In a significant shift in the airline rankings, Korean Air has been named the World’s Best Airline for 2025, surpassing Qatar Airways, which had held the top spot for several years. The prestigious recognition was awarded by AirlineRatings, an Australian-based aviation safety and product rating agency, in their annual review of the top 25 airlines globally.
Why Korean Air Took the Lead
Korean Air’s rise to the top was attributed to several key factors, with a particular emphasis on its commitment to enhancing the economy class experience. The airline’s focus on maintaining comfort for economy passengers was a major differentiator in this year’s ranking. While many competitors have reduced seat pitch and added extra seats per row, Korean Air has maintained its original seat configuration, offering a more generous 33-34 inches of seat pitch on its aircraft. This decision was praised by AirlineRatings for prioritizing passenger comfort, especially on medium-to-long-haul flights.
Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings, highlighted that the rankings are not just based on popularity but a meticulous assessment of quality, value, and safety. “Korean Air’s emphasis on economy class comfort—where most passengers travel—is a major factor in their success,” said Petersen.
The Full Top 10
Following Korean Air in the rankings are:
- Korean Air
- Qatar Airways (which fell to second place after years at the top)
- Air New Zealand
- Cathay Pacific
- Singapore Airlines
- Emirates
- Japan Airlines
- Qantas (up one spot from 9th in 2024)
- Etihad
- Turkish Airlines
What Makes Korean Air Stand Out?
In addition to its seat configuration, Korean Air was commended for its attention to in-flight experience, particularly for economy passengers. Notable touches include:
- Larger meal portions compared to many other airlines
- A wider selection of in-flight entertainment
- Complimentary slippers for passengers, especially on long-haul flights
These thoughtful amenities contribute to Korean Air’s reputation for providing a high level of comfort, particularly in economy class, a segment often overlooked by many airlines striving to maximize revenue by reducing passenger space.
Qatar Airways and Other Notable Rankings
Although Qatar Airways was dethroned from the top spot, the airline still maintained its excellence in business class, securing the Best Business Class award for another year. Qatar Airways’ long-standing reputation for luxury and service has earned it this continued recognition, despite its slip to second place.
AirlineRatings’ Expanded Categories
For the first time this year, AirlineRatings introduced a new category: Best Hybrid Airlines. This award recognizes airlines that excel in hybrid operations, offering innovative service models that combine the benefits of full-service carriers with the flexibility of low-cost airlines. The top three in this category were:
- Jetblue
- Westjet
- Virgin Australia
Other Top Airlines and Noteworthy Mentions
The full list of the Top 25 World’s Best Airlines includes:
- EVA Air
- Fiji Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- ANA
- Aero Mexico
- Air Caraibes
- Thai Airways
- STARLUX Airlines
- Vietnam Airlines
- Sri Lankan Airlines
- Air France
- KLM
- Air Calin
- Air Mauritius
- Garuda Indonesia
Low-Cost Airline Rankings
In the low-cost airline category, AirAsia was named the Best Low-Cost Airline for the year, with Jetstar coming in second, followed by AirBaltic, HK Express, and EasyJet in the top five.
Looking Ahead
With this year’s rankings, Korean Air has solidified its place as the world’s leading airline for passenger comfort, innovation, and safety. The airline’s commitment to enhancing the economy travel experience, coupled with its forward-thinking approach to fleet management and service offerings, makes it a standout leader in the competitive global airline industry.
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