The best airline in the world official rating. The best airline in the world

The twentieth century and technological progress allowed people to move from one point of the world to another in a matter of hours, while earlier this process took many months, and the journeys themselves threatened with a lot of dangers. Today everything is different. Thanks to airplanes, a person can cross the ocean in complete comfort and be thousands of kilometers from the point of departure.

Airlines play an important role in organizing flights. It is their activities that allow people to travel so easily. Today in the world there are many various airlines, ranging from the smallest to large corporations, whose networks have entwined the whole world. It's about the last will be discussed in this material. We will tell you which is the most major airline, as well as talk about nine more companies that deserve attention.

First place - Delta Airlines corporation (United States of America)

This company, also known as Delta, is headquartered in Atlanta. It is DeltaAirLines that is the largest member of the well-known alliance of airlines called SkyTeam.

Delta is the largest operator in the world in three areas. Firstly, the carrier has the largest fleet. Secondly, the company is a leader in terms of air transportation. And third, Delta has a record number of possible routes to fly. With the help of carrier services, you can get to any of the continents, except for Antarctica. In 2009, the company began working with Australia. Planes also fly to Africa. It is the only carrier in the United States that operates flights to this continent via Atlantic Ocean.

Delta Airlines' main port is in Atlanta. It leads in the absolute number of passengers passed through it. Others major ports that work with DeltaAirlinesincorporation are: Northern Kentucky Airport, John F. Kennedy Airport (New York), Salt Lake City Airport.

The carrier originates from the distant 1924. Then the company was founded under the name Huff Daland Dusters. Its original activity was the spraying of chemicals over agricultural fields. The first flight, the purpose of which was the delivery of passengers, occurred in 1929. Since then, the company began to actively develop its activities in the civil aviation market.

Runner-up - American Airlines (United States of America)

The second largest airline in the world is American Airlines. In one year, the company transports more than one hundred thousand people. Main office The airline is based in Texas. American Airlines has five main ports, the most important of which is Dallas International Airport. According to statistics, it accounts for more than eighty percent of all flights.

American Airlines was formed back in 1926. Then the first plane of the company delivered mail from one state to another. Soon, more than eight dozen small air carriers united under the wing of the company. Initially, the airline was called "American Airways" and only during the Second World War did it receive its current name.

In 1937, the company sent its millionth customer on its way. After the war, the company began to actively develop branches in the European market. In addition, the airline began to send aircraft to Japan.

Third place - Southwest Airlines (United States of America)

Southwest Airlines is the leader in the low-cost airline market. The airline leads the world in terms of the number of people transported. The airline is headquartered in Texas. To date, the operator's fleet consists entirely of Boeing-737 aircraft. Southwest Airlines operates several thousand flights daily.

Initially, the company worked only within the state, sending people between the regions of Texas. Today the company operates throughout the country. However, the carrier does not work with other countries. The fleet includes 684 ships. The number of routes operated by Southwest Airlines is 94.

In 2016, the carrier closed access to its website to visitors from Russian Federation. The exact reason for this decision is unknown, many people believe that this action has a political motive.

Fourth place - Emirates Airlines (United Arab Emirates)

This company has a monopoly on the United States market. United Arab Emirates. The carrier belongs to the state, it was created at the end of the twentieth century with the aim of developing tourism. The airline acquired the first two aircraft in 1985. Already in the nineties, the number of aircraft in the fleet began to grow rapidly. To date, the air carrier has more than two hundred ships. In addition, Emirates Airlines has ordered another two hundred aircraft from various manufacturers, which will enter service in the coming years.

The operator operates flights to all inhabited continents, including Africa, Australia, South and North America, Europe and Asia. In the spring of 2016, the airline's aircraft made a record flight, covering more than fourteen thousand kilometers in sixteen hours. The carrier carries out not only passenger, but also air cargo.

Fifth place - United Airlines (United States of America)

This carrier was established in 1926. The company became famous for being the first to offer its passengers meals on board. In addition, it was on the liners of this carrier that the stewardesses familiar to us appeared. Today it is an expensive US airline, one of the largest on the planet.

