Qantas Airways goes up in world airline rankings at ‘Oscars of the aviation' awards
Just weeks after announcing the largest widebody aircraft order in Boeing's history, Qatar Airways is celebrating another huge achievement.
The Qatar flag carrier has just been named the winner at this year's Skytrax World Airline Awards, announced on Tuesday at the Paris Air Show.
It's the ninth time Qatar Airways has received the honour in the 26-year history of the awards, which are known as the Oscars of the aviation world.
'This recognition is far more than an award, it is a celebration of the passion, precision and purpose that defines who we are as an airline,' said Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group CEO.
'To retain this title in a highly competitive and ever-evolving global industry reflects the relentless efforts across every part of the business, from the frontline to behind the scenes, the passion and commitment of our people continue to set new standards in aviation.'
Qatar was also named Best Airline in the Middle East, World's Best Business Class, and Best Business Class Airline Lounge.
The awards come after the airline, established in 1993, announced that it was purchasing up to 210 widebody jets, including 130 Dreamliners, and 30 777-9s from Boeing in a historic order last month.
'These accolades reaffirm our ambition not only to lead, but to redefine what exceptional service means in aviation,' added Al-Meer.
'Whether on the ground or in the air, we strive to deliver a seamless, elevated journey that anticipates the needs of our passengers and reflects the highest standards of quality, comfort, and innovation.'
Singapore Airlines, a five-time winner of World's Best Airline award, took second place this year, also receiving the award for World's Best Cabin Crew, along with World's Best First Class and the Best Airline in Asia.
Hong Kong's flag carrier Cathay Pacific was third, with Dubai's Emirates airline taking fourth place, and Japan's ANA All Nippon Airways taking fifth.
Turkish Airlines was sixth, while seventh place went to South Korea's flag carrier Korean Air and France's flag carrier Air France was eighth.
Finally, Japan Airlines took ninth position and China's Hainan Airlines rounded out the top 10. Australia's national carrier, Qantas, was the 14th best airline.
'We welcomed back a large number of previous winners and were also delighted to see new faces and airlines represented here today,' said Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax.
'As is indicated by so many former winning airlines being awarded again, quality consistency is clearly well recognized by customers when they vote for these airlines.'
The 'wholly independent and impartial' awards, which began in 1999, saw votes gathered from surveys of around 22.3 million customers, with more than 325 airlines featured this year.
Around 500 representatives from airlines around the world attended the gala event in the restored Art Deco terminal of the original Le Bourget Airport, based at the heart of the Paris Air Show, including presidents, CEOs and airline crew.
AirAsia was also among the winners, after being named the World's Best Low-Cost Airline, an award the carrier has won year after year since 2010.
'To win the World's Best Low-Cost Airline Award for 16 years in a row is nothing short of incredible,' said Tony Fernandes, the airline's CEO and co-founder.
'From flying just 200,000 guests in our first year to aiming to welcome our one billionth guest this year – this journey has been made possible by the unwavering support of our guests, and the tireless dedication of our incredible Allstars.'
Virgin Atlantic took the crown for the World's Best Premium Economy Class Airlines 2025, while Thailand's Bangkok Airways was named the World's Best Regional Airline for the ninth year in a row.
Low-cost airline IndiGo picked up prizes for Best Airline in India/South Asia, and Best Low-Cost Airline award in the region.
And not only did Air Canada win Best Airline in North America, its Toronto Pearson Signature Suite also won the Best Business Class Lounge Dining award.
Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines was crowned the Best Airline in Africa for the seventh year and Turkish Airlines was named the Best Airline in Europe, as well as World's Best Business Class Onboard Catering and Best Airline in Southern Europe.
Saudi Arabia's flag carrier Saudia, formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, took the prize for Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East.
'This award reflects the dedication of our incredible frontline team and the trust of our guests,' said Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of Saudia Group.
'While we celebrate this milestone, our journey continues — with bold investments and a clear vision to become one of the world's leading airlines.'
