The world’s best airline: This is the new global leader
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Feb 28
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 19
Korean Air takes the top spot in the AirlineRatings rankings for 2025, surpassing long-time industry giants.
With a focus on safety, innovation, and passenger experience, the airline sets a new standard in global air travel. See the full list of winners and what makes Korean Air the best in the world.
AirlineRatings.com, a renowned aviation safety and product rating website, has announced its World's Best Airlines for 2025. These awards highlight airlines excelling in passenger comfort, service quality, and operational innovation. Notably, this year introduces a new category recognizing Hybrid Airlines, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the aviation industry.
Top full-Service airlines for 2025
Korean Air
Qatar Airways
Air New Zealand
Cathay Pacific
Singapore Airlines
Emirates
Japan Airlines
Qantas
Etihad Airways
Turkish Airlines
Passenger comfort
Korean Air is the winner primarily due to its exceptional commitment to passenger comfort, especially in economy class. Unlike many airlines that have reduced seat space to increase capacity, Korean Air has maintained a generous seat pitch of 33–34 inches (84–86 cm) on its wide-body aircraft, offering passengers a more comfortable experience.
In addition to spacious seating, Korean Air provides thoughtful amenities such as slippers on medium- to long-haul flights, larger meal portions compared to many competitors, and an enhanced selection of in-flight entertainment. These factors contributed significantly to its top ranking.
The airline's strategic initiatives, including its merger with Asiana Airlines—the largest consolidation in Asian aviation history—demonstrate its financial stability and commitment to growth. Furthermore, Korean Air's investment in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, with orders for Boeing 777X and 787s, Airbus A350s, and A321neos, underscores its dedication to maintaining a competitive and passenger-friendly fleet.
These combined efforts in enhancing passenger comfort, expanding services, and modernizing its fleet have positioned Korean Air as the leading airline in 2025.
Korean Air has chosen not to follow the trend of adding extra seats in economy class, thereby maintaining more spacious seating for travelers. Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings.com
As of now, there hasn't been a public statement from Korean Air's CEO, Walter Cho, regarding this accolade. However, in a recent development, the airline announced a significant fleet expansion with the purchase of 50 new Boeing aircraft, including 20 Boeing 777-9s and 20 Boeing 787-10s. Walter Cho described this move as a significant milestone in the airline's objective to expand and upgrade its fleet.
Korean Air's recent recognition as the Airline of the Year for 2025 by AirlineRatings has garnered attention from industry experts. Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings, highlighted the airline's dedication to passenger comfort, noting that «Korean Air has chosen not to follow» the trend of adding extra seats in economy class, thereby maintaining more spacious seating for travelers.
Additionally, Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO of Global Traveler, praised Korean Air's business-class service.
– I can attest to the quality of the onboard service and this is a well-deserved accolade.
These endorsements underscore Korean Air's commitment to providing exceptional service and comfort to its passengers.
Top hybrid airlines for 2025
JetBlue
WestJet
Virgin Australia
Delta Air Lines
United Airlines
The introduction of the Hybrid Airlines category acknowledges carriers that blend low-cost operational models with enhanced passenger services, offering a balanced travel experience.
Understanding hybrid airlines
Hybrid airlines blend elements of both low-cost carriers (LCCs) and full-service airlines to offer a balanced travel experience. They maintain competitive pricing typical of LCCs while providing enhanced services associated with traditional carriers. Key characteristics include:
Multiple cabin classes: Offering options like business or premium economy classes.
Frequent Flyer Programs: Implementing loyalty programs to reward regular passengers.
Additional amenities: Providing services such as in-flight entertainment, complimentary meals, and more spacious seating.
This model aims to attract a broader customer base by catering to both cost-sensitive travelers and those seeking additional comfort and services.
Top Low-Cost Airlines for 2025
AirAsia
Jetstar
AirBaltic
HK Express
easyJet
Affordability first of all
AirAsia was recognized as the World's Best Low-Cost Airline for 2025 by AirlineRatings.com, a testament to its dedication to affordability, innovation, and sustainability. The airline's strategy focuses on fleet expansion, enhancing connectivity to both popular and emerging destinations, and digital advancements to improve the passenger experience.
AirAsia's commitment to providing budget-friendly fares without compromising service quality has been central to its success. The airline offers a range of in-flight services, including meals, drinks, and other options at competitive prices, allowing passengers to customize their travel experience according to their preferences and budget.
The airline's extensive route network and strategic initiatives have strengthened its position in the aviation industry. By focusing on expanding its fleet and enhancing digital services, AirAsia aims to meet the growing travel demand while maintaining its status as a leading low-cost carrier.
These combined efforts in affordability, service customization, and strategic growth have solidified AirAsia's reputation as the world's best low-cost airline in 2025.
Evaluation criteria
AirlineRatings.com assesses airlines based on multiple factors, including:
Product rating
Safety rating
Passenger reviews
Fleet age
Profitability
Operational innovations
This comprehensive evaluation ensures a holistic view of an airline's performance and commitment to passenger satisfaction.
Best airlines of the past decade:
Over the past ten years, several airlines have consistently been recognized for excellence:
2015: Qantas
2016: Emirates
2017: Air New Zealand
2018: Singapore Airlines
2019: Singapore Airlines
2020: Air New Zealand
2021: Qatar Airways
2022: Air New Zealand
2023: Qatar Airways
2024: Air New Zealand
These airlines have demonstrated unwavering dedication to safety, innovation, and passenger satisfaction, setting industry benchmarks.
For a comprehensive list of the top airlines and detailed evaluations, visit AirlineRatings.com's official announcement.
Korean Air: A comprehensive Overview
Korean Air is the flag carrier and largest airline of South Korea, renowned for its extensive network and commitment to passenger service.
Main base: Seoul, South Korea, with primary hubs at Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport.
Founded: 1969, following the acquisition of the government-owned Korean Air Lines by the Hanjin Group.
Fleet size: As of the end of 2023, the airline operated 159 aircraft.
Destinations: Serving 10 domestic cities and 101 international cities across 44 countries.
Employees as of 2023: Approximately 18,300 permanent employees, with around 10,000 male and 8,300 female staff members.
Employees as of 2024: Approximately 18,198 employees.
Aircraft orders: In July 2024, Korean Air announced its intent to purchase up to 50 Boeing widebody airplanes, including 20 777-9s and 20 787-10s, with options for 10 additional 787 Dreamliners.
Financial performance: In 2024, the airline reported a record annual revenue of KRW 16 trillion (approximately $11 billion), a 10.6% increase from the previous year. Operating profit rose by 22.5% to KRW 2 trillion.
Korean Air's strategic initiatives and robust financial performance underscore its significant role in the global aviation industry.
