These are the airlines with the best economy class in the world

It's all well and good for airlines to show off their stunning business and first class offerings, but the majority of travellers are facing lengthy trips in economy class.

Luckily, many airlines have invested heavily in making even their economy offerings more enjoyable, and now the best in the world for 2025 have been recognised.

Cathay Pacific Airways has been crowned winner for the 'World's Best Economy Class Airline', in the recent Skytrax awards, with Qatar Airways in second place and Singapore Airlines in third.

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Ranked among the top three airlines overall in the world, Cathay took the title for its economy class offering for the second consecutive year and also won 'World's Best Inflight Entertainment' for the second time in three years.

"These accolades underscore our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service and enhancing the customer experience across every part of their journey," Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said.

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Inside the world's best first, business and premium economy class cabins

Over the past year, Cathay has not only introduced its new Aria Suite Business class, but also new Premium Economy and refreshed Economy cabins onboard its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Aussie travellers can experiences these new cabins on selected flights between Hong Kong and London, Sydney and Vancouver, with more routes being progressively added.

The airline also partnered with Michelin-starred restaurants to create curated menus on selected flights departing Hong Kong, including French classics from Louise and Cantonese fine dining from Duddell's in First and Business, and refined Cantonese classics with Yat Tung Heen in Premium Economy and Economy.

"We are grateful for the incredible support of our customers, and the dedication of our people across Cathay," Ronald Lam said. "These awards will inspire and motivate us to keep raising the bar as we strive to become one of the world's greatest service brands."

Considered the 'Oscars of the aviation industry', Skytrax asks travellers across the world to vote in the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey and determine the award winners.

A little closer to home, Qantas was awarded the Best Economy Class Airline in Australia/Pacific region for 2025.

The Aussie airline recently unveiled its brand new aircraft - a bigger, more fuel efficient model that has plenty of extra baggage space for passengers.

The first of 28 A321XLR aircraft will arrive in Australia shortly, and is part of the progressive replacement of the airline's Boeing 737s over the next decade.

For now, upgrades to Qantas' Boeing 737 cabins, will include larger overhead lockers with up to 50 per cent more space. New seats in business and economy also coming, with the changes complete by 2027.

World's Best Economy Class Airlines 2025

1. Cathay Pacific Airways
2. Qatar Airways
3. Singapore Airlines
4. ANA All Nippon Airways
5. Japan Airlines
6. EVA Air
7. Emirates
8. STARLUX Airlines
9. Hainan Airlines
10. Turkish Airlines

Meanwhile, if you want to choose an airline based on the seat alone, then Japan Airlines is the best option, winning the World's Best Economy Class Airline seat in 2025.

And for the best plane food, EVA Air won the award for the World's Best Economy Class Onboard Catering.

Best Economy Class Airline Seats 2025

1. Japan Airlines
2. Cathay Pacific Airways
3. Korean Air
4. Singapore Airlines
5. Qatar Airways
6. ANA All Nippon Airways
7. Emirates
8. STARLUX Airlines
9. China Airlines
10. Malaysia Airlines

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