THE BEST AIRLINE FOR 2018 IS...

For the fifth consecutive year, Air New Zealand has been named the “Airline of the Year” in the U.S. by AirlineRatings.com Various factors were taken into consideration, but the carriers record-breaking financial performance helped it to beat out competitors. Despite earnings before taxes falling to $527 million in 2017 from $663 million in 2016, the airline still experienced its second-most highest earnings in the company’s history.

In addition to profits, Air New Zealand also took the top spot thanks to in-flight innovations, environmental leadership, safety, and a young fleet of aircrafts. It also doesn’t hurt that New Zealand has been experiencing a tourism boom. In the last year, 3.7 million international tourists have visited the island nation so far this year, up 9% from 2016.

Air New Zealand was also named as the airline with the Best Premium Economy. Singapore Airlines won for Best First Class experience, Virgin Australia won for Best Business Class experience, and Korean Air won for Best Economy Class.

Here is the complete list of the top 10 airlines for 2018:

1. Air New Zealand
2. Qantas
3. Singapore Airlines
4. Virgin Australia
5. Virgin Atlantic
6. Etihad Airways
7. All Nippon Airways
8. Korean Air
9. Cathay Pacific
10. Japan Airlines

AirlineRatings.com also identified the top 10 airlines in the world. After Air New Zealand, Qantas and Singapore airlines rounded out the top three. The rest of the list includes in their respective rank: Virgin Australia, Virgin Atlantic, Etihad Airways, All Nippon Airways, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines.

In order to make this list, airlines must achieve a seven-star safety rating and demonstrate leadership in innovation for passenger comfort.

By now you’ve noticed that no U.S. carriers made the list, which is disappointing, but not surprising. U.S. carriers also did not rank on last year’s list.

AWARD CATEGORY:

Airline Of The Year
Air New Zealand selected for Airline of the year

Airline With The Best First Class
Singapore Airlines wins best First Class experience

Airline With The Best Business Class
Virgin Australia wins Best Business Class

Airline With The Best Premium Economy
Air New Zealand wins Best Premium Economy

Airline With The Best Economy
Korean Air wins Best Economy Airline

Airline With The Best Cabin Crew
Singapore Airlines wins Best Cabin Crew

Airline With The Best Catering
Qantas Airways wins for Best Catering Services

Airline With The Best Lounges
Qantas Airways selected for Best Lounges

Airline With The Best In-Flight Entertainment
Emirates wins for Best In-Flight Entertainment

Airline With The Best Domestic Class
Qantas wins for Best Domestic Class

Airline With The Regional Airline Of The Year
Aegean Airlines wins Regional Airline of the Year

Airline With The Most Improved Airline
Tianjin Airlines wins Most Improved Airline

Airline With The Best Ultra-Low-Cost Airline
VietJetair.com wins Ultra-Low-Cost Airline 

Three awards for Australia's best airline.. Qantas. Congratulations to Air New Zealand and to all the other airlines for winning your categories.

Information sourced from here AirlineRatings.com.