Latest news with #SharonPetersen
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
This Airline Was Named the No. 1 Low-cost Carrier in the World
Airline Ratings released its rankings for the World's Best Airlines of 2025. It named Hanoi-based airline Vietjet the No. 1 low-cost airline in the world. VietJet has domestic flights between Vietnam and routes within Asia, too. Vacationing is expensive. According to data from Pacaso, the average cost of just travel (domestic round-trip flight, airport parking, and rideshare) for a week-long vacation in 2024 for two people was $1,040, up 3 percent year-over-year. No matter how you slice it, going on an adventure will cost you some cash. However, there are ways to save like considering a budget airline. We know that "budget airline" usually conjures up nightmares of having to pay all sorts of extra fees for little to no service, but there not all carriers are equal. In February, Airline Ratings released its rankings for the World's Best Airlines of 2025. The team selected their airline "based on a set of stringent criteria." To be considered for the list, an airline must offer a "comprehensive full-service experience, including meals, snacks, and beverages regardless of flight duration." Its economy seat pitch must also be at least 31 inches, and its business class must have lie-flat beds. Finally, the airline must have a seven-star safety rating and offer a consistent range of in-flight product. Though not mandatory, the list also took into consideration amenities like WiFi and in-seat power. However, specifically for its low-cost airline list, the team considered airlines that "offer a combination of affordable on-board services, such as meals, drinks, and snacks," while other services like Wi-Fi must be available to purchase. The list also noted that the highest-ranked low-cost carriers "offer exceptionally low base fares and maintain an excellent route network" and must also meet that seven-star rating. So, after doing all that labor, it named Vietjet, a Vietnamese airline based in Hanoi, as the top low-cost airline in the world. "VietJet has mastered the art of delivering exceptional value to passengers, combining competitive fares with a reliable and innovative service model," Sharon Petersen, CEO of Airline Ratings, shared. "Their ability to make air travel accessible to millions without compromising on safety or efficiency sets them apart. In addition to this, our onboard reviews have noticed time and time again the dedication of their crew to help all passengers, and that is something we highly regard." The airline operates domestic flights within Vietnam but also flies between Thailand, India, China, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Cambodia, Australia, and Dubai. However, it's not the only low-cost carrier getting a shoutout. The list also noted Cebu Pacific, an airline out of the Philippines, was its runner-up. See what other airlines made the larger list at Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
The Independent
14-02-2025
- Business
- The Independent
World's best airline named in 2025 global ranking
The world's best airlines for the ultimate in-flight experience have been revealed – and Korean Air has knocked Qatar Airways off the top spot following its eighth win in 2024. A new ranking by an aviation safety and product website, ranked the top 25 full-service airlines for 2025 as part of its annual "World's Best Airlines" awards. The airlines had to offer a 'full-service experience' including meals, snacks and beverages, an economy seat pitch a minimum of 31 inches, lie-flat business class beds, a seven-star safety rating and a strong financial standing to meet the list criteria. South Korea 's flag carrier airline was awarded the top overall airline of the year title for its 'exceptional focus on passenger comfort', 'generous meal portions' and 'outstanding economy class'. Thoughtful touches including slippers and eyemasks, in-flight menus with Western and Korean options and service with a smile cemented the Korean Air's top spot. AirlineRatings chief executive Sharon Petersen added: "While many airlines have added a 10th seat per row on 777 aircraft and reduced seat pitch in economy to 31–32 inches (down from the previous 32–33 inches), Korean Air has chosen not to follow this trend. They have maintained their original seat configuration and a generous 33-34 inch seat pitch, offering passengers a more comfortable experience.' Simon Calder, the six-foot-tall travel correspondent of The Independent, said: "It's good that an airline bold enough to offer more space in economy has been recognised. This is a welcome exception to the gradual 'densification' of economy on other airlines. 