UAE comes out on top as Skytrax names 2016 best carriers
Most popular destinations from the UAE flying the World’s Best Airlines
Wego.com, the leading travel search site in the Middle East and Asia Pacific, reviews the position of Gulf airlines after they scooped the pool at the recent Skytrax World Airline Awards, and identified the most popular destinations you can fly to from Dubai on Skytrax’s list of the world’s best airlines.
“For the fourth time in the history of the Skytrax World Airline Awards, Emirates, the UAE’s flag carrier has claimed the top spot as the World’s Best Airline,” said Dean Wicks, Chief Flights Officer of Wego. “Etihad placed sixth overall, but also scooped additional number one places for ‘World’s Best First Class Cabin’, ‘World’s Best First Class Seat’ and ‘Best First Class Catering’.”
“With Qatar Airways positioned second overall, while also picking up a number of additional awards in other categories, there’s little doubt that the Gulf is the centre of the universe when it comes to quality and luxe in-flight experiences,” Wicks added.
So what is it that sets these airlines apart?
“Undoubtedly great service and cabin crew play a huge part, but Gulf carriers have gone the extra mile in terms of comfort and extras,” Wicks continued. “A fresh fleet of aircraft helps however many of these airlines offer a service that’s unique to their brand.”
“For instance, Emirates A380 has its First Class shower spa, the first airline to offer a shower on board, and Etihad has the world’s first three-room suite – The Residence,” Wicks explained. “Qatar Airways is renowned for its its impeccable Business Class and all-round affordable 5 star service, and in Asia, ANA and EVA Airways have branded their liveries and onboard experiences with popular icons, Pokemon and Hello Kitty respectively.”
“Competition continues to heat up. Airline’s are taking ownership of what differentiates them from others and incorporating it into their brand, and it’s not only in the luxury department. Low cost carriers are also making an impact with flydubai winning ‘Best Low Cost Carrier in the Middle East’, and in the top ten for ‘Best Low Cost Airline Premium Seat’ and ‘Best Low Cost Airline Premium Cabin’,” said Wicks.
“The Middle East is not only becoming the new centre of world aviation, with more long-haul international flights than any other region, but it’s also proving to be the cream of the industry crop, which is reflected in the Skytrax awards,” he observed.
“Eight of the ten of the World’s Top Ten Airlines of 2016 awarded by Skytrax this year have services from Dubai,” Wicks continued. “We’ve explored the most popular destinations on www.wego.ae and http://sa.wego.com to fly to from Dubai*, flying with this year’s best airlines.”
