REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol
Qatar Airways Q Suite business class.
- Every year Skytrax names the airlines with the best business class offerings.
- Airlines are moving away from costly first-class cabins replacing them with more plush business class products.
- As a result, business class is becoming more and more luxurious.
- The top 10 are dominated by airlines from Asia .
Every year, leading
aviation consumer website Skytrax
compiles a
list of the highest rated business class offerings
in the world. The
Skytrax rankings are based on the impressions
of 19.87 million travelers from 105 different countries. The survey, which covered more than 320 airlines, measured 49 parameters ranging from boarding procedures to seat comfort to the quality of service.
Business class
has, in recent years, changed dramatically. The standards for service, comfort, and accommodations have increased to a level unseen since the golden age of commercial aviation in the 1960s. These days, lie-flat seats, personal entertainment systems, and menus crafted by gourmet chefs are becoming the industry norm. That's because, even though business class comprises a small number seats per plane, it's pricier fares and premium clientele are important profit drivers for the airlines.
In addition, as airlines move away from expensive to operate first-class cabins, business class has taken over as the premium cabin of choice for many major carriers.
The 10 airlines that made the final list all offer exemplary service, state-of-the-art aircraft, and generous accommodations. Amazingly, eight of the top 10 spots went to airlines from Asia, while the other two spots are occupied by European carriers. In fact, no airline from North America even cracked the top 20. However, with the arrival of Delta One and United Polaris , expect US carriers to make a move up the rankings.View As: One Page Slides
10. EVA Air
Why it's here: Called Royal Laurel Class, EVA Air's international long-haul business product is one the finest in the world. Amenities include a lie-flat seat, noise canceling head phones, and a Rimowa overnight kit.
9. Emirates
Why it's here: Emirates also has one of the best business class products in the industry. Business class passengers are treated to a lie-flat seat, the best in-flight entertainment in the world, a full cocktail bar, and complimentary chauffeur service. In November, Emirates unveiled their new business class cabin inspired by the Mercedes-Benz S Class sedan.
8. Cathay Pacific
Why it's here: Cathay Pacific offers both regional and long-haul business class products. The long-haul business offering includes lie-flat seats, a luxury amenity kit, and state-of-the-art entertainment system.
7. Garuda Indonesia
Why it's here: Garuda Indonesia one of the few airlines in the world to carry a Skytrax Five Star rating. Its new business class cabin found onboard its fleet of Boeing 777-300ER. All business class passengers are treated to flatbed seats, direct aisle access, gourmet dining, and a L'Occitane amenity kit.
6. Turkish Airlines
Why it's here: Turkish Airlines is widely regarded as one of, if not the best airline in Europe and its business class is the highest rated of the European carriers. Amenities include lie-flat seating with massage function and gourmet dining.
5. Lufthansa
Why it's here: The German national airline delivers a truly impressive business class product. Lufthansa offers lie-flat seats, a variety of fine-dining options, and a selection of more than 100 films and 200 TV shows in eight different languages.
4. Etihad
Why it's here: Etihad offers a variety of business class products. The newest and most plush offering is the airline's Business Studio which is found on its fleet of Boeing 787 and Airbus A380 superjumbos. The Studio features a massaging lie-flat bed, 18.5-inch touchscreen, and even a Lobby lounge to socialize with other passengers for flights on the A380.
3. Singapore Airways
Why it's here: Singapore's business class product is almost legendary in the airline business. And it's for good reason. Passengers on Singapore's business class are treated to 78-inch bed, 18-inch HD entertainment display, luxury dining, and impeccable service. In November, Singapore unveiled a new business class seat for its fleet of Airbus A380s complete with a stylish carbon composite shell and Poltrona Frau upholstery.
2. ANA All Nippon Airways
Why it's here: All Nippon Airways is one of the finest airlines on the Pacific Rim. The Japanese carrier's business class offering features flat-bed seats at convert into 78-inch-long beds, private in-flight entertainment, and gourmet dining.
1. Qatar Airways
Why it's here: Qatar Airways' business class accommodations feature a fully lie-flat bed, on-demand dining, a Giorgio Armani amenity kit, and a personal entertainment system with more than 3,000 movies, TV shows, and songs. The airline's new Q Suite business class cabin features retractable dividers that allow as many four passengers to link their suites.