Singapore Airlines Falls to No. 2 as Air New Zealand Claims the Crown
In a nutshell, Singapore Airlines (SIA) just missed out on the top spot for the best airline of 2020, slipping behind Air New Zealand. Despite that, the Singapore carrier still snagged the Best First Class Airline title.
The Big Picture
AirlineRatings, the Australian safety‑and‑product review site that launched in 2013, dropped its verdict on November 25. Seven seasoned editors with a collective over 200 years of industry experience evaluated every airline on a swath of factors: safety scores, eco‑leadership, crew motivation, and more.
To earn a spot in the top ten list, airlines need a seven‑star safety rating and must be leaders in passenger comfort innovation. Air New Zealand’s win was celebrated as a massive achievement, given the airline’s smaller global footprint compared to juggernauts like SIA, Qantas, and Cathay Pacific.
What the Panel Had to Say
Geoffrey Thomas, the editor‑in‑chief, said:
“In our analysis, Air New Zealand topped most of our audit criteria. That’s an outstanding feat when you’re going up against carriers with more resources and scale.”
Top 20 Airlines (2020)
The final ranking, from most to least, read like a who’s‑who of the skies:
- 1. Air New Zealand
- 2. Singapore Airlines
- 3. All Nippon Airways
- 4. Qantas
- 5. Cathay Pacific Airways
- 6. Emirates
- 7. Virgin Atlantic
- 8. EVA Air
- 9. Qatar Airways
- 10. Virgin Australia
- 11. Lufthansa
- 12. Finnair
- 13. Japan Airlines
- 14. KLM
- 15. Korean Airlines
- 16. Hawaiian Airlines
- 17. British Airways
- 18. Alaska Airlines
- 19. Delta Air Lines
- 20. Etihad Airways
SIA’s Standout Achievement
While Air New Zealand took the Best Premium Economy award, SIA won the Best First Class Airline trophy.
Picture the Skyroom suites aboard SIA’s A380s: a room that feels like a tiny hotel lounge, complete with a bed, an armchair, and a mini desk. In fact, AirlineRatings called them truly “spectacular.”
European editor Andreas Spaeth likened the suites to the “Flying Oval Office” on Air Force One, citing the swivel armchairs that dominate the space.
Other Awards
Virgin Australia earned Best Cabin Crew, while Emirates secured Best Inflight Entertainment.
Final Thoughts
It’s a reminder that even the biggest name in the skies isn’t guaranteed top honors. But SIA’s first‑class splendor remains undeniable—proof that a little luxury can still stand out amidst fierce competition.
