Awards

And the Winner Is . . .

Fancy Flights

Singapore Airlines is no stranger to the GT Tested Awards, claiming the Best Airline in the World award for six straight years. Also continuing an impressive winning streak were British Airways, named Best Business Class, and Emirates, named Best First Class. Both have taken top honors for the past five years.

Also excelling are two North American carriers. American Airlines’ first-class service has been awarded Best Domestic First Class for the fourth year, while double winner Air Canada reclaimed its titles as Best Airline in North America (four years) and Best Airline in Canada (six years).

EVA Air held strong to the Best Airline for Premium Economy title. The airline, which first earned the accolade last year, was a pioneer for the premium economy trend.

Magic shows and other onboard entertainment delight passengers and are just one of the reasons Asiana Airlines continues to shine for Best Onboard Service and Flight Attendants. Also taking home a second award this year, Asiana was named Best Airline in North Asia.

TAM is a newcomer to the winners list. The flagship carrier overtook LAN as Best Airline in Central/South America. With a passion to fly and serve, TAM offers easy airport check-in, luggage tracking service, lie-flat seats and an extensive route network.

Best Airline in Mexico has been dominated by two main airlines, Aeromexico and Mexicana. Aeromexico was unable to hold onto its title in 2009. According to our readers, Mexicana is the way to go for flights to, from and within Mexico.

Perhaps the year’s biggest upset came in the trans-Atlantic category. Lufthansa bested five-time winner Air France. As Best Trans-Atlantic Airline, Lufthansa wows with exceptional service, plenty of options, leading initiatives and a vision for success. Thai Airways lost the title of Best Trans-Pacific Airline last year but recaptured the title this year. With four classes of service, Thai offers something for everyone.

Qantas remains the perennial favorite for service to Australia and New Zealand. For the sixth consecutive year, our readers voted the Aussie airline Best Airline in Australia and New Zealand. Also a favorite in that part of the world is Air Pacific. For the second consecutive year, Air Pacific held strong to its reign as Best Airline in the South Pacific.

When it comes to service in Eastern Europe, our readers prefer LOT Polish Airlines. As the Best Airline in Eastern Europe for the second year in a row, the airline looks ahead to an exciting 2010 and the delivery of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

South African Airways has dominated the Best Airline in Africa category since our survey’s inception. The Best Airline in the Middle East category, however, bounces between winners. For 2009, Etihad Airways earned top billing.

We’ve already covered North Asia (Asiana) and Japan (All Nippon Airways), but what about the rest of Asia? Malaysia Airlines ruled Southeast Asia (Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore and the Philippines), winning Best Airline in Southeast Asia for the first time. Air China captured the title of Best Airline in China. And Air India was named Best Airline in Central/South Asia and India.