Air New Zealand loses place as best airline in new rankings from AirlineRatings.com

After holding the top spot for five consecutive years, Air New Zealand has been beaten in the rankings by Singapore Airlines. Photo / Supplied

Air New Zealand has been toppled from its position as the best airline in the world, according to an Australian ranking that has deemed another carrier a more worthy recipient.

Singapore Airlines has been named the Airline of the Year for 2019 by AirlineRatings.com, which ranks the world's carriers according to safety and in-flight product.

It was the first time Singapore Airlines has taken out the award, and it pipped Air New Zealand who held the top spot for five consecutive years.

Singapore Airlines A350-900ULR which will be used on the longest commercial flight in the world between Singapore and New York. Photo / Supplied

Singapore Airlines was recognised for its strong in-flight service, revamped cabins, impressive new A350 and Boeing Dreamliner aircraft, operational safety record, and its new Singapore to New York service, which at 19 hours is the new longest non-stop flight in the world.

The accolade was part of AirlineRatings.com's annual Airline Excellence Awards that are judged by seven editors at the respected site.

They looked at criteria including fleet age, passenger reviews, profitability, investment rating, product offerings and staff relations.

"In our objective analysis Singapore Airlines came out number one in many of our audit criteria, which is a great performance," the site's editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas said.

"For years Singapore Airlines has been the gold standard and now it is back to its best, leading in passenger innovations and new state-of-the-art aircraft models.

"The editors said that the competition for top spot was tight with Air New Zealand, Qantas Airways and Qatar Airways just being nudged out."

Singapore Airlines also took out the gong for best first class product.

While Air New Zealand lost the top spot, it did take out the award for best premium economy class. Photo / NZ Herald

Air New Zealand did get an award — best premium economy and best airline for the Pacific region.

Qantas won for best domestic airline service, and also claimed the best lounges award. QantasLink was awarded best regional airline.

Virgin Australia collected the award for best cabin crew and Emirates won for best in-flight entertainment, and was named best airline in the Middle East/Africa region.

First class pods on Singapore Airlines' 777s. Photo / Supplied

TOP TEN AIRLINES FOR 2018

1. Singapore Airlines

2. Air New Zealand

3. Qantas

4. Qatar Airways

5. Virgin Australia

6. Emirates

7. All Nippon Airways

8. EVA Air

9. Cathay Pacific Airways

10. Japan Airlines