Air Berlin is the best low-cost airline in Europe, according to the latest Skytrax World Airline Awards, which also saw Singapore Airlines, BA and Virgin Atlantic take home prizes.
The no-frills German carrier came out on top in the survey of passengers from more than 90 different countries, although it lost out to Jetstar Airways for the Best Low-Cost Airline Worldwide title.
Celebrating the win, Joachim Hunold, Air Berlin’s chief executive, said: “We will make every effort, not only to keep our quality of service, but to improve it even further. This award from Skytrax is a strong incentive for us.”
Orange-liveried airline easyJet was named Europe’s second most highly-rated budget carrier, with Austrian carrier Niki in third place. Niki was founded by ex-Formula One driver Niki Lauda.
More than five million eligible interviews were completed for Skytrax’s survey of low-cost airlines, between August 2006 and July 2007.
British Airways did not manage to hold on to the top award, Airline of the Year, which it won last year, but it was named Best Airline: Europe and Best Airline: Transatlantic.
This year’s Airline of the Year was Singapore Airlines, which has won the award once before and is widely recognised for its onboard comfort. It also won the Best Business Class award, narrowly beating Virgin Atlantic and Cathay Pacific in a category that organisers said was highly competitive.
“Comfort, convenience, service, consistency and value are customer requirements that have to be both satisfied, and where possible exceeded, for a business class to truly stand out from the others – and clearly Singapore Airlines are delivering in these areas to be named as winner of the best business class award,” said Skytrax chief executive Edward Plaisted.
He added that business class these days was what first class was offering ten years ago, indicating the speed at which the industry is changing.
As well as finishing second in the Business-Class category, Virgin Atlantic also won the Best Business Class Lounge prize.
The airline’s Clubhouse lounge offers a number of services such as a spa pool, sauna and cinema, to keep passengers occupied while they wait for their flights.
Malaysia Airlines scooped the Best Cabin Staff award, pipping Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways, with Swiss Airlines winning the Europe – Overall category. PGA Portugalia, CSA Czech Airlines and Sterling Airways picked up the prizes for different regions in Europe.
The Best Onboard Catering Awards went to Gulf Air, Austrian and Etihad Airways, for First Class, Business Class and Economy Class respectively.
The Skytrax World Airline Awards are known for their transparency and promise to provide accurate passenger-nominated awards. Surveys are carried out across the world, all survey costs are paid for in-house, and there is no charge required to enter surveys. Skytrax also maintains that it does not allow sponsorship to influence the result.