The carrier also has a sad reputation. It was United Airlines that first encountered terrorism in the air. In 1993, unknown people blew up the plane with a bomb hidden on board. In addition, it was the planes of this company that were hijacked by terrorists on September 9th.

Today, United Airlines employs more than fifty thousand people. The fleet includes more than four hundred aircraft. The main hubs with which the carrier works are: Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Sixth place - Lufthansa (European Union)

The air carrier established in Germany is by far the largest in the European Union. Today, under the wing of the company, carriers from Sweden, Austria and Germany are united. Lufthansa flies to 80 different countries. The number of routes exceeds two hundred. The company's fleet is 620 aircraft. Lufthansa's head office is located in Cologne.

The main hubs are located in Frankfurt and Munich.

Interestingly, until the end of the twentieth century, the airline belonged to the state. It was created in 1926. During World War II, all civilian flights were cut off. The company collaborated with the Nazis, so at the end of the war it was on the stop lists of all advanced countries. In 1951, on the basis of Lufthansa, was created state airline, which received the name Aktiengesellschaft für Luftverkehrsbedarf. Its manager was the former director. A few years later, the usual name returned.

The company is actively working in Russia, sending passengers on ten routes.

Seventh place - Air France (European Union)

The largest carrier in France. The company employs more than seven tens of thousands of people. The main hub of Air France is the airport of Paris named after Charles de Gaulle. The air fleet has more than two hundred aircraft. The number of directions in which the carrier operates is 256.

AirFrance carries out not only regional flights, but also main ones. This organization was founded in 1933. Initially, the airline operated cargo flights, but then moved into the category passenger aviation. AirFrance is part of the massive SkyTeam carrier alliance, which includes more than fifteen carriers, including Russian Aeroflot.

The company's headquarters is located in Paris. Main endpoints routes are big cities Europe and USA, such as New York, Berlin and London.

Eighth place - British Airways

British Airways is not only the largest carrier in the UK, but also one of the largest airlines in the world. Among other participants in this ranking, in addition to Emirates Airlines, British Airways is the youngest. It was established in 1974. However, it was based on an already existing state agency. The company is engaged in the transportation of people, cargo and mail.

For about a decade, British Airways was also owned by the state, until privatization began in 1981. At that time, many carriers were going through hard times, and British Airways itself was suffering losses. However, the new management managed not only to bring the company into profit, but also to gain credibility throughout the world. British Airways had a net income of £702 million in 2014.

9th - All Nippon Airways

The Japanese air carrier is famous not only for the volume of its traffic, but also for the authentic design of its aircraft, which are often painted with anime characters. The company was established in 1952. Initially, she was engaged in transportation between the islands of Japan using helicopters, but soon the first liners appeared in the company's fleet. In 1986 All Nippon Airways began work on the foreign market. Flights to the USA, Hong Kong, South Korea, Paris. Today, the All Nippon Airways fleet includes 188 aircraft. The number of routes is 71.

The corporate headquarters is located in a special area of ​​the city of Tokyo - Minato.

Tenth place - China Southern Airlines

China Southern Airlines is the largest corporation dealing with civil aviation in modern China. In 1996, the company began working on long-haul routes. In 1997, a non-stop flight to Los Angeles was made, which was the first of its kind for a Boeing 777 aircraft.

In 2003, the company acquired its main competitor in the domestic market - China Northern Airlines, thanks to which it began to dominate the domestic market in China. The air fleet includes more than five hundred liners. Number of routes - 180.

It is very interesting to observe how society develops and evolves with all the ensuing consequences. For example, several centuries ago, no one could have thought that a person could fly. But he could. And now it's hard to imagine modern world without air travel. This type of transport communication allows you to overcome huge distances in a relatively short time period. In order for people to fly, the world's infrastructure requires the presence of airlines. These companies are responsible for organizing aerial work and various types of air transportation. Let's look at a few giants and find out which is the largest airline in the world.