The World Top 20 Airlines In 2025
1. Qatar Airways
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Cathay Pacific
4. Emirates
5. ANA All Nippon Airways
6. Turkish Airlines
7. Korean Air
8. Air France
9. Japan Airlines
10. Hainan Airlines
11. Swiss Int'l Air Lines
12. EVA Air
13. British Airways
14. Qantas Airways
15. Lufthansa
16. Virgin Atlantic
17. Saudi Arabian Airlines
18. STARLUX Airlines
19. Air Canada
20. Iberia
The World's Best Cabin Crew 2025
1. Singapore Airlines
2. ANA All Nippon Airways
3. Cathay Pacific Airways
4. Garuda Indonesia
5. EVA Air
6. Hainan Airlines
7. Japan Airlines
8. Malaysia Airlines
9. Starlux Airlines
10. Korean Air
World's Best Low-Cost Airlines 2025
1. AirAsia
2. Scoot
3. Indigo
4. Eurowings
5. Vueling Airlines
6. Volotea
7. Transavia
8. Iberia Express
9. Flynas
10. easyJet
The World's Best Regional Airlines 2025
1. Bangkok Airways
2. Virgin Australia
3. Porter Airlines
4. Aegean Airlines
5. Azerbaijan Airlines
6. jetBlue Airways
7. Alaska Airlines
8. Hong Kong Airlines
9. RwandAir
10. Royal Air Maroc
The World's Cleanest Airlines 2025
1. EVA Air
2. ANA All Nippon Airways
3. Cathay Pacific Airways
4. Qatar Airways
5. Singapore Airlines
6. Hainan Airlines
7. Starlux Airlines
8. Japan Airlines
9. Korean Air
10. China Southern
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The Age
4 hours ago
- The Age
The woman with $2m cash in her boot and the violent trade as ‘lucrative as drugs'
Much of the illicit loose tobacco in Australia is home-grown, while most illegal cigarettes come from China. Those cigarettes are either counterfeits of cigarettes sold here or brands not available in Australia. Because they are smuggled in through Australia's porous border, importers do not pay the tobacco excise – currently $1.40 per cigarette – and lack the barcode, plain packaging and health messaging on their legal counterparts. Loading They are also significantly cheaper, sold through the convenience stores that have become ubiquitous in Sydney. Estimates have the cost price of a packet of illegal smokes as low as $2, providing both a significant profit for the importers and a cheaper product for the consumer. 'Organised crime are filling some of that void. They're able to provide cigarettes between $10 and $25 a packet rather than between $40 and $65 a packet,' Bennett said. NSW Premier Chris Minns in June came out swinging at the Commonwealth tobacco excise – which is indexed and also being increased by 5 per cent each year for a three-year period starting in 2023 – saying it should be reconsidered. On Wednesday, the state government introduced what it describes as 'tough new laws' to parliament. The sweeping new legislation is designed to penalise selling illegal tobacco, and would allow evictions of retailers selling illegal tobacco, business shutdowns and fines of up to $1.5 million. 'As lucrative as illegal drugs' Sydney's criminal milieu has long been keen to meet the city's ravenous appetite for illicit drugs; anecdotal evidence suggests that major players such as the Alameddine crime family can earn up to $1 million a week in profit. Despite these eye-watering profits, criminal groups are increasingly looking to illegal tobacco, says Bennett. A briefing to Police Minister Yasmin Catley, seen by this masthead, suggests players 'responsible for violence in Victoria' have moved into NSW and aligned themselves with 'known actors'. Asian and Middle Eastern organised crime groups have also become involved in the illicit tobacco trade, the briefing says. There are two reasons for this – illegal tobacco has a much larger potential market than illicit drugs, and the penalties for importing or selling illicit smokes are considerably lighter than for drugs. 'Large organised crime groups that have traditionally been involved in drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping and ransom, they've all got an offshoot in illegal tobacco,' Bennett said. 'From what I can see, it's easily as lucrative as illegal drugs. 