'But extra legroom comes at a premium; when I flew to Seoul last summer, I chose Korean Air's budget rival, T'Way, because it was so much cheaper.' Also featured in the top 25, former frontrunner Qatar Airways, Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific all impressed based on passenger comfort. The list was compiled from traveller feedback and aviation experts with consistency, safety and financial stability key factors in the best-in-class awards. As for regional winners, Virgin Australia Regional, delivered an 'outstanding travel experience' for its efficiency and customer focus while Vietjet won the best ultra-low-cost carrier award for affordability while maintaining quality. Ms Petersen said: 'These airlines deserve recognition for their excellence in hybrid operations and their innovative offerings. We are proud to be the first aviation media outlet to acknowledge this shift and introduce a dedicated category that celebrates hybrid airlines and their significant positive impact on the travel industry.' top 25 full-service airlines for 2025 Korean Air Qatar Air New Zealand Cathay Pacific Singapore Airlines Emirates Japan Airlines Qantas Etihad Turkish Airlines EVA Air Fiji Airways Virgin Atlantic ANA Aero Mexico Air Caraibes Thai Airways STARLUX Airlines Vietnam Airlines Sri Lankan Airlines Air France KLM (note the airline are trialling a Hybrid model on some routes) Air Calin Air Mauritius Garuda Indonesia
The Independent
13-02-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Why Korean Air has been named the world's best airline
The world's best airlines for the ultimate in-flight experience have been revealed – and Korean Air has knocked Qatar Airways off the top spot following its eighth win in 2024. A new ranking by an aviation safety and product website, ranked the top 25 full-service airlines for 2025 as part of its annual "World's Best Airlines" awards. The airlines had to offer a 'full-service experience' including meals, snacks and beverages, an economy seat pitch a minimum of 31 inches, lie-flat business class beds, a seven-star safety rating and a strong financial standing to meet the list criteria. South Korea 's flag carrier airline was awarded the top overall airline of the year title for its 'exceptional focus on passenger comfort', 'generous meal portions' and 'outstanding economy class'. Thoughtful touches including slippers and eyemasks, in-flight menus with Western and Korean options and service with a smile cemented the Korean Air's top spot. AirlineRatings chief executive Sharon Petersen added: "While many airlines have added a 10th seat per row on 777 aircraft and reduced seat pitch in economy to 31–32 inches (down from the previous 32–33 inches), Korean Air has chosen not to follow this trend. They have maintained their original seat configuration and a generous 33-34 inch seat pitch, offering passengers a more comfortable experience.' Simon Calder, the six-foot-tall travel correspondent of The Independent, said: "It's good that an airline bold enough to offer more space in economy has been recognised. This is a welcome exception to the gradual 'densification' of economy on other airlines. 'But extra legroom comes at a premium; when I flew to Seoul last summer, I chose Korean Air's budget rival, T'Way, because it was so much cheaper.' Also featured in the top 25, former frontrunner Qatar Airways, Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific all impressed based on passenger comfort. The list was compiled from traveller feedback and aviation experts with consistency, safety and financial stability key factors in the best-in-class awards. As for regional winners, Virgin Australia Regional, delivered an 'outstanding travel experience' for its efficiency and customer focus while Vietjet won the best ultra-low-cost carrier award for affordability while maintaining quality. Ms Petersen said: 'These airlines deserve recognition for their excellence in hybrid operations and their innovative offerings. We are proud to be the first aviation media outlet to acknowledge this shift and introduce a dedicated category that celebrates hybrid airlines and their significant positive impact on the travel industry.' top 25 full-service airlines for 2025 Korean Air Qatar Air New Zealand Cathay Pacific Singapore Airlines Emirates Japan Airlines Qantas Etihad Turkish Airlines EVA Air Fiji Airways Virgin Atlantic ANA Aero Mexico Air Caraibes Thai Airways STARLUX Airlines Vietnam Airlines Sri Lankan Airlines Air France KLM (note the airline are trialling a Hybrid model on some routes) Air Calin Air Mauritius Garuda Indonesia
