Emirates Named ‘World’s Best Airline’ in New Study

In a recent study by Telegraph Travel, Emirates was named the ‘World’s Best Airline’ among 90 global carriers. This prestigious recognition was based on a detailed evaluation of over 30 criteria, including punctuality, baggage allowance, route network, quality of home airport, fleet age, rewards program value, and the quality of in-flight meals. The study referenced data from more than 18 independent and international awards, reader polls, rating websites, and expert reviews.

A Worthy Winner

Described as a ‘worthy winner,’ Emirates was praised for ticking nearly every box, from baggage allowance to punctuality. The airline operates the largest number of double-decker Airbus A380s, offering the most space and legroom in all cabins, including economy. The study highlighted Emirates’ premium economy on its A380s as the best in the sky and its business class, which includes a chauffeur service to and from the airport. First-class passengers enjoy the finest wine list of any carrier and the luxury of onboard showers. Emirates’ extensive route network covers 140 cities in 77 countries, and it was voted the best long-haul carrier by 30,000 Telegraph Travel readers.

Methodology

The study’s independent methodology included 90 airlines selected based on the number of annual passengers carried. Points were awarded based on each carrier’s performance across a range of criteria, including reliability, connectivity, luggage rules, inflight experience, fleet age, home airport quality, rewards program value, safety, heritage, lounge quality, and multiple reader polls and rankings from sources like Apex, Airline Ratings, Skytrax, and TrustPilot.

Awards and Recognitions

In 2024, Emirates has received 19 additional awards and recognitions from various global sources. Highlights include:

• Skytrax World Airline Awards: World’s Best Airline Inflight Entertainment, Best First-Class Airline Comfort Amenities, Best First-Class Airline in the Middle East, Best First Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East, Most Family Friendly Airline in the Middle East, Best Premium Economy Class Airline in the Middle East, and Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East.
• Pax International Magazine Awards: Best Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity Middle East.
• Business Traveller Middle East Awards: Best Airline Worldwide, Best Premium Economy Class, Best First Class, Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East, and Best Frequent Flyer Programme.
• World Travel Awards: Middle East’s Leading Airline 2024, Middle East’s Leading Airline – First Class 2024, and Middle East’s Leading Airline Rewards Programme 2024 – Skywards.
• International Loyalty Awards: Global Loyalty Programme of the Year Middle East.
• AirlineRatings.com Airline Excellence Awards: Best-Inflight Entertainment and Best Premium Economy.

World’s Best Entertainment in the Skies

Emirates’ inflight entertainment system, ice, continues to set the standard with over 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment in more than 40 languages. Passengers can enjoy over 4,000 hours of movies and TV channels, up to 3,500 hours of music and podcasts, and a vast selection of Hollywood and international movies, kids and family channels, and TV series. Emirates also offers Skywards members free Wi-Fi inflight.

Award-Winning First and Business Class Experience

Emirates’ First and Business Class experiences are industry benchmarks. First Class passengers enjoy fully enclosed private suites, a ‘dine on demand’ service with unlimited caviar and Dom Pérignon champagne, luxurious pyjamas, and premium skincare products. Business Class passengers benefit from award-winning cuisine, exceptional wine lists, in-flight loungewear, lie-flat seats, and access to the A380 Onboard Lounge.

Acclaimed Premium Economy Class

Emirates’ Premium Economy Class features leather seats with a generous pitch, adjustable headrests, in-seat charging points, and a 13.3” TV screen. Passengers enjoy sustainable blankets, complimentary amenity kits, and award-winning catering. Premium Economy is available on 21 routes, including London Heathrow, Sydney, Melbourne, and New York.

Award-Winning Family Travel

Emirates offers a range of family-friendly services, including priority boarding, spacious seats, dedicated children’s meals, fun amenities, and extensive children’s entertainment on ice. The airline also provides extra services for unaccompanied minors and families with neurodivergent children.

Emirates’ recognition as the ‘World’s Best Airline’ underscores its commitment to excellence in every aspect of the passenger experience. With a focus on innovation, comfort, and customer satisfaction, Emirates continues to set global aviation standards.