Move FM Australian News

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – For the fifth year in a row, New Zealand’s national carrier, Air New Zealand bagged the airline of the year award.

The carrier’s in-flight innovations, young fleet and improvements in all cabin classes have been cited as the reasons for its winning streak that now spans half a decade. 

AirlineRatings.com, which praised Air New Nealand’s strong financial performance, called it an ‘industry trendsetter.’

The airline, it said has become a leader in the environmental space and motivation of staff.

Commenting on the carrier’s top ranking, Geoffrey Thomas, editor-in-chief of the safety and product rating website, said Air New Zealand’s efforts to improve the flight experience for all passengers made it a stand-out.”

Thomas noted in the report, “What is really impressive is that Air New Zealand has continually innovated in the economy cabin, where most of us travel. The Skycouch and its premium economy are standouts that give thrifty travellers choices and more comfort. So many other airlines just say take it or leave it.”

Judges were reportedly impressed by the airline’s “seemingly endless” innovations, particularly the wristbands which enable parents to keep track of children travelling alone.

Thomas said, “Another was the coffee ordering service in the lounges. Simple things really but so many times they are the things that impress.”

Meanwhile, accepting the honor, Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxon said the award is “testament to the huge effort from all our people to deliver a world-class Kiwi experience on the ground and in the air.”

Luxon added, “Air New Zealand is committed to redefining the customer experience and we are looking forward to unveiling many exciting new initiatives in 2018.”
Scoring the top rank in the annual awards, Air New Zealand managed to beat other major carriers including Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways amongst others. 

For 2018, Qantas was named the second best airline, while Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia secured the third and fourth places respectively. 

AirlineRatings said in its report, “It (Air New Zealand) is being pressed by Australia’s Qantas and Singapore Airlines, which are both rolling out new aircraft (787s and A350s) and significant revamp of in-flight product.”

Thomas also pointed out that the criteria “measure the heartbeat of an airline,” with poor performance often indicating that “more serious problems” lie ahead.

He also noted that some airlines, despite making record profits, are not investing nearly enough in their aircraft or product and have fleets which average 17 years of age or more.

Thomas pointed out that the average age of Air New Zealand’s aircraft is 7.1 years, which “is exceptional for a well-established carrier.”

According to the AirlineRatings, airlines are judged on the results of four major international industry and government safety audits and 12 other criteria, including passenger ratings. 
Air New Zealand was judged as having the best premium economy class and was commended for “continually innovating in all cabins,” and encouraging passengers to upgrade. 
In October, Air New Zealand was named top airline in the world by Conde Nast Traveler. 

It has also picked up a series of accolades in TripAdvisor’s inaugural Travellers’ Choice awards in April – where it was named the best airline in the South Pacific.

At the same event, it was named the fifth best in the world and scooped the award for the best premium economy class.