Of the hundreds of airlines across the globe, only 10 are ever considered “world class,” and this year the honor included Fiji Airways for the first time.
The prestigious award, presented by APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association), lauded the South Pacific carrier for “world class recognition in all classes.” Fiji Airways is the smallest airline by fleet size to ever receive the honor and the only airline in Oceania to win, according to the carrier.
Other winners included regulars to the list like Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates.
“This recognition is a proud and historic moment for the airline and for Fiji,” Andre Viljoen, the managing director and CEO of Fiji Airways, said in a statement. “In 2016, we were ranked outside the world’s Top 100 airlines. Today, through sheer grit, relentless innovation, and the unbreakable spirit of our people, we have risen to be named one of the Top 10 Airlines in the World. This recognition is not just an award, it’s about showing every Fijian, and every member of our team, that we can achieve the impossible. We are the David in a world of Goliaths—and we are winning.”
To get to this level of recognition in just a decade, Fiji Airways said it underwent a “complete overhaul,” including introducing impressive new in-flight dining, which not only features Fijian dishes and local products, but is served on demand and restaurant-style, allowing travelers to choose when and what they want to eat.
Fiji Airways flies to several cities in the United States, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, and Honolulu, connecting them to Fiji and beyond.
APEX said each airline honored on the list underwent an audit by industry professionals, a full year evaluation of customer scores and reviews, and a peer review conducted by academic and market intelligence experts.
“Achieving this higher standard reflects dedication not only to outstanding service and comfort but to safety, sustainability, and customer satisfaction that resonate with travelers today,” APEX CEO Joe Leader said in a statement about the award. “This distinction marks a significant stride toward a future where every flight should be benchmarked against a higher standard of world-class quality.”
This is the full list of the top 10 airlines in the world, according to APEX, in no particular order.
- All Nippon Airways
- Emirates
- Fiji Airways
- Japan Airlines
- Oman Air
- Qatar Airways
- Saudia
- Singapore Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- Xiamen Airlines
