Qatar Airways named world's best airlines at Skytrax World Airline Awards

Paris - Qatar Airways has been named the as best airline in the world at the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards, held during the Paris Air Show.

The Middle Eastern carrier has climbed steadily in the rankings from eighth place six years ago.

The award was significant for Qatar Airways, because it "reflects opinions of passengers around the world, and is based on every customer type across all cabins - be they business or leisure, frequent or first-time flyers" the Age quoted Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted,as saying.

Qatar Airways was followed by 2008 winner Singapore Airlines in second place, and South Korea's Asiana Airlines in third position. Cathay Pacific Airways retained fourth place from last year.

Thai Airways was the big mover, rising four places to fifth position.

Australian carrier and one of the oldest Qantas has once again slipped down the rankings of the world's best airlines.

Qantas was named the world's eighth-best airline, down from number seven in last year's awards. The airline has dropped every year since 2008, when it was named the world's third-best carrier.

In the Australia-Pacific region rankings, Qantas ran second to Air New Zealand. Jetstar was rated third-best for the region. Air New Zealand's new premium economy offering was also rated the best in the world for that class.

Jetstar was named the best low-cost carrier for Australia-Pacific.

Asiana Airlines won for the best cabin crew, while Emirates won the best in-flight entertainment award.

The annual awards by Skytrax are based on surveys of over 18 million passengers, carried out over 10 months.