Air New Zealand named among the best airlines in TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards

Air New Zealand was recognised by TripAdvisor users as the best airline in the South Pacific. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Air New Zealand has been chosen as one of the best airlines in the world by users of the travel planning and booking site TripAdvisor.

New Zealand's national carrier was named in second place, following Singapore Airlines, and was also recognised as the best airline in the South Pacific.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says listening to feedback and keeping customers at the core has helped the airline to continually improve its customer experience.

"We've invested significantly in technologies like our AI chatbot Oscar, our Airband for unaccompanied minors and our mobile app, innovative inflight products and aircraft interiors, modern fleet, and new and refreshed lounge spaces to ensure a high quality and seamless customer experience from planning right through to post flight," he said.

"While many of these elements can be replicated, our people and the uniquely Kiwi service we provide each day can't be copied. It's great to see our efforts have paid off – with customer reviews and feedback a true measure of how we are doing."

Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of airline reviews and ratings submitted by travellers worldwide, over a 12-month period on TripAdvisor Flights.

Emirates followed Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand in third place, with Japan Airlines in fourth and Taiwan's EVA Air in fifth.

Top 10 Airlines in the World – TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards

1. Singapore Airlines, Singapore

According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: "I flew from Sydney to Singapore in business class. The food was the best I have had in the last ten years. Service was great and the staff actually wanted to be there. One of the best, if not the best airline."

2. Air New Zealand, New Zealand

According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: "The flight attendants are friendly, courteous, professional, and dedicated to customer service. The dinner was excellent, even in Economy class, and there was complimentary NZ red and white wine. Even the safety videos are entertaining. I wouldn't fly any other airline between the U.S. and New Zealand."

3. Emirates, United Arab Emirates

According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: "This airline is the essence of style, class and comfort. Everything I had expected was surpassed. From their presentation, to their service, which is professional, but does not override their personable approach to travellers. The Airbus is huge, but the atmosphere within is comfortable, seats are wider, windows are bigger."

4. Japan Airlines, Japan

According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: "This airline carrier is exquisite and features great on board meal service, drink service, and the entertainment is great. They provide excellent service with exceptional leg room. This airline is truly above most others and comes with outstanding crew members."

5. EVA Air, Taiwan

According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: "One of the things that separates EVA out from other airlines is in the little things. I was blown away by the novelty of the "Character" flight we took. Everything from the pillows to the meals - it was Hello Kitty cuteness overload. Kids' meals are excellent. These small personal touches made our entire flight experience so much nicer!"

6. Southwest Airlines, United States

According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: "We choose to fly Southwest whenever we can. Their flights are on time and the service is friendly and efficient. We don't mind not having assigned seats. Bags fly free, and we always check ours. Frequent Flier miles are easy to accumulate with their membership program."

7. Jet2.com, United Kingdom

According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: "We have just come back from Portugal and all I can say is what a fab service from jet 2. From start to finish, they made my holiday less stressful. I have never been with them before and can certainly say they're better than most other companies I have been with."

8. Qatar Airways, Qatar

According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: "I've travelled a lot in my life and Qatar is one of my favourite airlines to travel with. The bar in a380 (business class) is the best. The service regardless of class is fab. The treatment of frequent fliers is great... food very tasty for economy ... and very big portions… Entertainment is top notch. They are one of my favourite airlines for eco travel."

9. Azul, Brazil

According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: "Azul is a lovely airline, employing a fleet of Embraer regional jets offering 2 + 2 seating. Service is efficient and you always get a package of "aviõezinhos" (airplane shaped gummy bears) to chew on the short domestic hops."

10. Korean Air, South Korea

According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: "We travelled from Chicago to Hong Kong with our toddler, and could not have been more pleased with the experience. Basic economy on KA is basically economy plus on other (especially US-based) airlines. The flight staff actually made me like the experience, rather than detract from it. I'll be flying KA whenever possible in the future."