By 
“Air New Zealand has been named the top airline of 2014 by a safety and ratings review website, which praised the carrier for its exceptional in-flight services and safety record. The editors of AirlineRatings.com awarded the airline the title of Airline of the Year for 2014, recognizing it as a trendsetter in the industry. Notable programs include the Skycouch, which can turn three economy seats into a comfortable couch—perfect for couples or families with young children.
The airline’s innovative Spaceseats, available in premium economy, allow passengers traveling together to swivel their chairs to share a meal face-to-face. This design also prevents seats from reclining into the space of other passengers, instead allowing the chairs to slide forward like a reclining lounge chair.
Air New Zealand has also won over digital audiences with its entertaining in-flight safety videos. Last year, their Hobbit-inspired video “”An Unexpected Briefing,”” featuring orcs, hobbits, elves, and dwarves, became a viral sensation. This year, the airline released a new safety video starring the beloved nonagenarian Betty White, set in a retirement home, which also gained significant attention.
In addition to being named Airline of the Year, Air New Zealand also won the award for Best Premium Economy Class.
Other winners in the Airline Excellence Awards include:
- Regional Airline of the Year: Singapore-based Silk Air
- Best First Class: Emirates
- Best Business Class: Cathay Pacific Airways
- Best Economy: Qantas Airways
- Best Lounges: Qantas
- Best In-Flight Entertainment: Emirates
- Best Long Haul Airline: Emirates (Middle East/Africa), Singapore Airlines (Asia/Pacific), Swiss (Europe), and Air Canada (The Americas)
- Best Low-Cost Airline: JetBlue (The Americas), Jetstar Group (Asia/Pacific), flydubai (Middle East/Africa), and Norwegian (Europe)
Last week, AirlineRatings.com also named Qantas the world’s safest airline.”