Air New Zealand has been named airline of the year for the third time in a row by website AirlineRatings.com.
The website, which calls itself the only safety and product rating website for the airline industry, was gushing in its praise for the partially government-owned carrier.
It won its 2016 awards because of its “continuous passenger innovations, environmental commitment, record-breaking financial performance, operational safety and motivation of its staff that have cemented the airline an industry trendsetter”.
Air NZ was also rated best for economy and premium economy classes, where it has designed its own seats.
Etihad won best first class, Singapore Airlines best business class, Qantas best business lounges and catering and Singapore Airlines best inflight entertainment.
Four airlines shared the best low-cost carrier award: Virgin America, Scoot (Asia/Pacific), Kulula.com (Middle-East/Africa) and Norwegian.
AirlineRatings.com’s top 10 airlines:
1. Air New Zealand
2. Qantas Airways
3. Etihad Airways
4. Cathay Pacific Airways
5. Singapore Airlines
6. Emirates
7. EVA Air
8. Virgin Atlantic /Virgin Australia
9. All Nippon Airways
10. Lufthansa
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