A popular Australian aviation website is out with its annual rankings for the world’s top airlines in 2021. While the winner is not a surprise, some of the rankings have left me scratching my head…like ranking United Airlines the #8 airline in the world.
Top 20 Airlines In 2021? There Are Some Surprises…
Here’s the list of “top 20” airlines according to AirlineRatings.com:
Qatar Airways
Air New Zealand
Singapore Airlines
Qantas
Emirates
Cathay Pacific
Virgin Atlantic
United Airlines
EVA Air
British Airways
Lufthansa
ANA
Finnair
Japan Air Lines (JAL)
KLM
Hawaiian Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Virgin Australia
Delta Air Lines
Etihad Airways
I concur with much of this list, but I’m still trying to figure out how United Airlines (which has not made the top 20 in years past) has suddenly eclipsed airlines like EVA, ANA, and JAL.
I get that United is operating a lot more flights. I also understand that United has a great bedding in business class, a superb route network, and is investing in new airplanes. But how did United rise so quickly so fast?
Leaping up the rankings to eighth spot in the Top Twenty is Chicago-based United Airlines which has stunned the aviation world with its huge commitments to supersonic, subsonic, and electric aircraft to rejuvenate its fleet and offer passengers the very best in comfort and eco-technology.
Hats off to the United PR team, folks. These new contracts for electric and supersonic aircraft have stirred huge amounts of (positive) media attention. It’s frankly amazing how the world “supersonic” and “electric” led to such favorable coverage across the world.
In reality, the contracts are loose and while I’m certainly not calling them purely a PR stunt, United saw great value in the style over the substance.
Finally, I know Etihad is just a shell of its former self, but #20?
CONCLUSION
The new AirlineQuality list is out. While Qatar Airways scoring first place is hardly a surprise, I was quite surprised to see United rank so high. Kudos, I guess?
What are your thoughts on the top 20 list? What is your favorite airline in 2021?