This Asian Airline Was Just Named the No. 1 Carrier in the World

Korean Air has been named Airline of the Year by AirlineRatings.com, which provides airline safety and product ratings. Airline Ratings says its highly anticipated airline awards focused on “passenger comfort, feedback, and product consistency across an airline’s route network.” The South Korean airline also won the World’s Best Economy Class for AirlineRatings.com’s Cabin Class Awards. 

Part of the success for Korean Air has been bucking a trend to add more and more seating on Boeing 777s. “They have maintained their original seat configuration and a generous 33-34 inch seat pitch, offering passengers a more comfortable experience,” said Airline Ratings CEO Sharon Petersen. “We consistently receive feedback about the lack of space in Economy Class,” added Petersen, “so it was only fitting to make this a major factor in selecting this year’s award winner.”

Along with having the most spacious seating, Korean Air’s other perks like slippers, large meal portions, and in-flight entertainment played a role.

Following Korean Air in the ranking are Qatar, which won the top premium airline slot last year, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines. None of the major U.S. carriers made the premium airline list.

The top Hybrid Airline for 2025 was awarded to Jet Blue. The hybrid category, according to AirlineRatings “refers to an airline that combines features of both low-cost carriers (LCCs) and full-service airlines.” Rounding out the top five following Jetblue are Westjet, Virgin Australia, Delta Airlines, and United. 

The top low cost airline award went to AirAsia, followed by Jetstar, with the World’s Best Cabin Crew going to Virgin Australia and Best Branded Lounges to Qantas. 

Here is the top ten of the Best 25 Full Service Airlines for 2025, according to AirlineRatings.com:

1. Korean Air
2. Qatar
3. Air New Zealand
4. Cathay Pacific
5. Singapore Airlines
6. Emirates
7. Japan Airlines
8. Qantas
9. Etihad
10. Turkish Airlines