After the chaos that followed the Pandemic in 2020, airlines are looking to bounce back to their previous glory. In the 21st century, air travel has become the way for backpackers, business people, and luxury travelers alike to reach their destinations. For airlines, this means that companies now offer more to their travel-hungry passengers. Competition between airlines has become tough to try and snag a greater section of the market. With traveling halting for several years following the world opening, travelers now are unsure about what to expect from the aviation industry. Airlines are using this opportunity to showcase their merits and attract passengers.
Passengers will choose airlines for a large variety of reasons, and in this post, we will get into some of the criteria that customers consider. Along with price points and the best services, there are organizations that provide reliable ratings. Keep reading if you want to learn what makes a good airline, what customer service you may expect, and what makes a good airline.
What makes a good airline?
A good airline is decided by acing a selection of criteria in both customer service and reliability. The key criteria ratings used in the industry include:
- Product Rating
- Safety Rating
- Passenger Review
- Fleet Age
- Operating Profit
- Premium Economy
- Flatbeds in Business Class
- Investment Grade Ratings
- Environmental Report
- Industrial issues
- Serious Incidents
- Is the airline an innovator?
- Position in top 50 airlines
To achieve prime ratings across all these criteria, an airline must really be top of its game. An airline has hundreds of planes across the whole world. The planes operate in 24 time zones and their staff deal with jet lag, red-eye crossings, and poor sleep. This means that airlines that receive top ratings ensure that despite the difficulties of operating a successful enterprise focused on the little details as well as the overall picture.
What can passengers expect from the best airlines?
One of the key and most palpable reflections of an airline’s success is the service provided to the passengers. From customer service when booking the flight to dealing with issues if problems arise during the trip. The attitude of the ground and in-air staff and of course the amenities and facilities offered. With the service levels improving across the board, a passenger’s expectations have risen as well. Even a small inconvenience such as a non-functioning screen or poorly reclining chair can leave a customer dissatisfied. The amount of modern technology that now is ubiquitous on airlines means that things can go wrong with motors and electronics. While this is possible in all airlines, the ratings, in the end, will usually reflect how the airline responds to these problems.
What makes the best airline?
When someone asks what makes the best airline, the answer is simple. Consistency. If an airline operates fantastically in one area of their business but not in the others, then that will impact their airline rating. If any airline can have a great flight on a Monday followed by a terrible flight on Wednesday and an average flight on Saturday, then customers do not know what to expect. An excellent airline can provide customers with a sense of comfort in consistency. So when a passenger purchases a ticket for any airline, then they should know what to expect. A key part of the course is, are you flying with one of the safest airlines?
What are the criteria that make the best airline?
The following list and descriptions are some of the key criteria for what makes the best airline in the world. The airlines we will be mentioning later on in the article, have excellent ratings in all the standards below.
Airline Safety
The first and most crucial criterion that measures the best airline in the world is airline safety. There are many airline safety rating organizations, but for example, the Airline Ratings have created a seven-star safety rating developed with the International Civil Aviation Organization.
This airline safety rating includes 11 separate audits that measure 1067 safety and organization parameters. These audits are conducted every two years to ensure the airline safety rating is up to date. Below are all the safest airlines in the aviation industry.
Profitability
The profitability of an airline may not seem like an important part of the airline rating criteria for passengers; however, it gives a good indication of the business overall. Profitability helps to gauge how the airline deals with its investments, fleet upgrades, and expenses. Some airlines make enormous profits but do not invest to create better fleets.
Fleet Age
While some airlines make incredible profits, it is also crucial for them to invest in their fleets. Some airlines have new fleets while others have an average age of 17 years or more. A modern fleet usually signals greater investment and therefore better environmental standards, lowered emissions, modern technology, and better safety standards. Low fleet age also means fuel-efficient fleets.
Premium Economy
Another criteria that set apart some airlines is the type of seating provided in classes. With increased business travel many airlines have been transitioning to larger premium sections and smaller first-class areas. Premium on long-haul flights provides the best value proposition for the passenger and the airline. Passengers get more comfortable seating and better service. While the airlines can fit more premium seats on their plane in comparison to First Class, they are still getting a better price than in the economy cabin.
Flat Beds in Business Class
For passengers looking for more luxury when they travel or the need for a comfortable sleep on red-eye, then prime airlines need to provide flat beds in business class. The difference in the quality of sleep from an upright or semi-reclined position to a fully flat bed is massive. Flatbeds therefore truly set apart as a high-quality airline.
The Airline is an innovator
The airline industry has transformed from its humble beginnings in the 1910s into a billion-dollar mega-giant. Along with increased flight distances and affordability, airplanes now offer everything from movies and games to exquisite meals. If an airline wants to keep its position as one of the best companies in the airport, then the airline needs to be an innovator. Airlines that invest time and money to improve the passenger experience will always come out on top. Whether this is automatic coffee ordering systems, text message updates, or personalized in-air service.
