THE WORLD AIRLINE AWARDS - 2006

British Airways has been announced as the 2006 Airline of the Year in the World Airline Awards published today. In second place is Qantas, with the 2005 winner, Cathay Pacific, ranked in 3rd position for 2006. Full results

The 2006 World Airline Awards ® are based on the annual World Airline Survey conducted by Skytrax - carried out between September 2005 and May 2006. The survey measures over 35 different aspects of passenger satisfaction for each airline's product and service standards - evaluating the 'typical' travel experience.

Airline of the Year 2006

1 British Airways
2 Qantas
3 Cathay Pacific
4 Thai Airways
5 Emirates

"the Awards recognised by the world"
Commenting on the World Airline Awards, Edward Plaisted (CEO, Skytrax) said

......"the World Airline Survey is recognised across the globe as the leading independent monitor of passenger opinions - the survey process offering the only truly worldwide project, with open and uninfluenced results. The final total of 13.61 million eligible, completed survey interviews was beyond our expectations, and we pay tribute to all those customers who participated." "Our congratulations go to the 2006 Airline of the Year winner, British Airways. In contrast to several previous year surveys, we found that the level of nominations for British Airways by their premium passengers was proportionately much higher than that of other airlines in the Top 10 rankings - clearly they are doing something right in that particular market.

An airline undergoing considerable changes and cutting product levels to compete across Europe with the low-cost airline competition, a key element to emerge in the passenger voting for British Airways was that it performs well in terms of general product and service consistency."

"Qantas takes the 2nd place Silver Award, repeating their 2004/5 performance, and demonstrating that they are well-established amongst the top quality airlines in the world. A strong performer in other 2006 Category Awards, we will be watching with interest to see if they can push themselves into the top position next year!" added Plaisted. The 2005 winner, Cathay Pacific, ranks 3rd for the 2006 Awards, with Thai Airways in 4th place, and Emirates in 5th. Full results

BEST INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
Emirates maintain their global leadership for Best Airline Inflight Entertainment, again securing 1st place in this ever more competitive category - Singapore Airlines 2nd, and Virgin Atlantic 3rd. Full results

BEST CABIN STAFF
Thai Airways scored another major success, named Worlds Best Cabin Staff for 2006 - with Qatar Airways moving from 5th last year to take 2nd place in the 2006 Awards, and Malaysia Airlines taking 3rd position. Full results

BEST ONBOARD CATERING
Gulf Air maintain their leadership across the Best Airline Catering sections of the World Airline Awards, ranking 1st, 2nd and 5th in the respective awards for First Class, Business Class and Economy Class. Full results

BEST BUSINESS CLASS
British Airways long haul, Club World Business class proves a winner, taking the award as Best Business Class for the second consecutive year - ahead of South African Airways (2nd) and Virgin Atlantic in 3rd. Full results