Opinion

The best airlines in the world in 2022

July 14, 2022
4:12 PM

It’s been quite an unusual few years for the aviation industry. After months of pandemic-related shutdowns, travel has returned not with a bang, but with a groan, as many global airlines and airports struggle with cancellations and delays.

In the midst of this chaotic travel season, the Australian-based aviation safety and product review agency, AirlineRatings.com has released its annual roundup of the world’s best airlines.

In first place for the second year in a row is the Qatar Airways and the company’s commitment to flying in the last two years was the decisive factor. Qatar also won the Long Distance Excellence – Middle East/Africa award.

“Qatar Airways’ decision to continue operating during the pandemic has meant that it has become the world’s largest international airline and has recorded a huge profit – the only major airline to do so,” said Geoffrey Thomas, editor-in-chief of AirlineRatings. .com to CNN.

Traveler rating options

In addition to profitability, AirlineRatings.com says its team of editors also evaluated each airline’s fleet age, environmental and safety credentials, passenger ratings and product offerings.

Just behind Qatar Airways is the Air New Zealand an airline that has topped the list six times in recent years, and last year also ranked second.

For 2022, Air New Zealand has also been recognized as the airline with the best budget and premium economy options and the best option for long-haul travel in the Pacific region.

Number three on the AirlineRatings.com list is the Etihad Airways. The UAE-based airline also received the Environmental Airline of the Year award, due to what Thomas said was a “benchmark” commitment to reducing emissions.

Airline number four is Korean Air which also won the Cargo Airline of the Year and Excellence in Long Haul – Asia awards, while Singapore Airlines, winner of Best First Class and Best Lounges, rounds out the top five.

AirlineRatings.com also highlights the top low-cost airlines for 2022, although these low-cost carriers are not ranked. Instead, they are listed in alphabetical order: Allegiant Air, AirAsia, easyjet, Jetstar, Flair, Fly Dubai, Ryanair, Scoot, Southwest and VietJet Air.

Thomas told CNN that the results reflect the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on aviation, but the recent increase in delays and cancellations has not affected the rankings.

“The current travel crisis has not played a role as it is a one-time event,” said Thomas, who suggested that current events are also “largely not the responsibility of airlines.”

Experts have suggested that the current problems are related to staff shortages, airport issues, labor relations and the weather.

Overall, Thomas sees the rankings as a positive view of the travel industry today. “The results highlight the high standard on offer for travelers,” he said.