Environmental consciousness
With climate change and other environmental concerns growing in the consciousness of the public, passengers now look more closely at their chosen airlines. Are these airlines doing enough in offsetting carbon? Do they have an efficient fleet with low emissions? Limiting pollution is now not only socially responsible, but it is good business. Airlines now compete with one another to prove themselves in the space as a socially and environmentally conscious company.
Passenger Reviews
As you can imagine, passenger experience and reviews play a key part in airline ratings. Even if all other criteria were exemplary, if customers are not happy in a customer-orientated business, then the airline cannot be successful. The top airlines pride themselves on regular customer service on the ground and in the air. This means that customers can expect a smooth booking, checking in, and boarding process. On board, they know they will be greeted with professional and reliable service.
How can Airlines improve their service?
If an airline is looking to boost its position in the world rankings of airlines, then it can focus on several aspects of its services. For any service provider, looking at reviews and learning from customer feedback.
Inflight Meals
There is nothing that passengers look forward to more on a flight than the meal service. The meal service is a welcome break from the monotony of the flight, it provides nourishment and refreshment. However, a poor inflight meal can dampen the spirits of even the most eager travelers. That is why airlines can improve their customer reviews and overall customer experience by ensuring that their meals are delicious and that they provide options for all dietary needs.
In-flight Entertainment
An extensive and well-functioning inflight entertainment system can elevate a passenger’s experience of flying. A large and easy-to-navigate screen with a large selection of in-flight entertainment allows customers to distract themselves, pass the time, and have an amazing flight. A poor selection or malfunctioning entertainment equipment can cause negative customer reviews. Top Airlines have incredible in-flight entertainment on every long flight.
Great Travel Deals
Airlines that offer great travel deals, specials, and budget options attract price-conscious passengers. Great deals include ‘bags go free’, free return flights, multi-city stops, or easy-to-change or reschedule flights. For many passengers, the price point of flights is the key criterion for booking. Therefore, if airlines can offer great deals to attract new customers, they may gain loyal followers with excellent service.
Comfort and Space
Nothing is worse than boarding a long-haul flight and finding out you have hardly any space for your knees. Tall passengers in particular find that choosing airlines based on the spaciousness of the seat becomes paramount when on longer flights. Currently, the top three airlines for long-haul flights are Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and New Zealand. These three-offer comfortable seating in economy, premium class, and business class. Meaning wherever you are seated, you can still have space to stretch out a bit and enjoy your flight. You would be surprised how high ceilings have an impact on space perception.
Customer Service
As mentioned previously, customer service is a must in passenger satisfaction. Customer service in airlines extends from the moment you choose to book your flight until you arrive home with your bags. This means the best airlines have a streamlined process for booking, checking in, flying, and customer service. Customer service ratings are also reflected in the little touches. Some Airlines provide additional amenities on long-haul flights including socks, a toothbrush, or an eye mask for improved sleep. Passenger feedback is a key part of keeping their customer service the first airline in the world.
What is the biggest airline in the world?
The global airline industry’s market size was estimated to be around $470 billion in 2021. This was a significant decrease from the $818 billion in 2019 prior to the pandemic. The greatest players in the airline market include the following:
- AMERICAN AIRLINES. Revenue: $29.9 billion.
- DELTA AIR LINES. Revenue: $29.9 billion.
- DELTA AIR LINES. Revenue: $29.9 billion.
- UNITED AIRLINES. Revenue: $24.6 billion.
- CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES. Revenue: $16.4 billion.
- LUFTHANSA. Revenue: $15.4 billion
The Best Airlines in the World In the year 2022
Emirates
The Largest Airline in the Middle East is the famous Emirates. Their slogan, “Fly Emirates, Fly Better” lives strong in the mind of anyone who looks to take a comfortable long-haul flight. Emirates now presents a premium economy among a wide range of seating and amenities to further secure its position as one of the best airlines in the world. Emirates flies to a long list of international destinations and is a favorite among many travelers. Their name is also synonymous with sponsoring sporting events and their dedication to aspects of life outside of airports.
The Emirates Business Class is one of the most luxurious options available for long-haul flights while they won 4th place in the winner of First Class according to trip advisor. While this premium seating offers everything from flatbeds to exquisite meals, any seat in an Emirates aircraft is desirable. Whether you are flying economy or higher class, you get up to 3,000 channels of entertainment, large screens, and modern amenities. The Emirates A380 aircraft and a few select Boeing 777 have free Wi-Fi.
One of the most practical benefits of Emirates is its baggage allowance on flights. Economy class passengers get 30kgs while business class gets 40kg. Their luggage service also provides cargo tracking so luggage does not go missing. If it would, their exceptional customer service would ensure proper compensation.
What really took the world by storm, is the Emirates First Class. The first class suites provide an aura of flying inside a 5-star hotel. The experience begins with a matching first-class leather seat bus that takes the select passengers ahead of the rest of the plane. The seat is actually a suite. There you have your own closet, amenity kits, pajamas, and a ‘room service ‘call service. There is also provides ample room for your luggage and your body, the finest chocolate, coffee tea, or mimosa as a pre-departure treat. We cannot miss out on mentioning the meal that comes from an award-winning chef.