BA loses out to Virgin Atlantic in global airline awards – but neither take the top spot

British Airways releases new campaign as travel restrictions ease

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Airlines around the world were pitted against each other as part of the annual AirlineRating.com “Best Airlines in the World 2021” ranking. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic were the only two UK airlines to make it into the top 20, although both lost out on being crowned the world’s number one airline.

Virgin Atlantic came in at seventh place, beating the flag-bearing carrier by three places.

British Airways came in as the 10th “best airline” globally for the year.

However, both UK airlines lost out to Qatar Airways, which took the crown.

The Doha-based airline came in at number one thanks to its cabins, passenger service and commitment to operating throughout the pandemic.

Air New Zealand came in second place, although received a special commendation for its economy cabins.

In third position was Singapore Airlines, which was applauded for its technology innovation and inflight product offering.

However, the airline was awarded the highest accolade for its first-class cabin.

Australian carrier Qantas scored in fourth place, thanks to its “outstanding” safety record and fiscal achievements during the Covid pandemic.

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Qantas also took home the title of “Best Lounge” and “Best Domestic Service” awards.

Emirates filled the fifth spot, with experts highlighting the brand new premium economy class as “one of the best in the industry”.

Cathay Pacific Airways, Virgin Atlantic, EVA Air, and British Airways made up the rest of the top 10.

Virgin Atlantic was hailed for its “cabin innovation”, meanwhile British Airways held onto its place in the top 10 thanks to its “product, service and innovation”.

Other airlines commended in the top 20 globally include Lufthansa, ANA, Finnair, Japan Air Lines, KLM, Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Virgin Australia, Delta Air Lines and Etihad Airways.

According to the AirlineRatings.com experts, airlines were considered based on who showed the most consistent level of service, innovation and staff engagement.

According to AirlineRatings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas, “we are focused on leadership and airlines that innovate to make a real difference to the passenger experience.”

“In our evaluation, we also consider the audited feedback from passengers on our website.”

The “20 Top Airlines in the World for 2021” according to AirlineRatings are as follows:

1. Qatar Airways

2.Air New Zealand

3. Singapore Airlines

4. Qantas

5. Emirates

6. Cathay Pacific

7. Virgin Atlantic

8. United Airlines

9. EVA Air

10. British Airways

11. Lufthansa

12. ANA

13. Finnair

14. Japan Air Lines

15. KLM

16. Hawaiian Airlines

17. Alaska Airlines

18. Virgin Australia

19. Delta Air Lines

20. Etihad Airways

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