American Airlines plane

The appearance of the first official airline happened in the last century. The prototype of modern air carriers was an organization that owned a fleet of several airships. Back in 1909, airplanes were not yet such a reliable means of transportation. airspace.

Ten years later, the world's first airline in the modern sense of the word was founded in Holland. The first route of the airline was a flight from the capital of the Netherlands to the capital of Great Britain. Flight Amsterdam - London is the oldest among the existing air transportation. After 5 years from that moment, the Amsterdam-Jakarta flight became the longest flight. After another 10 years, passenger flights across the Atlantic became possible. And 15 years later, the first flight to Australia took place. After that, the development of the air transportation industry went by leaps and bounds.

Now in the world there are a lot of airlines that differ in scale, localization, domestic policy and passenger traffic. Moreover, in almost every country you can find several operating airlines at once. Demand creates supply. The tendency to learn new countries and cultures grows stronger from year to year.

Indeed, the travel and tourism industry is developing at a breakneck pace. Several million air flights are made every year in the world. That's why a large number of air transport companies is fully justified. Some of these companies are in high demand and some are not very popular.

In this article, we will consider the largest airlines in the world according to the version Forbes magazine and their brief description.

Delta Airlines aircraft

"Delta Airlines" ("Delta Air Lines")

It is the largest airline in the United States with approximately 311 million passengers annually. The history of the company begins in 1924. Beginning with air cargo for farmers "Delta Airlines" evolved into an airline tycoon. At the moment, the company flies to 96 countries and connects all continents (except Antarctica) via airspace.

The company has at its disposal:

• several subsidiaries of aviation concerns;
• a network of own hub airports throughout the United States;
• a large number of aircraft.

Mainly for flights, Delta Airlines uses different models Boeing. The average age of the ships in the company's air fleet is 14 years.

"American Airlines"

Another American airline that has entered the list of the largest airlines in the world is "American Airlines"("American Airlines"). The following is known about her:

1. The company's passenger turnover is about 202 million passengers per km.
2. It is the leader in air transportation between the United States and Latin America.
3. The company's air fleet has about 615 aircraft, most of which are McDonnell Douglas aircraft.

American Airlines is infamous for being involved in the September 11, 2001 attacks.

United Airlines aircraft

United Airlines and others

Third place in the list of the world's largest air carriers is occupied by another American airline - "United Airlines"("United Airlines"). Approximately, the passenger turnover of the company is 165 million passengers per km. Aeroflot of the company consists of 360 liners. United Airlines serves over 200 different destinations. Both in the US and other countries. The company's main airport is in Chicago.

Airplane "Emirates"

In fourth place on the list is the UAE airline - Emirates("Emirates"). The headquarters of the airline, as well as the main hub, is located in Dubai. The company's passenger turnover is just over 146 million passengers per km. Emirates operates scheduled flights to Europe, Asia, North America and Africa. Aeroflot of the company consists of 150 liners - Airbuses and Boeings.

Lufthansa aircraft

In fifth place is the German airline Lufthansa("Lufthansa"). The company's passenger turnover is more than 129 million passengers per km. Lufthansa provides air transportation worldwide. This is facilitated by a developed network of branches in most countries. The main headquarters of the company are located in Munich and Frankfurt. The company sends flights to dozens of countries every day. The company's fleet includes more than 265 liners - Boeings and Airbuses.

Air France - KLM logo

Other well-known firms

The sixth place in the list is occupied by the European holding Air France-KLM. The airline is the brainchild of the French national airline and Dutch airlines. The companies merged in 2004. At the moment, the airline flies to numerous destinations, and flight routes cover more than 90 countries. The main headquarters of the holding are located in Marseille, Amsterdam and Bordeaux. Aeroflot of the company has more than 250 airliners.

China Southern Airlines aircraft

In seventh place - "China Southern Airlines"("China Southern Airlines"), with a passenger turnover of more than 111 million passengers per km. The airline provides flights to Europe, Africa, Australia, North America and New Zealand. aircraft fleet The company consists of Boeings and Airbuses and has about 325 liners.

