Korean Air Named World's Best Airline for 2025

G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff

G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation

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Image Source : VCG

Korean Air has been crowned the world’s best airline for 2025 by AirlineRatings.com, an Australia-based aviation safety and product rating agency. The South Korean flag carrier has surpassed last year’s winner, Qatar Airways, securing the top spot due to its unwavering commitment to passenger comfort, safety, and service excellence.

Airline Ratings official web site evaluates airlines based on multiple factors, including in-flight experience, safety records, fleet modernization, and customer feedback. Korean Air’s decision to maintain a spacious economy class layout played a crucial role in its ranking. While many airlines have opted to add a 10th seat per row on Boeing 777 aircraft and reduce seat pitch to 31-32 inches, Korean Air has maintained a more generous configuration. This has ensured a better in-flight experience for economy travelers, setting the airline apart from its competitors.

The airline’s recent merger with Asiana Airlines, the largest consolidation in Asian aviation history, further strengthened its position. This merger has expanded Korean Air’s global reach and increased its ability to provide world-class service to international travelers. In addition to passenger comfort, the airline has invested heavily in fleet renewal and sustainability efforts, making it a leader in the aviation industry.

Qatar Airways, known for its luxury service and extensive global network, secured the second position on the list. Despite losing its top rank, the airline remains a favorite among travelers for its superior business class offerings and top-tier lounge facilities. Air New Zealand, a previous winner, ranked third, while Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines rounded out the top five.

The complete list of the top 25 airlines for 2025 highlights major carriers worldwide, with several Asian airlines dominating the rankings. Emirates, Japan Airlines, and Qantas secured spots within the top 10, demonstrating the continued excellence of airlines from the Asia-Pacific region. SriLankan Airlines also made the prestigious list, showcasing the growing recognition of South Asian carriers in the global aviation industry.

In addition to ranking full-service airlines, AirlineRatings.com also recognized low-cost carriers and hybrid airlines. AirAsia was named the world’s best low-cost airline, beating Jetstar and AirBaltic. A new category for best hybrid airlines was introduced, with JetBlue and WestJet leading the rankings. This category acknowledges airlines that blend the affordability of low-cost carriers with the enhanced services of full-service airlines, a growing trend in the aviation industry.

These awards are not based on popularity alone but rather a rigorous assessment of airline operations, safety, and customer service. According to AirlineRatings.com CEO Sharon Petersen, the rankings help travelers identify airlines that offer the best value and experience. Petersen emphasized that factors such as seat pitch, fleet modernization, and innovation in passenger services played a significant role in the final rankings.

With the aviation industry evolving rapidly, airlines are continuously adapting to new consumer expectations and environmental challenges. Korean Air’s top ranking for 2025 highlights the increasing demand for comfort, reliability, and sustainability in air travel. As competition intensifies, airlines will need to innovate and enhance their services to stay ahead in the global market.