The world’s 10 best airlines of 2023: from Emirates vs Qatar Airways to Japan’s rivals JAL and ANA – how does Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific score against Singapore Airlines on Skytrax’s annual awards?

Jul 6 , 2023

Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways all rank among the top 10 in this year’s best airlines in the world list by Skytrax – read on for the full list. Photos: Jonathan Wong; Handout

Skytrax just unveiled this year’s best airlines in the world list, with Singapore Airlines knocking Qatar Airways off the coveted top spot it held 4 years running

Japan’s competing ANA and Japan Airlines jostle for position, with Korean Air and Turkish Airlines also in the top 10 – Air France was the only European carrier to make the cut

Airline ranking company Skytrax just released its annual list of the best airlines in the world. The World Airline Awards, the list is based on data collected from an online traveller satisfaction survey.

With 2023 marking the first year of global recovery from the pandemic, the following list highlights the airlines that have demonstrated exceptional resilience, swiftly rebounding to maintain or hopefully even build on their reputations. So, who soared above the rest and made the top 10 this year?

10. Korean Air

So how did Korean Air fair in its ranking? Photo: Reuters

South Korea’s flagship carrier is ranked No 10 on the list for its exceptional service and on-board amenities. Headquartered in Seoul, this leading international carrier flies to 43 countries.

Fun fact: There is a special livery on a Korean Air 777-300ER that showcases the names of every one of the airline’s employees.

9. Eva Air

An Airbus A330-200 owned by Taiwanese airline Eva Air takes off from Tokyo’s Narita International. Photo: Kyodo

Eva Air, a Taiwanese carrier, has been operating since 1989. As a member of the Star Alliance the airline boasts an extensive network, connecting more than 60 prominent business and tourist destinations across Australia, Asia, Europe and North America. Skytrax also credited the airline for having the world’s best premium economy class.

Fun fact: Eva Air was intended to be called Evergreen Airlines but the name was already taken.

The world’s 10 best airlines of 2023: from Emirates vs Qatar Airways to Japan’s rivals JAL and ANA – how does Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific score against Singapore Airlines on Skytrax’s annual awards?

10. Korean Air

9. Eva Air

8. Cathay Pacific