British Airways aircraft

The eighth place is occupied by the national carrier of Great Britain - "British Airways"("British Airways"). The central headquarters and headquarters of the air carrier is located in London. The passenger traffic of the airline, according to the latest data, amounted to 106 million passengers per km. British Airways flies to more than 200 destinations around the world. The aircraft fleet includes more than 275 airliners.

Skytrax named the best airlines in the world, the rating includes one hundred companies and more than ten different nominations, but we have collected the first 10 for you in the World’s Best Airline at 2018 World Airline Awards nomination.The award winners were selected based on a survey of 20 million travelers who rated more than 335 airlines between August 2017 and May 2018.

Singapore Airlines became the best airline in the world, swapping places with Qatar Airways, which were first in 2017 and have now moved to second place. The airline also took first place in the categories "Best First Class in the World", "Best Asian Airline" and " The best armchairs First Class Lounge" in 2018.

For several years in a row, the airline has received five out of five stars from the consulting company Skytrax. Member since 2000 Star Alliance(the oldest existing, largest and most representative aviation alliance in the world). Singapore Airlines is also known for its Singapore Girl stewardess uniforms, which are dressed in an exotic uniform based on a sarong and a kebay blouse.

By the way, the home airport of Singapore Airlines is also recognized as the best in the world - it looks more like a whole city with its own park, playgrounds, swimming pools and cinemas.

@SingaporeAir x @aki.skyclear

EVA Airways Corporation - Taiwanese international airline based at Tai'an Taoyuan Airport. Part of Star Alliance. It flies to 57 airports in 18 countries in Asia, Europe and North America, as well as to Australia.

6 Cathay Pacific Airways

Flag carrier airline of Hong Kong. Based in International airport Hong Kong and carries out regular passenger and cargo transportation to 114 destinations.

By the way, one of the company's home airports - Munich Airport - is the best in Europe and has a five-star rating.

Flights of this airline fly daily from Kyiv, Lufthansa also flies to Munich from Lviv.

Hainan Airlines is a private airline and the fourth largest carrier in China. Celebrating its 24th anniversary in 2017, Hainan Airlines became the only Chinese carrier with a five-star rating. Main international center- Beijing Airport.

Interestingly, Hainan Airlines unveiled their uniforms at Paris Couture Fashion Week 2017, creating quite a buzz.

Indonesian company rated 5 stars. The home airport is Soekarno-Hatta in Jakarta. The airline has a poetic name in honor of the mythical bird of the Hindu god Vishnu - Garuda, which is a symbol of the republic. It flies on more than 80 routes, but most of them are in Asia.

Thai Airways International is the national airline of Thailand, whose main airport is Suvarnabhumi. Thai Airways International is a founding member Alliance Star Alliance along with Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines and United Airlines (USA). Thai Airways has flights to 46 airports across Asia as well as the US and the Middle East.

www.facebook.com/ThaiAirways/

Every year, consulting companies conduct large-scale surveys on passenger satisfaction with air carriers, as a result of which leaders are identified.

300 aircraft

(Lufthansa) opens top ten the best airlines in the world today. The leading German carrier is also one of the largest in the world. Lufthansa provides its customers with a high level of service and comfort during the flight. The fleet includes about 300 aircraft. Flights are made to 215 destinations. Lufthansa recognized the best airlines Europe.

200 aircraft

All Nippon Airways(All Nippon Airways) is one of the largest Japanese airlines. In safety ratings, AllNippon occupies one of the first places. All Nippon Airways won the award for "Most best service in an Aeroport". The airline offers four levels of service on board, depending on the class. Multimedia entertainment is provided for passengers of all classes. AllNippon Airways is distinguished not only by the comfort of flights, but also by the operational speed of servicing all customers. Air Transport includes about 200 technical units that fly to more than 200 cities.

