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The Top 10 Best Airlines Of 2019 List

byAeroTime Extra
2019-03-15
6 minute read

The Top 10 Best Airlines Of 2019

Just recently we discussed the best airlines of 2018. These carriers provided the best customer experience last year. From the moment the passengers bought their tickets, stepped inside the airport, to the whole time they were in the sky – the best airline was Singapore Airlines (SIA1) (SINGY) in 2018. The South East Asian carrier claimed its record-equaling 4th best airline title.

So, as 2019 gets underway, we try to predict which airline will be on the top step of the Top 10 Airlines Of 2019 list! Without further-a-do, let’s count down the Top 10 list!

10. Swiss International Air Lines (2018: 12 ⬆️)

Starting off the Top 10 Best Airlines of 2019 list is Swiss International Air Lines. Last year the airline was outside the top 10.

However, with introducing refurbished cabins to its fleet pillars, the wide-body Airbus A340s and Boeing 777s. The new cabin will refresh the passenger experience for Economy, Business and First Class passengers. The refurbished cabins introduce newer seats, a completely new in-flight entertainment with the internet and a new lighting system for the cabin.

Additionally, Swiss is part of the Lufthansa (LHAB) (LHA) group. So, you know that the airline will offer only the best customer experience possible. And with Qantas stagnating while Thai Airways is suffering massive financial losses, this is the perfect opportunity for Swiss to break into the Top 10 Airlines Of 2019 list.

Refurbished Swiss International Air Lines Cabin Refurbished Swiss International Air Lines Cabin

9. Garuda Indonesia (2018: 9 ↔️)

Although last year Garuda Indonesia climbed up one place, the competition is just too stiff at the Top 10. Simply put, it is hard to move forward, unless an airline presents something very radical and new for its passengers.

Nevertheless, Garuda Indonesia has introduced some new features. Namely, on Garuda’s long-haul routes to London. Economy class passengers can purchase Premium seats, which clears up the neighboring seat from any passengers, business class meals, a Wi-Fi voucher and some other added bonuses.

The 5-star airline keeps its rightful place in the Top 10, but for now, it is not moving forward.

8. Lufthansa (2018: 7 ⬇️)

Almost an identical situation with Garuda Indonesia, Lufthansa (LHAB) (LHA) has not introduced any new features. But Lufthansa (LHAB) (LHA) has been showing very impressive passenger and financial numbers for 2018, so we expect the German carrier to introduce some new features for their customers.

But for now, the only European airline 5-star airline will not move that much forward. It stays in a fairly high place on the ranking just based on their excellent work throughout the past few years. Hopefully, we’ll be wrong by the end of the year though!

LHAB) (LHA) -New-Livery-Boeing-747.jpg”>Lufthansa New Livery Boeing 747

7. Hainan Airlines (2018: 8 ⬆️)

One of the biggest airlines in China, Hainan Airlines moves up a place in the Top 10 Airlines Of 2019 list.

Based on the island of Hainan, the airline has managed to become one of the most successful Chinese airlines. It is the only 5-star Chinese carrier. Additionally, Hainan Airlines introduces some new services for its customers for 2019.

A brand-new Premium VIP Check-in in their hubs in Beijing in Xi’an, a new lounge in Beijing’s Terminal 2 will allow their high-end passengers to redefine what it’s like to travel with Hainan.

Furthermore, the carrier is expanding its route network massively. New flights to Canada, Unites States and European destinations will allow the Chinese carrier to work their great passenger experience charm on fresh travelers. If their tendencies continue, we might see them rising even higher in the final list!

Hainan Airlines Kung Fu Panda Livery Hainan Airlines Kung Fu Panda Livery

6. Emirates (2018: 4 ⬇️)

While Emirates is known for its excellent customer service, fancy flights and luxury, the Emirati carrier is struggling. With oil prices going up, currency prices fluctuating Emirates suffered declining profits.

First 6 months of the financial year of 2018 – 2019 put the carrier at a decrease of profits at a staggering 86%. However, it still made a profit. In general, the aviation industry in the Middle East is currently struggling, so the fact that Emirates is still profitable is very remarkable.

The former 4-time best airline of the year winner lands in the 6th place in the Best Airlines of 2019 list. Hopefully, the next part of the year will include some good news for the airline and it will come back to its former glory and climb the rankings.