'We're certainly seeing that sort of traditional organised crime tactics around eliminating competition and establishing an area where you can do business.' Loading Arson attacks, which have authorities particularly concerned because of the proximity of many tobacconists to residential dwellings, have been used in NSW, says the briefing to the police minister. Legitimate retailers have also been targeted by organised crime, who are forced to sell illicit products on behalf of the crime group then are extorted for protection money. In a matter before the courts, a man allegedly planned to steal almost $1 million in cash from the home of a NSW tobacconist in November last year. Documents seen by the Herald allege the man used a device to track multiple cars and was heard on a phone tap discussing kidnapping people, dressing up as a police officer to orchestrate a vehicle stop or breaking into storage sheds. Police tracking the man and his co-accused stymied the alleged plot before the money – which police say is profits from illegal tobacco – could be stolen. He cannot be identified for legal reasons. In a separate case, an alleged tobacco runner had his big toe partially severed; in another instance last year, a tobacconist business was burnt to the ground. Bennett said it could be difficult to discern if this extreme violence was born of illegal drugs or tobacco, but 'more frequently we're finding from our intelligence base and from talking to the police, and talking to victims and talking to offenders, that the motivation is illegal tobacco'. The business of illicit tobacco has ensnared a huge number of seemingly everyday people – such as the Sydney woman with $2 million in the boot, now before the courts on two counts of dealing with the proceeds of crime – whose alleged role is to move huge volumes of cash, cigarettes and tobacco up and down the eastern seaboard. Loading In January, a truck driver was caught in one of the north shore's most moneyed suburbs, allegedly with $1 million in the back of his truck. The money was seized by the Crime Commission and he remains before the courts on proceeds of crime offences. That man, too, cannot be identified. Bennett said the NSW Police have been 'very active, very busy' both in vehicle stops of the type that allegedly both foiled the truck driver and the Sydney woman, and in their ongoing fight against organised crime. 'On a local [police station] level is where you get that short-term information based around storage sheds or vehicle movements,' which have led to 'quite a few' seizures north of $1 million, Bennett said. Police are heavily involved in stopping illegal tobacco, but debate has raged over exactly who should regulate it. While NSW Health is the lead agency, it is ill equipped to take on the underworld. Minns has said he doesn't want police taken away from the fight against domestic violence and organised crime. Commercial implications Then there is the question of the place of illegal tobacconists in the commercial landscape. On Penrith's main street, there are four within a 50-metre radius. Dozens more feature along the suburb's main strip. On the other side of the city, tourists alighting from the famous Manly ferry pass three as they walk the 450 metres down the Corso to the beach. 'There's a massive capital investment going into illegal tobacco sales,' Bennett said, something that has alarmed many communities. Independent MP for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby has been agitating for more action on illegal tobacconists, and says there is 'real fear' in the community because of tobacconists' links to organised crime. She says legitimate businesses are being pushed out, neighbouring business owners have seen an increase in insurance premiums because of the risk of firebombs, and people living near or above those shops are concerned about being caught in the crossfire. Scruby has made a number of submissions to a parliamentary inquiry, including buffer zones to prohibit businesses around schools and playgrounds, tougher penalties and moving the responsibility for enforcement to a 'better resourced' interagency taskforce. But with illegal tobacco being sold in plain sight, issues with regulation and the sheer volume of illicit smokes for sale, the problem for government remains diabolical. 'Everyone's got a stake in stopping this and that's got to start with people not buying it,' Bennett says firmly. 'But whether Joe Average is willing to pay double or triple what they can pay to mitigate the organised crime aspect of it remains to be seen.'
