SIA Lost to Qatar Airways to be World’s Best Airline in Skytrax World Airline Awards

Well, I guess we Singaporeans have lost something to flex to our foreign friends about, but not all is lost, don’t worry!

Singapore Airlines (SIA) just got bumped from the top spot by Qatar Airways in the latest Skytrax World Airline Awards for 2024.

The Middle Eastern carrier snagged the crown from SIA, who was the reigning champ in 2023. Since 2017, the title of Best Airline in the World has consistently been awarded to one of these two airlines.

It is heartbreaking, but don’t let the Asian mindset get to you; second place is still pretty impressive at the end of the day.

The Rankings

For those keeping score at home, here’s the rundown of the world’s top ten airlines for 2024:

1. Qatar Airways
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Emirates
4. ANA All Nippon Airways
5. Cathay Pacific Airways
6. Japan Airlines
7. Turkish Airlines
8. EVA Air
9. Air France
10. Swiss International Air Lines

This is not just some random ranking. The results are based on a customer satisfaction survey conducted by London-based research firm Skytrax from September 2023 to May 2024.

Over 100 nationalities chipped in with their opinions, rating their flights on everything from seat comfort to the tastiness of the in-flight snacks. 

Beginning in 1999, the Skytrax World Airline Awards is described to be the “Oscars of the aviation industry” and “represents a global benchmark of excellence”, according to their website.

This year’s award ceremony took place in London and was attended by approximately 350 airlines, with guests including senior executives, managers, and uniformed cabin crew.

SIA’s Shiny Trophies

Even though SIA did not clinch the global top spot, they did not go back empty handed. In fact, they still got plenty of awards to show off.

If you’ve ever flown with SIA, you know everything from their service, to their food and their first class cabin is legendary (I can’t relate since I’m broke, so I’ll take the public’s word for it). 

SIA was still crowned Best Airline in Asia, outshining competitors like Japan’s ANA All Nippon Airways and Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific. Plus, they won World’s Best Cabin Staff and World’s Best First Class.

They also won Best Business Class in Asia, and Most Family Friendly Airline in Asia, among various others.

And don’t forget about Scoot, SIA’s budget-friendly younger sibling (Now this, I can relate to). Scoot bagged the title of World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline for the fourth year in a row.

A true testament to SIA’s power in the industry, it was announced that SIA achieved a record-breaking full-year net profit, giving rise to increased dividends for shareholders and larger bonuses for staff.

It was reported that all employees, including pilots, received a profit-sharing bonus equivalent to 7.94 months, compared to 6.65 months in 2023.

SIA attributed its success to strong air travel demand, with the airline and Scoot collectively transporting 36.4 million passengers, marking a 37.6% increase from the previous year.