39 aircraft

Virgin Atlantic/VirginAustralia a (Virgin Atlantic) entered 50 major air carriers peace. Virgin Atlantic provides passengers with comfortable flight conditions in accordance with the class. Free meals and multimedia entertainment are provided for everyone. In 2009, the air carrier won the Best Premium Economy Class nomination. In 2010, Virgin Atlantic was recognized as the best among transatlantic companies. In terms of reliability and safety, Virgin Atlantic ranks fifth in the world. The size of the fleet is relatively small, with 39 aircraft. Flights are made to 34 destinations.

63 aircraft

EVA Air(Eva Air) is one of the major Taiwanese airlines. According to the results of 2015, it was included in the top three most reliable and safe carriers and in the top ten the best companies by service. Air Fleet includes 63 units of aircraft. Flights are carried out to 74 destinations.

200 aircraft

(Emirates) is one of the largest air carriers in the world, which is located in Dubai. Emirates ranked among the top 10 safest and most reliable airlines. Passengers are provided with a full range of comfortable services on board the aircraft in accordance with the class. The airline won the award for Best Inflight Entertainment. The fleet has more than 200 aircraft, which will soon be replenished with several hundred more. Flights are carried out in 120 points of the world.

100 aircraft

Singapore Airlines(Singapore Airlines) is the largest airline in Singapore. Has a five-star rating from the consulting company Skytrax. For business class customers, Singapore Airlines offers an exclusive offer - to fly in suites, which are separate comfortable cabins. The cabin allows you to retire and relax during the flight on a full bed. A bonus program has been developed for passengers, which encourages regular customers through accumulated travel. The client himself chooses the type of remuneration for bonuses. Singapore Airlines won in the nomination "The best staff on board". The air fleet of Singapore Airlines has more than 100 units of aircraft and flies to more than 60 points of the world.

150 aircraft

Cathay Pacific Airways(Catey Pacific Airways) is Hong Kong's flag carrier. Katya Pacific has entered the top six airlines in the world with a five-star rating, according to the influential British company Skytrax. Increased level of service on board, incentive bonus programs for passengers and modernized fleet- all this allows Cathay Pacific Airways to be among the best. The fleet has about 150 aircraft, soon their number will increase by another 80. The geography of flights is quite extensive and includes 112 destinations.

100 aircraft

(Etihad Airways) opens the top three of the best airlines in the world. The air carrier of the United Arab Emirates is one of the youngest and fastest growing companies in air transport. Etihad Airways since its foundation (2003) it has received over 30 awards for the high level of service and flight comfort. All passengers can take advantage of a rich media library with a varied selection of audio recordings and films. For business class clients, there is a separate waiting room with seating areas, where a wide range of services is provided. In addition, it is provided free service"Personal chauffeur" at the place of arrival. Economy Class passengers have the option of a free shuttle service with an Etihad Airways ticket. The air park has more than 100 aircraft. The number of international routes is 120.

200 aircraft

(Kwontas Airways), nicknamed "Flying Kangaroo" entered the top three best air carriers this year. It is the largest and oldest Australian airline. All Qantas Airways aircraft are equipped with an upgraded security system and are under constant monitoring. The company provides passengers with quality service and comfortable conditions during the flight. Carries out transportation on 144 international routes. The size of the fleet is about 200 aircraft. In terms of safety, Qantas Airways ranks second.

76 aircraft

(Air New Zealand) - One of New Zealand's largest air carriers, ranked first among the best airlines this year. Air New Zealand is considered the safest by Airline Ratings experts. Innovative implementations to improve the comfort level of flights also set this company apart from others. Each passenger can become a member of the Air New Zealand Koru program. The exclusive offer is to provide additional services: customers are provided with special waiting rooms with the possibility of using a separate parking lot. There are also lounges with showers, light snacks, Internet access and other services. An increased level of comfort, qualified personnel, environmental friendliness and safety are indicators of the air carrier's credibility. The air fleet consists of 76 aircraft, transportation is carried out on 48 international routes.

