Qantas is no longer considered among the world’s top 20 airlines after recording a disastrous result in the Skytrax World Airline Awards.
The flying kangaroo was this year ranked as the 24th best airline in the world, down from 17th spot last year and a dramatic fall from the fifth place the national carrier achieved in 2022.
Qatar Airways – which has been battling for more flights to Australia – was crowned the best in the world, ahead of last year’s winner Singapore Airlines.
Fiji Airways continued its upward trajectory, moving from 15th spot to 14th, while Air Zealand was also deemed better than Qantas in 22nd spot, down from 19th last year.
Lufthansa, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Finnair, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Delta Air Lines all leapfrogged Qantas in the rankings.
The only bright spots for Qantas was being awarded best business class in Australia/Pacific, best premium economy in Australia/Pacific and best onboard catering in the region for both premium economy and economy.
Qantas was also crowned cleanest airline in Australia/Pacific in the World Airline Awards, which are voted on by travellers across the globe through “the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey”.
The past year has been a difficult one for Qantas, with the airline losing an appeal in the High Court over its illegal sacking of 1,700 workers during the pandemic.
The airline was also slapped with a $100 million fine following ACCC action for misleading customers, and forced to embark on a $20 million remediation program for passengers impacted by cancelled flights.
Qantas also came under fire for opposing a bid by Qatar Airways for 21 additional weekly flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, while Alan Joyce brought forward his retirement as CEO and the flying kangaroo conceded it “let customers down”.
The Australian reported a Qantas spokesman saying the airline had been listening to customers and acting on feedback, “with significant investment already underway”.
“We want our customers to feel the difference from the changes that we have put in place and in recent months we have seen customer satisfaction levels improve,” the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, Qantas budget carrier Jetstar was crowned best low-cost airline in the region, Rex was awarded best regional airline in Australia/Pacific, while Virgin Australia did not receive any individual accolades.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said the airline being crowned the world’s best was “testimony to our relentless dedication to providing unparalleled service and innovation”.
“This is a proud Qatar Airways moment and it is my honour to share this award with my hardworking colleagues. We look forward to more wins in the future,” he said.