Air New Zealand has been given the title of Airline of the Year for the fourth consecutive year by safety and product rating website AirlineRating.com, leading the world's top ten airlines for 2017, followed by Australia's Qantas Airways and Singapore Airlines.
The ranking, which combines four major international industry and government audits, is based on nine key criteria, including fleet age, passenger review ratings, profitability, investment rating and key product offerings.
Only airlines that achieve a seven-star safety rating and demonstrate leadership in innovation for passenger comfort can be in the top 10, according to AirlineRating.com.
Let's have a look at the top 10 best airlines for the upcoming year.
No 10
Lufthansa
A plane of German carrier Lufthansa at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany.
No 7
Etihad Airways
An Etihad Airways plane prepares to land at the Abu Dhabi airport in the United Arab Emirates.
No 5
Virgin Australia and Virgin Atlantic
Cabin crew members from Virgin Australia airline.
No 4
Cathay Pacific Airways
Cathay Pacific is the flag carrier of Hong Kong, with its head office and main hub located at Hong Kong International Airport.
No 3
Singapore Airlines
Singapore airlines first class interior design by BMW designworks
No 2
Qantas Airways
Australia's domestic and international airline Qantas Airways.
No 1
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand Limited is the national airline of New Zealand, based in Auckland.
