Skytrax has announced the world’s best airlines for 2018, with a major winner emerging from Asia.

After a decade-long hiatus, Singapore Airlines has reclaimed its position at the top, a premium carrier with direct flights to over 60 destinations.

Named Airline of the Year at the 2018 Skytrax World Airline Awards, Singapore Airlines took the crown from last year’s winner, Qatar Airways, securing the top spot.

“We’re absolutely thrilled,” said Yeoh Phee Teik, Singapore Airlines’ Senior VP of Customer Experience, shortly after accepting the award at the London ceremony.

The prestigious award, often referred to as the Oscars of the aviation world, was one of four accolades claimed by Singapore Airlines, including Best First Class, Best Airline in Asia, and Best First Class Seat.

Qatar Airways, which has previously won the title in 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2017, didn’t leave the 2018 Skytrax awards empty-handed. CEO Akbar Al Baker proudly collected multiple honors for the airline.

The Doha-based airline secured awards for Best Business Class, Best Airline in the Middle East, and Best Business Class Seat.

‘An Elevated Experience’

Singapore Airlines’ victory signals a strong return for Asian carriers, which have battled Middle Eastern airlines for supremacy since Skytrax’s passenger-voted awards began in 2001.

With the exception of Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific winning in 2014, the past seven years have seen Middle Eastern airlines dominate the top rankings.

Yeoh attributes Singapore Airlines’ success to a relentless focus on enhancing its services and investing in a modern fleet of long-haul and medium-haul aircraft.

The airline has long been a leader in premium offerings, introducing innovations like hotel-style suites with double beds and consistently top-tier seating. It also owes part of its success to the re-launch of the world’s longest flight between Newark, New Jersey, and Singapore in October 2018.

“Our success can be credited to our dedicated team, who continually work to elevate the customer experience,” Yeoh said.

“We’re proud that our efforts have been recognized, and that our customers have voted us the world’s best.”

The rest of the top 10 consisted of familiar, prestigious airlines, with Asian and Middle Eastern carriers dominating the rankings. ANA All Nippon Airways claimed third place, followed by Emirates in fourth, Taiwan’s EVA Air in fifth, and Cathay Pacific in sixth.

Lufthansa was the sole European airline to make the top 10, securing seventh place. It was followed by China’s Hainan Airlines in eighth, Garuda Indonesia in ninth, and Thai Airways in tenth.

Garuda, which has transformed its services since its early days of being banned from European airspace, was awarded for having the best cabin crew.

No US airline managed to win any awards this year.

Air Canada was named the best airline in North America, while WestJet, another Canadian carrier, took the prize for the region’s best low-cost airline.

Air France lived up to its reputation for fine dining with top honors for best first class catering, first class comfort amenities, and first class lounge dining.

The top 10 best airlines in the world for 2018

1. Singapore Airlines

2. Qatar Airways

3. ANA All Nippon Airways

4. Emirates

5. EVA Air

6. Cathay Pacific

7. Lufthansa

8. Hainan Airlines

9. Garuda Indonesia

10. Thai Airways

Top airlines by global region

Northern Europe – Finnair

Western Europe – Lufthansa

Eastern Europe – Aeroflot Russian Airlines

Africa – Ethiopian Airlines

Australia / Pacific – Qantas Airlines

Central Asia / India – Air Astana

China – Hainan Airlines

Central America / Caribbean – Copa Airlines

South America – Avianca

North America – Air Canada

Asia – Singapore Airlines

Middle East – Qatar Airways

Europe – Lufthansa

Top low-cost airlines

Africa – Mango Airlines

Australia & Pacific – Jetstar Airways

Asia – AirAsia

Central Asia / India – Indigo Airlines

China – West Air

South America – Sky Airline

North America – WestJet

Middle East – Flynas

Europe – Norwegian Air

Best in-flight catering

Economy class – Thai Airways

Premium economy – Aeroflot Russian Airlines

Business class – Austrian Airlines

First class – Air France

Top airline seats

Economy class – Japan Airlines

Premium economy – Air New Zealand

Business class – Qatar Airways

First class – Singapore Airlines

Top regional airlines

Africa – Royal Air Maroc

Asia – Bangkok Airways

South America – Azul Brazilian Airlines

Central Asia / India – Azerbaijan Airlines

Europe – Aegean Airlines

Top airline lounges

First class lounge – Qatar Airways

Airline alliance lounge – Star Alliance Los Angeles

Independent airport lounge – Plaza Premium Heathrow Terminal 2

First class lounge dining – Air France

Airline lounge with spa facilities – Thai Airways

Best airline staff service – by global region

Africa – South African Airways

Australia / Pacific – Qantas Airways

Central Asia / India – Vistara

China – Hainan Airlines

Central America / Caribbean – Copa Airlines

South America – Azul Brazilian Airlines

Asia – ANA All Nippon Airways

Middle East – Emirates Airlines

Europe – Austrian Airlines