Australia’s national carrier has fallen out of the top 20 in a global airlines rankings announced at the 2024 World Airline Awards.
Qantas slid to 24th in this year’s World’s Top 100 Airlines ranking by Skytrax, seven places below its previous year’s spot of 17th.
Qantas was ranked fifth in 2022, falling 12 places the following year.
Qatar Airways took out the number one spot with Singapore Airlines and Emirates in second and third position.
Qantas’ fall comes after a tumultuous period last year that included former CEO Alan Joyce leaving the company, and former chief financial officer Vanessa Hudson taking over as the new leader
Qatar Airways is looking to increase its flights to Australia after its request to add 28 additional flights a week was controversially denied last year on the grounds of “national interest”
Another major Australian airline, Virgin Australia, fell from 46th to 54th place in the ranking, while Qantas subsidiary Jetstar fell from 69 to 74.
Regional carrier Rex was the only Australian airline to improve its standing, climbing six spots to 50th position.
Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) achieved number four in the global ranking and also won the award for the world’s best airport services. ANA also won the award for the best airline staff service in Asia.
Saudi Arabian Airlines won this year’s award as the world’s most improved airline, ahead of STARLUX Airlines.
–SBS News