Emirates aircraft at Dubai International Airport Emirates aircraft at Dubai International Airport

5. Cathay Pacific (2018: 6 ⬆️)

One of the oldest carriers on the list, Cathay Pacific is based in Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific has a very different situation compared to Emirates – while one is struggling, Cathay is reforming its operations and pursuing a profitable 2019.

So far so good, as the airline finally posted a profitable year in 2018 as a result of a reform plan announced in 2017. Furthermore, the airline from Hong Kong announced some new features last month. These include a redefined menu on-board and a new yoga center, which further adds to the already excellent customer experience for those who chose to fly with the airline.

However, this is a make it or break it year for the airline. As it finally turned a profit in its financial books, Cathay Pacific has a chance to further expand their passenger experience in 2019. If they do, I expect them to end up even higher on the Best Airlines of 2019 list at the end of the year.

4. EVA Air (2018: 5 ⬆️)

The airline famous for its special Hello Kitty liveries, the airline is also renowned amongst its passengers for taking extra care of their passengers who fly on the airline. There is a reason why it‘s a 5-star rated airline.

And there is a reason why EVA moved up the top 5 this year.

The airline has some good news for its passengers, as it introduced new in-flight conveniences. The carrier partnered up with the fashion designer Jason Wu, premium brands Rimowa and Ferragamo to redefine their cabin experience.

These conveniences include new sleeping wear on long-haul flights, exclusive amenity kits, a redefined menu on routes from Taipei to some cities in the United States and new boarding refreshments. All of these new experiences are available only to Royal Laurel/Premium Laurel/Business Class passengers.

EVA Air Hello Kitty Airbus A320 EVA Air Hello Kitty Airbus A320

3. Qatar Airways (2018: 2 ⬇️)

Another airline from the Middle East, this time it is Qatar Airways. Also known for its luxury both on-board and in Qatar’s destination airports, like good news, the airline lands in the third spot for the Best Airlines of 2019 list.

However, while last year it could have competed head-to-head against Singapore Airlines (SIA1) (SINGY) for the first place, this year the situation won’t repeat itself. Even though the carrier has kept some excellent service standards, unfortunately, politics play a part.

Because of the Qatar diplomatic crisis, Qatar Airways cannot land from many Arab countries. Furthermore, many Arab countries disallowed Qatar-registered aircraft to pass over its airspace. Thus, jets from Qatar have to fly over Iran, which equals in high fees.

As a result of all these blockades, Qatar Airways has posted a loss in 2018. As a result of this loss, Qatar Airways dropped to the last step of the Top 3 Best Airlines of 2019.

Qatar Airways Qatar Airways

2. All Nippon Airways (2018: 3 ⬆️)

The Japanese carrier, which shortens its name to ANA, will have a perfect opportunity to be one of the best airlines in the world.

With Middle East airlines struggling financially and Airbus delivering ANA their first A380 Super Jumbo, the conditions might be just perfect.

In addition to this, the Japanese carrier is also making some moves in the passenger experience department. Namely, they revamped their lounges in airports, upgraded their in-flight services both internationally and domestically.

With the stars aligning perfectly, ANA lands at 2nd place in the list. If the stars move in the right direction, ANA might even cause an upset and climb one more step and reach the top. Will that be true? We’ll see!

All Nippon Airways Fleet All Nippon Airways Fleet

1. Singapore Airlines (2018: ↔️)

So, this carrier will be the best airline of 2019. Drum roll, please…

Oh, never mind. The heading already spoiled it!

Anyways, terrible jokes aside, we predict that the South East Asian carrier will claim first place again and continue from last year’s success. If they do become the best airline in the world, they will become the first carrier to win the award 5 times.

And we do believe that Singapore Airlines (SIA1) (SINGY) can do so. If ANA’s stars aligned perfectly, the conditions are even better for Singapore Airlines (SIA1) (SINGY) . The carrier not only provides probably the best service good news, but Singapore Changi Airport is also regarded as one of the best airports in the world.

Thus, there are no reasons for Singapore Airlines (SIA1) (SINGY) to reduce the quality of the experience when you step onto their planes. We do think the airline will continue their hard work and keep its first place for the second year in a row now.

So, to sum up, these are the Top 10 Best Airlines Of 2019:

  1. Singapore Airlines
  2. All Nippon Airways
  3. Qatar
  4. Cathay Pacific
  5. Emirates
  6. EVA Air
  7. Hainan Airlines
  8. Lufthansa
  9. Garuda Indonesia
  10. Swiss International Air Lines
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