'Unique flair': Aussie airline crew sky-high after winning world's best
Find out who won in the World's Best Airline Awards for 2025.
If you think you get the epitome of a friendly welcome when you walk onto a Virgin Australia flight you'd be right because the airline has just won World's Best Cabin Crew for the seventh year at the world's renowned airline awards.
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And it wasn't the only accolade Virgin Australia won. It also took third place in the newly introduced global Hybrid Airlines category in the AirlineRatings.com 2025 Airline Excellence Awards.
Virgin Australia's WA-based regional and charter airline Virgin Australia Regional (VARA) was also recognised, winning World's Best Regional Airline for the second year running.
Airline Ratings CEO Sharon Petersen said VARA had "consistently delivered an outstanding travel experience, combining efficiency and customer focus to meet the needs of regional and Fly in Fly Out (FiFo) travellers."
Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said winning Best Cabin Crew for seven years in a row was recognition of the airline's very special culture and all wins were an achievement for the business which is a "challenger brand at heart".
"We know our people are exceptional and deliver wonderful service each and every day, so awards like these are fitting recognition by our guests," Ms Hrdlicka said.
"It also showcases the value of our unique Virgin flair, which clearly differentiates us in all parts of our business but particularly the experience our guests enjoy. This ensures we stand out in all the right ways."
Rival Aussie airline Qantas won World's Best Airline Branded Lounges and tied with Emirates for first place in World's Best Premium Economy in the Cabin Class Awards for 2025.
The World's Best Airport went to Singapore Changi.
The World's Best First Class went to Singapore Airlines and World's Best Business Class was Qatar Airways' Qsuite.
World's Best Value Premium Economy went to Vietnam Airlines, and the World's Best Economy Class was offered by Korean Air.
The awards for the top-25 Full Service Airlines for 2025 went to:
- 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 is trialling a Hybrid model on some routes)
- Air Calin
- Air Mauritius
- Garuda Indonesia
The judges said Korean Air won due to its exceptional focus on passenger comfort, particularly in Economy Class, where it maintains industry-leading seat pitches of 84-87 centimetres on wide-body aircraft.
"Unlike many competitors, the airline has resisted reducing seat space, ensuring a more comfortable travel experience," Airline Ratings said.
Here are the top 20 hybrid airlines for 2025:
- 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
- Alaska Airlines
- SWISS
- Avianca
- Iberia
- British Airways
- Finnair
- Austrian Airlines
- Hawaiian
- ITA
- SAS
A hybrid airline is one that blends elements of low-cost and full-service models. These airlines have emerged as a "significant force in the aviation industry," according to Airline Ratings.
Here are the top 20 low cost airlines for 2025:
- AirAsia
- Jetstar
- AirBaltic
- HK Express
- Easyjet
- FlyDubai
- Ryanair
- Scoot
- Breeze
- Southwest
- SKY Airline
- FlyNas
- TUI
- Norwegian
- Indi GO
- Air Arabia
- Volaris
- Jet2
- Wizz
- Vueling
To be considered for Airline Ratings' best full service airline, airlines must offer a comprehensive full-service experience including meals, snacks, and beverages regardless of flight duration. Business class must provide lie-flat beds and the economy seat pitch must be minimum 79cm.
A top safety rating, consistency across the fleet and a strong financial standing are required.
My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.
Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.
My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
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