New world and US airline rankings spotlight small, boutique carriers

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A brand new listing has named the highest 10 world world-class airways, and one small airline made the listing for the primary time ever, whereas a boutique Texas service additionally claimed high honors in a separate U.S. rating.

The distinguished APEX "World Class" award, introduced yearly by the Airline Passenger Expertise Affiliation, acknowledges simply 10 airways worldwide that meet the very best requirements of service, security and passenger satisfaction.

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This yr, Fiji Airways, the nationwide service of the South Pacific nation, landed on the listing for the primary time, making it the smallest airline by fleet dimension to ever obtain the APEX honor and the primary in Oceania to obtain it, in response to the airline.

Andre Viljoen, managing director and CEO of Fiji Airways, stated in a press release that the popularity, which was introduced on Sept. 11, "is a proud and historic second for the airline and for Fiji."

<img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2025/09/1200/675/fiji-airways-andre-viljoen.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Andre Viljoen, center, and Fiji Airways crew members attending Fiji Airways x APEX/IFSA Global EXPO 2025 at Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center on September 11, 2025 in Long Beach, California. Vilijoen seen holding top 10 Worlds Best award" width="1200" height="675"/> Andre Viljoen (heart) accepts the APEX World Class award on Sept. 11, 2025, in Lengthy Seaside, California. (Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Pictures for Fiji Airways)

"In 2016, we have been ranked exterior the world's Prime 100 airways," Viljoen stated. "At this time, by means of sheer grit, relentless innovation, and the unbreakable spirit of our individuals, we now have risen to be named one of many Prime 10 Airways on the planet."

"This recognition is not only an award, it is about exhibiting each Fijian, and each member of our group, that we are able to obtain the inconceivable," he added.

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Fiji Airways undertook a large overhaul of its in-flight experience, upgrading tools, constructing new provide chains, partnering with native companies and introducing new premium merchandise, the corporate stated in a information launch.

The airline additionally revamped its eating with Pacific Rim-inspired delicacies, retrained a whole lot of cabin crew and created a group of "World Class Trainers" to make sure service met world requirements.

Fiji Airways is the smallest airline by fleet dimension to obtain the distinction, in response to the service. (James Gourley/Getty Pictures)

Based in 1951 and generally known as Air Pacific till 2012, Fiji Airways now flies to a number of cities in america, together with Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas and Honolulu.

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The opposite airways honored on APEX's "World Class" listing this yr, in no explicit order, are All Nippon Airways, Emirates, Japan Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Singapore Airways, Turkish Airways and Xiamen Airways.

Japan Airlines was honored particularly for security and well-being. Saudia was honored for service-guest expertise and Turkish Airways gained "Greatest in Class: Sustainability and Meals & Beverage Execution."

"Attaining this larger normal displays dedication not solely to excellent service and luxury however to security, sustainability, and buyer satisfaction that resonate with vacationers as we speak," APEX CEO Joe Chief stated in a press release.

A passenger snaps a photograph throughout a enterprise class flight on Qatar Airways. (iStock)

"This distinction marks a major stride towards a future the place each flight ought to be benchmarked in opposition to a better normal of world-class high quality," he added.