Results of the 2008 Skytrax World Airline Awards are in

It might not be a surprise to many that Singapore Airlines has once again walked off with the award for world’s leading carrier.  This is the third time the airline has won the award over the last past 10 years.

Singapore Airlines also won the award for best business class provider.  The chief executive officer of Skytrax, Edward Plaisted, said that “Business class standards continue to be upgraded by airlines across the world and Singapore Airlines managed to retain their title amidst this growing level of competition.”
Three airlines from the Middle East also were awarded spots in the global airline top ten list.  Qatar Airways was the highest ranked of the three.  Etihad Airways made its debut on the list this year while Emirates maintained its number nine spot that it was awarded last year.

Plaisted noted that “Such growth and quality levels are never easy to maintain, but Emirates has managed to maintain its global rating this year, and can now use its Airbus A380 aircraft to try and impress passengers in the coming year.”

A spokesperson for Emirates said “Throughout our rapid expansion, Emirates has consistently ranked amongst the top world airlines, and we will continue to work hard to maintain and enhance our service and product.”

Plaisted believes that Etihad’s success can be attributed to its fast expansion.  The chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, James Hogan, said “Etihad Airways continues to expand its product and services, fleet and destinations and Skytrax 2008 survey is further recognition that the airline has established itself firmly on the global aviation stage.”

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www.singaporeair.com

www.emirates.com