By TRAVEL CORRESPONDENT
newsdesk@reporter.co.ke
Dubai-based Emirates was named the top airline in the world for 2016 under the Skytrax 2016 World Airline Awards. The independent award winners were determined via a passenger survey.
The World’s Top 10 Airlines of 2016
Emirates
Qatar Airways
Singapore Airlines
Cathay Pacific
ANA All Nippon Airways
Etihad Airways
Turkish Airlines
EVA Air
Qantas Airways
Lufthansa
According to About Travel, Emirates won this award for the fourth time. it also won the World’s Best Inflight Entertainment award and performed well in First, Business and Economy Class survey sections.

“Emirates has always put our customers at the heart of what we do, and we work hard to deliver the very best experience possible to our customers at every touchpoint, every day, all around the world,” said Emirates President  Sir Tim Clark.

Qatar Airways was second in the global ranking and won awards including World’s Best Business Class, World’s Best Business Class lounge and Best Airline Staff in the Middle East.
“The airline’s renowned service, modern aircraft and luxurious cabins, combined with an expanding global network, continue to set Qatar Airways apart from the competition,” said  Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker.
Third place winner Singapore Airlines also won for Best Airline in Asia and Best Business Class Airline Seat. Commenting on the awards.
Cathay Pacific Airways, ranked number four, also won for  World’s Best for Cabin Cleanliness and Best First Class Lounge for its facility at its Hong Kong International Airport hub.
ANA All Nippon Airways, ranked number five, also won for World’s Best Airport Services and Best Airline Staff in Asia for the second year in a row.
Etihad Airways was ranked number six worldwide and won for World’s Best First Class cabin, Best First Class seat and Best First Class catering.
Turkish Airlines ranked number seven in the world and was named Best Airline in Europe, along with wins for Business Class catering with onboard and lounge dining standards.
Eva Air, the  world’s newest five-star airline, ranked number eight and was named Best Transpacific Airline. and Best Business Class Comfort Amenities.
In ninth place, Qantas also dominated in the Australia and Pacific region, winning the Best Airline in Australia / Pacific for the fourth year in a row.
It also took the award for Best Airline Staff in Australia & Pacific and Best Premium Economy Catering. And rounding out the top 10 was Lufthansa, which also won Best Transatlantic Airline for the fifth time and  the Best Airline in Western Europe award.
Other big winners included:
For the second year in a row, San Francisco-based Virgin America was named the Best Airline and Best Low-Cost Airline in North America.
For the third successive year, Air France ‘s  First Class lounge dining at Paris Charles DeGaulle Airport was judged to be the world’s best by customers and onboard and its First Class comfort amenities were ranked best in the world.
Hainan Airlines won Best Airline in China and Best Airline Staff Service in China. The carrier was also presented with its 5-Star Airline Certification.
Air New Zealand  took the top position for World’s Best Premium Economy Class for the fifth time. It also won the award for Best Premium Economy Seat.
Thai Airways was  named as the World’s Most Improved Airline. The carrier’s premium Lounge Spa facility in Bangkok was also named Best Airline Lounge Spa Facility.
Norwegian won Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe for the fourth successive year, in addition to winning Best Long-Haul Low-Cost Airline for its expanding long-haul operation.
For the eighth year in a row, AirAsia won the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline award. it also won for Best Low-Cost Airline Premium Cabin and Best Low-Cost Airline Premium Seat.
South African Airways retained its Best Airline in Africa title, remaining the only airline to hold this title in the 14-year history of the awards.
LAN Airlines won Best Airline in South America for the third successive year.
The Star Alliance was named the World’s Best Airline Alliance. It also won the Best Airline Alliance Lounge award for the second year in a row for its Los Angeles International Airport facility.