Qatar Airways wins AirlineRatings.com Best Airline of 2021 award

Air New Zealand came so close.
Air New Zealand came so close. Photo credit: Getty Images

Website AirlineRatings.com has announced its list of best airlines in the world in 2021 and after a turbulent year in the aviation industry, Air New Zealand was beaten to first place by Qatar Airways.

Aotearoa's national carrier placed second but was named Best Airline of the Pacific, as well as winning Best Premium Economy and Best Economy.

"Air NZ punches way above its weight," said AirlineRatings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas. 

"In so many ways it has set the standard for airline excellence over the past 15 years. Its Premium Economy is just superb and the benchmark in the industry and without doubt the best value in the sky."

Qatar named worlds best airline.
Qatar named worlds best airline. Photo credit: Qatar Airways

AirlineRatings.com World's Best Airlines in 2021

  1. Qatar Airways 
  2. Air New Zealand 
  3. Singapore Airlines 
  4. Qantas 
  5. Emirates 
  6. Cathay Pacific 
  7. Virgin Atlantic 
  8. United Airlines 
  9. EVA Air 
  10. British Airways 
  11. Lufthansa 
  12. ANA 
  13. Finnair 
  14. Japan Air Lines 
  15. KLM 
  16. Hawaiian Airlines 
  17. Alaska Airlines 
  18. Virgin Australia 
  19. Delta Air Lines 
  20. Etihad Airways
Singapore Airlines 'hotel-like' suites.
Singapore Airlines 'hotel-like' suites. Photo credit: Singapore Airlines

The Australian based website awarded Qantas the title of Best Domestic Airline as well as Best Lounges. 

Emirates' position as an industry leader saw it win the best inflight entertainment award. It was one of the first airlines to provide live television direct to the seat.

Best Cabin Crew: Virgin Australia 

Best Inflight Entertainment: Emirates

Best Ultra Low-Cost airline: VietJetAir 

Air New Zealand came second.
Air New Zealand came second. Photo credit: Getty Images

There were awards for best airlines internationally too:

Europe: Lufthansa

Americas: United Airlines

Asia: Singapore Airlines

Middle-East/Africa: Qatar Airways

Pacific:  Air New Zealand

In terms of low-cost airlines, Southwest was awarded the title for the Americas, easyjet for Europe and Jetstar for the Asia Pacific region.