Skytrax, which specializes in the study of the quality of services of various air carriers and airports, has released an annual rating of the best airlines in the world. When compiling it, the impressions of over 19 million travelers from 105 countries of the world were taken into account. The survey, which covered more than 325 airlines, contained 49 parameters ranging from cabin comfort to service quality. Here are the top 10 airlines in the world, according to a Skytrax survey.

This air carrier has recently undertaken a large-scale renewal of its aircraft fleet and significantly improved the quality of service. The pilots did not remain deprived either, they were given more comfortable chairs.

And Garuda flight attendants in 2017 received an award as the best flight attendants in the world. They have been awarded this title for the second year in a row.

9. Hainan Airlines, China

Founded in 1993, Hainan Airlines is the only Chinese airline to have been awarded the coveted five stars by Skytrax. In three short years, it has moved from 22nd to 9th position in the top of the world's top air carriers. It operates over 160 aircraft and is rapidly expanding into Asia, Europe and Australia. Skytrax reviewers praised Hainan Airlines for its responsive service and business class comfort. The company also earned the title of the best airline in China and received the award for the best airline staff service in China.

8. Etihad Airways, United Arab Emirates

The Abu Dhabi-based air carrier won awards for World's Best First Class, Best First Class Seats and Best First Class Service in 2017. Some of the features of being on board Etihad include the use of noise canceling headphones and dimming the lights to keep passengers well rested.

7 Lufthansa, Germany

IN last years the German airline had to significantly "shrink" in the budget. Fortunately, this did not affect the service and the overall quality of the service. And for the best results, Skytrax recommends adding newer A380s and 748-8s to the fleet.

Lufthansa took first place as the best European airline and for an excellent first class restaurant.

6. EVA Air, Taiwan

It was EVA Air that became the pioneer by creating a premium economy class on the Boeing 777. Skytrax awarded the Taiwanese air carrier the prize for the cleanest cabins in the world and the most comfortable business class.

5. Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong

Although the Hong Kong-based airline lost one point from its 2016 rankings, it still maintains its place as one of the most respected air carriers in the Pacific region. With a large fleet of Boeing 777-300ERs and a high frequency of flights, Cathay is one of the best Asian airlines. Skytrax reviewers are pleased with Cathay's comfortable seats, quality of service, and in-flight entertainment. However, there were also negative reviews due to congestion and unstable weather at the Cathay base in Hong Kong.

4. Emirates, Dubai

Over the past 30 years, Emirates has become one of the world's leading long-haul airlines. The airline entertainment system includes huge selection movies, music and games, on demand and in multiple languages. There will be something to do during the flight and for children, they are given pencils, coloring books and soft toys.

For 13 consecutive years, Emirates has been a leader in the " the best entertainment aboard".

3. All Nippon Airways, Japan

Skytrax has awarded ANA employees the title of "Best Staff in Asia", which means the airline has demonstrated a high quality of service in the air and on the ground after greeting passengers at the airport. The Japanese are renowned for their courtesy and respect for others, but at ANA, customers can expect amazing friendliness from the staff, a positive atmosphere at the airport, and enjoyable flights with folding seats and USB ports, even in economy class.

2. Singapore Airlines, Singapore

In terms of overall service quality, seat comfort, and cabin crew attitude, Singapore Airlines is typically ranked among the leaders in the World Airline Awards every year.

Personal TVs with big amount entertainment programs and hot towels instead of the usual lollipops before takeoff are just some of the advantages of Singapore Airlines. The base of the air carrier is Changi Airport, which has not given the title to competitors for five years in a row. best airport in the world by Skytrax versions. Singapore Airlines is the best airline in Asia, has awards for the best premium economy class and unsurpassed comfort seats in business class.

1. Qatar Airways, Qatar

After falling to second place in 2016, the Qatari air carrier has managed to regain the title of "most best airline in the world". Reviewers praised the very comfortable seats and interesting entertainment, brightening up long flights.

The airline offers more than 150 destinations worldwide and is constantly expanding its fleet to include the latest generation long haul airliners, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350. Qatar Airways has also won awards for Best Airline in the Middle East and Excellent Business Class.

Top 10 World Airlines 2017 (Infographic)