The Skytrax World Airline Awards has released its list of the very best when it comes to first class flying, with Singapore taking the lead.
First class is already the crème de la crème of air travel, but not all first class flights are equal. Every airline has its perks, but some take it to the next level, working tirelessly to ensure that they not only offer first class, but also the very finest in what’s already a luxe experience. Recently, the Skytrax World Airline Awards released its list of top first class airlines for 2024, with nine categories corresponding to location and special awards for things like amenities.
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At The Very Top
Singapore Airlines is in the lead, rising to number one in Asia and the world. Its first class lounge also won the award in the categories for Best First Class Airline Lounge in Asia, Best First Class Airline Seats, as well as Best First Class Onboard Catering in Asia 2024. The latter doesn’t come as a surprise, as the airline’s mouth-watering premium menu has long been the center of public attention and media coverage.
This is a heartening win for Singapore, adding another feather to its cap as its Changi Airport has long stood as the world’s best, only neck-to-neck with Qatar’s Hamad International Airport.
Decadent Meals And Impressive Amenities
Air France came out at a solid second place in the list, emerging as the Best First Class Airline in Europe 2024. It also won Best First Class Onboard Catering and Best First Class Airline Lounge Dining overall in the world, cementing itself as the go-to for an unforgettable gustatory experience. After all, its “La Première” first class cabin includes dishes from Michelin-starred chefs like Dominique Crenn and Julien Royer, and a curated selection of wines from Xavier Thuizat, Air France’s new Head Sommelier.
Emirates takes third spot in the world and first in the Middle East. It also won the award for Best First Class Airline Comfort Amenities in 2024 overall. This makes sense considering the extent and breadth of its luxuries, being as close to a private jet as a commercial airline can be. Its A380 First Class cabin includes a Shower Spa with Bulgari amenity kits, an onboard lounge serving premium beverages and canapés, and Bowers & Wilkins E1 headphones for in-flight entertainment, to name a few.
Lounging in Style
Then at fourth place is Swiss International Airlines, which won the category of Best First Class Airline Lounges in 2024. Its first class lounge in Zurich includes two hotel rooms, a conference room, mini suites, a champagne bar, and two restaurants among its amenities, representing the peak of luxury. Discerning oenophiles will also delight in its top tier wine humidor, which contains an impressive collection of over 1000 bottles of wine from all over the world.
“I am delighted that our First Class Lounge has once again been honored. Being recognized with this prestigious award is proof of our commitment to always offer our guests first-class service and maximum comfort,” shares Julia Hillenbrand, Head of SWISS Brand Experience, in a statement on the win. “Once again, this confirms our aspiration as a premium airline, which makes me very proud.”
Honorable Mentions From the Top 10
Though Japan’s airlines didn’t win special awards, the country still deserves a spotlight for being the Asian country that dominates the top 10 roster with two entries. At number five is ANA All Nippon Airways, and at number seven is Japan Airlines. Like Singapore, Japan has enjoyed a high position not only in airline rankings, but also in airport ones.
The Middle East is also going strong with Saudia airline at eight spot, joining Emirates in the list of entries.
Germany makes it to the top 10 with Lufthansa airline at sixth spot, as does Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific Airways at ninth place.
Banner photo by Ross Parmly via Unsplash.
