CANBERRA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Anyone aboard an Air New Zealand flight will probably be impressed by its funky safety instruction video featuring Hobbits, Elves and other famous kiwis, while the company's in-flight services also woo passengers.
That explains why, for the fifth consecutive year, the carrier won the title of Airline of the Year awarded by Australia-based aviation safety and product rating agency AirlineRatings, CNN travel reported Thursday.
Qantas Airways and Singapore Airlines take the second and third place on the top 10 list, respectively.
AirlineRatings' evaluation is based on four major international industry and government safety audits as well as other elements like fleet age, passenger reviews, profitability and key product offerings.
"We also look to see if the airline is an innovator trying new things to improve the passenger experience," said Geoffrey Thomas, editor-in-chief of AirlineRatings.com.
The agency also offered individual awards. Air New Zealand won Best Premium Economy, while Best Economy went to Korean Air for its spacious seats.
Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia took top spots for First Class and Business Class, respectively.
The judging panel comprises experts who have 20 years of experience assessing aviation quality, according to AirlineRatings.
