Airline of The Year 2025 Goes To…. KOREAN AIR.
Korean Air won the Airline of the Year 2025 for its exceptional focus on passenger comfort, particularly in Economy Class, where it maintains industry-leading seat pitches of 33–34 inches on wide-body aircraft. Unlike many competitors, the airline has resisted reducing seat space, ensuring a more comfortable travel experience. Korean Air’s thoughtful touches, such as slippers and generous meal portions on long-haul flights, enhanced its appeal. Beyond passenger experience, the airline’s financial stability, groundbreaking merger with Asiana Airlines, and significant investments in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft showcased its commitment to innovation and future readiness, solidifying its win.
Here are the top 25 Full Service Airlines for 2025
- Korean Air
- Qatar
- Air New Zealand
- Cathay Pacific
- Singapore Airlines
- Emirates
- Japan Airlines
- Qantas
- Etihad
- Turkish Airlines
- EVA Air
- Fiji Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- ANA
- Aero Mexico
- Air Caraibes
- Thai Airways
- STARLUX Airlines
- Vietnam Airlines
- Sri Lankan Airlines
- Air France
- KLM (note the airline are trialling a Hybrid model on some routes)
- Air Calin
- Air Mauritius
- Garuda Indonesia
Here are the top 20 Hybrid Airlines for 2025
1. Jetblue
2. Westjet
- Virgin Australia
- Delta Airlines
- United
- American Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Air Canada
- LOT Polish Airlines (this is under change and may soon be full service)
- TAP Portugal
- Alaska Airlines
- SWISS
- Avianca
- Iberia
- British Airways
- Finnair
- Austrian Airlines
- Hawaiian
- ITA
- SAS
Here are the top 20 Low Cost Airlines for 2025
- AirAsia
- Jetstar
- AirBaltic
- HK Express
- Easyjet
- FlyDubai
- Ryanair
- Scoot
- Breeze
- Southwest
- SKY Airline
- FlyNas
- TUI
- Norwegian
- Indi GO
- Air Arabia
- Volaris
- Jet2
- Wizz
- Vueling
World’s Best Regional Airline: Virgin Australia Regional (VARA)
Runner-Up: Aegean Air
VARA (Virgin Australia Regional Airlines) and Air Baltic have been awarded the Best Regional Airline Awards for their excellence in service, reliability, and overall passenger experience. Sharon Petersen, CEO of Airline Ratings, highlighted their achievements, stating, “VARA has consistently delivered an outstanding travel experience, combining efficiency and customer focus to meet the needs of regional and Fly in Fly Out (FiFo) travelers.” She also praised Aegean, saying, “Aegean stands out as a leader in the regional airline sector, with its modern fleet, excellent safety record, operational reliability, and commitment to enhancing the passenger journey. Their onboard offering despite the short flight times is among some of the best in Europe. A truly deserving winner “
World’s Best Ultra Low Cost Carrier: Vietjet
World’s Best Ultra Low Cost Carrier Runner Up: Cebu Pacific
VietJet has again been named the winner of the Best Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier Award, recognized for redefining affordability while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction. Sharon Petersen, CEO of Airline Ratings, applauded the airline’s achievement, stating, “VietJet has mastered the art of delivering exceptional value to passengers, combining competitive fares with a reliable and innovative service model. Their ability to make air travel accessible to millions without compromising on safety or efficiency sets them apart. In addition to this, our onboard reviews have noticed time and time again the dedication of their crew to help all passengers and that is something we highly regard”
VietJet continues to lead the ultra-low-cost carrier sector, providing a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for budget-conscious travellers.
World’s Best Cabin Crew: Virgin Australia
World’s Best Airport: Singapore Changi
World’s Best Airline Branded Lounges: Qantas
How we select our Best Full Service, Hybrid and Low Cost Airline award winners.
we have carefully selected its top 25 full-service airlines for 2025, based on a set of stringent criteria. To be considered, airlines must offer a comprehensive full-service experience, including meals, snacks, and beverages regardless of flight duration. The economy seat pitch must be a minimum of 31 inches, and business class must provide lie-flat beds. Additionally, a seven-star safety rating is required, along with a modern fleet, consistency in in-flight product across the fleet, and a strong financial standing.
While not mandatory, desirable features include Wi-Fi availability, in-seat power across all cabin classes, kids’ packs, and a premium economy offering.
The criteria for the top 20 hybrid airlines for 2025 are as follows: airlines must offer a minimum seat pitch of 30 inches in economy class and provide complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Airlines with recliner seats in business class and in-flight entertainment will be ranked higher.
For the top 20 low-cost airlines of 2025, we consider airlines that offer a combination of affordable on-board services, such as meals, drinks, and snacks. Additional services like Wi-Fi and in-flight entertainment may be available for purchase. The highest-ranked low-cost carriers offer exceptionally low base fares and maintain an excellent route network. These airlines must also meet rigorous safety standards, including a seven-star safety rating.