Sydney Morning Herald
4 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
The woman with $2m cash in her boot and the violent trade as ‘lucrative as drugs'
Much of the illicit loose tobacco in Australia is home-grown, while most illegal cigarettes come from China. Those cigarettes are either counterfeits of cigarettes sold here or brands not available in Australia. Because they are smuggled in through Australia's porous border, importers do not pay the tobacco excise – currently $1.40 per cigarette – and lack the barcode, plain packaging and health messaging on their legal counterparts. Loading They are also significantly cheaper, sold through the convenience stores that have become ubiquitous in Sydney. Estimates have the cost price of a packet of illegal smokes as low as $2, providing both a significant profit for the importers and a cheaper product for the consumer. 'Organised crime are filling some of that void. They're able to provide cigarettes between $10 and $25 a packet rather than between $40 and $65 a packet,' Bennett said. NSW Premier Chris Minns in June came out swinging at the Commonwealth tobacco excise – which is indexed and also being increased by 5 per cent each year for a three-year period starting in 2023 – saying it should be reconsidered. On Wednesday, the state government introduced what it describes as 'tough new laws' to parliament. The sweeping new legislation is designed to penalise selling illegal tobacco, and would allow evictions of retailers selling illegal tobacco, business shutdowns and fines of up to $1.5 million. 'As lucrative as illegal drugs' Sydney's criminal milieu has long been keen to meet the city's ravenous appetite for illicit drugs; anecdotal evidence suggests that major players such as the Alameddine crime family can earn up to $1 million a week in profit. Despite these eye-watering profits, criminal groups are increasingly looking to illegal tobacco, says Bennett. A briefing to Police Minister Yasmin Catley, seen by this masthead, suggests players 'responsible for violence in Victoria' have moved into NSW and aligned themselves with 'known actors'. Asian and Middle Eastern organised crime groups have also become involved in the illicit tobacco trade, the briefing says. There are two reasons for this – illegal tobacco has a much larger potential market than illicit drugs, and the penalties for importing or selling illicit smokes are considerably lighter than for drugs. 'Large organised crime groups that have traditionally been involved in drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping and ransom, they've all got an offshoot in illegal tobacco,' Bennett said. 'From what I can see, it's easily as lucrative as illegal drugs. 'We're certainly seeing that sort of traditional organised crime tactics around eliminating competition and establishing an area where you can do business.' Loading Arson attacks, which have authorities particularly concerned because of the proximity of many tobacconists to residential dwellings, have been used in NSW, says the briefing to the police minister. Legitimate retailers have also been targeted by organised crime, who are forced to sell illicit products on behalf of the crime group then are extorted for protection money. In a matter before the courts, a man allegedly planned to steal almost $1 million in cash from the home of a NSW tobacconist in November last year. Documents seen by the Herald allege the man used a device to track multiple cars and was heard on a phone tap discussing kidnapping people, dressing up as a police officer to orchestrate a vehicle stop or breaking into storage sheds. Police tracking the man and his co-accused stymied the alleged plot before the money – which police say is profits from illegal tobacco – could be stolen. He cannot be identified for legal reasons. In a separate case, an alleged tobacco runner had his big toe partially severed; in another instance last year, a tobacconist business was burnt to the ground. Bennett said it could be difficult to discern if this extreme violence was born of illegal drugs or tobacco, but 'more frequently we're finding from our intelligence base and from talking to the police, and talking to victims and talking to offenders, that the motivation is illegal tobacco'. The business of illicit tobacco has ensnared a huge number of seemingly everyday people – such as the Sydney woman with $2 million in the boot, now before the courts on two counts of dealing with the proceeds of crime – whose alleged role is to move huge volumes of cash, cigarettes and tobacco up and down the eastern seaboard. Loading In January, a truck driver was caught in one of the north shore's most moneyed suburbs, allegedly with $1 million in the back of his truck. The money was seized by the Crime Commission and he remains before the courts on proceeds of crime offences. That man, too, cannot be identified. Bennett said the NSW Police have been 'very active, very busy' both in vehicle stops of the type that allegedly both foiled the truck driver and the Sydney woman, and in their ongoing fight against organised crime. 'On a local [police station] level is where you get that short-term information based around storage sheds or vehicle movements,' which have led to 'quite a few' seizures north of $1 million, Bennett said. Police are heavily involved in stopping illegal tobacco, but debate has raged over exactly who should regulate it. While NSW Health is the lead agency, it is ill equipped to take on the underworld. Minns has said he doesn't want police taken away from the fight against domestic violence and organised crime. Commercial implications Then there is the question of the place of illegal tobacconists in the commercial landscape. On Penrith's main street, there are four within a 50-metre radius. Dozens more feature along the suburb's main strip. On the other side of the city, tourists alighting from the famous Manly ferry pass three as they walk the 450 metres down the Corso to the beach. 'There's a massive capital investment going into illegal tobacco sales,' Bennett said, something that has alarmed many communities. Independent MP for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby has been agitating for more action on illegal tobacconists, and says there is 'real fear' in the community because of tobacconists' links to organised crime. She says legitimate businesses are being pushed out, neighbouring business owners have seen an increase in insurance premiums because of the risk of firebombs, and people living near or above those shops are concerned about being caught in the crossfire. Scruby has made a number of submissions to a parliamentary inquiry, including buffer zones to prohibit businesses around schools and playgrounds, tougher penalties and moving the responsibility for enforcement to a 'better resourced' interagency taskforce. But with illegal tobacco being sold in plain sight, issues with regulation and the sheer volume of illicit smokes for sale, the problem for government remains diabolical. 'Everyone's got a stake in stopping this and that's got to start with people not buying it,' Bennett says firmly. 'But whether Joe Average is willing to pay double or triple what they can pay to mitigate the organised crime aspect of it remains to be seen.'
