which was one of the pioneers of IFE, wins AirlineRatings.com Best IFE award. The airline has an IFE product that few airlines equal.

Best Domestic Class: Qantas

In an era where domestic offerings are becoming leaner both in the US and Europe Australia’s Qantas’s domestic in-flight product is a standout and in many cases, matches or exceeds international service.

Regional Airline Of The Year: Aegean Airlines

Athens based Aegean Airlines has taken out this award for delivering a first-class experience on routes around Europe and is now stretching its legs.

Most Improved Airline: Tianjin Airlines

This has been won by Tianjin Airlines in China. This airline is turning heads wherever it goes and it is now flying well beyond China and delivering a superb product at very affordable prices.

Best Ultra-Low-Cost Airline: VietJetair.com

A new award, taken out by Vietnam’s VietJetAir.com , celebrates a new breed of airlines that offer extraordinary value to passengers, while not compromising on product or service.

2018 Best Long-Haul Airline Winners

AirlineRatings.com Best Long-Haul Airline awards have been won by: Etihad (Middle East/Africa), Korean Air (Asia/Pacific), Virgin Atlantic (Europe) and Air Canada (The Americas).

2018 Best Low-Cost Airline Winners

AirlineRatings.com winners are Westjet (The Americas), Scoot (Asia/Pacific) and Norwegian (Europe).

World’s Top 10 Airlines 2018

Heading the list is Air New Zealand followed by Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Australia, Virgin Atlantic, Etihad Airways, All Nippon Airways, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines.