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The Paris Air Show announced the Airline of the Year award on Tuesday and, well, we knew it wouldn’t be United.
Qatar Airways was named “Airline of the Year” by the air transport ratings group Skytrax at the Paris Air Show, reports CNN Money. The World Airline Awards are based on surveys filled out by millions of passengers. They are considered “the Oscars of the aviation industry.” In 2016, Qatar Airways won for “Best Business Class” before taking home the top prize for best airline this year.
2017 marks Qatar Airways’ fourth win for Airline of the Year, an honor previously bestowed in 2011, 2012 and 2015. Last year, Emirates, a regional rival, stole the show. But now, Qatar Airways, with their “extravagant lounges,” is back on top.
However, you may face a minor struggle were you to want to fly Qatar any time soon. The airline is facing significant obstacles from neighboring countries — namely, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt and Saudi Arabia — who seek to restrict if not ban Qatar from flying through their airways.
The World Airline Awards also recognize regional excellence, which might be more relevant to those of us not taking long, luxurious flights to and from Doha. Air Canada was announced as the winner of Best Airline in North America and Air Canada president of passenger airlines credit the large route network and international flights. CNN Money points out executive pod seats that recline to flat beds and 21-inch entertainment screens could have something to do with it too.
Etihad Airways, out of Dubai, offers the World’s Best First Class while Thai Airways boasts the World’s Best Economy. (However, Japan Airlines claims the Best Economy Class Seat.) The Star Alliance, which includes Air Canada, Air China, Lufthansa, Singapore, Thai and United, is the World’s Best Airline Alliance.