News.com.au
a day ago
- News.com.au
Qatar Airways increases flights across its global network including two Aussie cities
Qatar Airways has revealed its big move in two Aussie cities. The Middle-Eastern carrier will launch flights from Melbourne to Doha and also restarted services to Canberra as it increases flights to over 15 global destinations. 'This winter, in partnership with Qatar Airways, Virgin Australia will launch flights from Melbourne to Doha, increasing capacity to three daily flights between the two cities,' Qatar Airways chief commercial officer, Thierry Antinori, said. 'Qatar Airways will also restart services to Canberra, reinforcing its commitment to enhance connectivity between Australia and the world.' Some of the other increased routes include Berlin, from 18 weekly flights now up to 21, Tokyo, from 11 weekly flights to up to 14 and Frankfurt, from 18 weekly flights to up to 21. It's been a big year for the carrier which also recently cleaned up at the 2025 WeMoney Awards where it took home the coveted Frequent Flyer Programme of the Year, Best for Lounge Access and Best for Member Benefits. The awards celebrate Australia's leading financial and lifestyle brands, as voted by consumers and experts. 'We are truly honoured to be recognised by the 2025 WeMoney Awards for our Privilege Club programme, which is a testament to our unwavering commitment to rewarding loyal travellers with excellence,' Qatar Airways senior vice president business-to-consumer, Christophe Guittard, said. 'These accolades reflect the strength of our loyalty offering and our focus on elevating the travel experience at every touchpoint.' The airline, which recently partnered with Virgin Australia, said in Australia members of its Privilege Club benefit from exclusive connectivity through Virgin, on-board Starlink Wi-Fi, and tailored privileges like access to exclusive lounges. It is currently in the process of equipping its Airbus A350 fleet with Starlink installation which is expected to be complete within the next year. 'Our unique portfolio, including Qatar Duty Free — the world's leading airport retail experience — ensures exceptional value, choice, and memorable journeys,' Mr Guittard added. The rewards program is powered by Avios – the currency of Privilege Club – and allows members to collect and spend Avios across an expansive network of airlines, and over 150 partners including banks, financial partners, hotel, car rental, retail and lifestyle partners. Since partnering with Virgin, Velocity members can also earn and redeem Velocity Points between Australia and the Middle East, Europe, Africa and other destinations in the Qatar Airways network. Similarly, Privilege Club members can also collect and spend Avios on the Virgin Australia network. Meanwhile, Emirates took home Frequent Flyer App of the Year and Outstanding Customer Service in the WeMoney Awards. This year also marks the ninth year in a row Qatar Airways has been named World's Best Airline for 2025 in the annual Skytrax's World Airline Awards. The awards were held on June 17 at Paris Air Show, in the Air and Space Museum at the Hall of Eight Columns of Le Bourget airport, where roughly 500 guests attended from airlines across the world. Singapore Airlines nabbed second spot, while Cathay Pacific secured third place, Emirates fourth and ANA All Nippon Airways in fifth.