Korea Herald
10-02-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Korean Air named best airline of 2025 by Airline Ratings
Korean Air Co., South Korea's leading air carrier, said Monday it has been named the best airline of 2025 by Airline Ratings, a prestigious Australia-based aviation and travel publication. Korean Air was ranked No. 1 in a comprehensive evaluation of over 350 airlines worldwide based on various criteria, including safety, product ratings, passenger reviews, fleet age and environmental commitment. Airline Ratings praised Korean Air's economy class experience, highlighting the spacious seat configurations in comparison to other airlines and attentive onboard service. The evaluation also noted Korean Air's comprehensive amenities on its long-haul routes, along with enhanced dining and expansive in-flight entertainment options, according to the company. "Korean Air's delivery of exceptional service across all cabin classes, from economy to premium, is backed by continuous investment in next-generation aircraft and fleet modernization," Airline Ratings CEO Sharon Petersen said. The airline said it is "committed to strengthening its position as a leading global carrier through continued innovation and service excellence." (Yonhap)
CNN
09-02-2025
- Business
- CNN
World's best airline for 2025 named by AirlineRatings.com
How important is extra legroom on a plane? Extremely important, if the results of the annual round-up of the best airlines across the globe is anything to go by. Korean Air has been named Airline of the Year for 2025, beating out last year's winner Qatar Airways, in the Australia-based aviation safety and product rating agency's official list of the top 25 full-service airlines. The South Korean flag carrier's commitment to 'passenger comfort' was cited as one of the main reasons for its triumph — both Korean Air and Japan Airline provide the most spacious economy class seating of any global airline. Korean Air was commended for maintaining its original seat configuration and prioritizing the needs of economy travelers. 'While many airlines have added a 10th seat per row on 777 aircraft and reduced seat pitch in economy to 31 to 32 inches (down from the previous 32 to 33 inches), Korean Air has chosen not to follow this trend,' CEO Sharon Petersen said in a statement. The airline's recent merger with Asiana Airlines — the largest consolidation in Asian aviation history — was also noted as a contributing factor to its place at the top. Air New Zealand was third on the 'carefully selected' list, while Cathay Pacific came in fourth place on the 'carefully selected' list. The top 25 airlines all meet a list of specific requirements, such as providing a comprehensive full-service experience, and having an economy seat pitch of a minimum of 31 inches. 'These awards are not a popularity contest or a people's choice award,' added Petersen 'As airline experts, we conduct a meticulous assessment of each category to help travelers identify the best airlines for quality, value, and safety.' Meanwhile, AirAsia topped list of the best 20 Low Cost Airlines for 2025, beating out Jetstar and AirBaltic, which came in second and third place respectively. This year, the product rating agency added a new category, Best Hybrid Airlines, in a move to celebrate hybrid airlines and their 'significant positive impact on the travel industry.' Jetblue came in at number one, followed by Westjet in second place, and 'These airlines deserve recognition for their excellence in hybrid operations and their innovative offerings,' said Peterson. Korean Air Qatar Air New Zealand Cathay Pacific Singapore Airlines Emirates Japan Airlines Qantas Etihad Turkish Airlines EVA Air Fiji Airways Virgin Atlantic ANA Aero Mexico Air Caraibes Thai Airways Starlux Vietnam Airlines Sri Lankan Airlines Air France KLM (note the airline are trialling a Hybrid model on some routes) Air Calin Air Mauritius Garuda Indonesia AirAsia Jetstar AirBaltic HK Express Easyjet FlyDubai Ryanair Scoot Breeze Southwest SKY Airline FlyNas TUI Norwegian Indi GO Air Arabia Volaris Jet2 Wizz Vueling Jetblue Westjet Virgin Australia Delta Airlines United American Airlines Lufthansa Air Canada LOT Polish Airlines (this is under change and may soon be full service) TAP Portugal Alaskan Air SWISS Avianca Iberia British Airways Finnair Austrian Airlines Hawaiian ITA SAS
