Why Virgin Australia, Qantas, and Jetstar have all been named the best airlines in the world
It's official - Virgin Australia has the best in-flight staff of any airline in the world.
The carrier has won World's Best Cabin Crew for the eighth year running at the AirlineRatings.com World's Best Airlines Awards for 2026.
Other Aussie carriers received accolades in this year's awards, including Jetstar taking out the top spot in the low-cost carrier category. Qantas also got a nod for its Premium Economy cabin.
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Virgin Australia has scooped the prestigious title of world's best cabin crew. Supplied
AirlineRatings.com's annual awards program evaluates airlines across full-service, hybrid, and low-cost categories worldwide and is judged by a panel of aviation experts.
Virgin Australia Group CEO Dave Emerson says the award is a reflection of the staff as individuals.
"We always encourage our crew to bring their own unique flair to work, which makes a real difference to the guest experience and is truly what I believe makes our team the best in the world," he says.
The airline also ranked third globally in the World's Best Hybrid Airlines category.
Hybrid airlines - a relatively new concept - offer a mix of onboard service depending on the flight length. They usually provide buy-on-board meals for short- and medium-haul flights, and full service for long-haul routes.
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Virgin Australia is going from strength to strength. Supplied
Lufthansa was named the best hybrid airline, while HK Express came first in the budget category.
Jetstar was named the World's Best Low-Cost Long Haul Airline, standing out in the category thanks to its onboard in-flight entertainment options and in-seat power.
Not to be left out, Qantas was named the number one domestic airline in the world.
"No other all-inclusive domestic option globally provides this much to passengers," CEO of AirlineRatings.com, Sharon Petersen, said of Qantas' domestic offering.
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Qantas' Premium Economy is the best in the world - tied with Emirates. Supplied
Qantas was also named the World's Best Premium Economy, tied with Emirates for the top spot. Watch our video review of the cabin at the top of this story.
"Qantas and Emirates continue to lead across all areas, including business class style service, meals and cutlery, a 38-inch seat pitch, significant recline, foot/legrests, luxurious duvets and pillows, as well as bathrooms reserved for the cabin," says AirlineRatings.com.
Air New Zealand was named the world's best economy class, thanks in part to its legendary Skycouch, which, the awards say, "continues to define long-haul economy travel".
Meanwhile, VietJet Air took the top spot as the World's Best Ultra Low Cost Carrier, recognised for its highly competitive fares, including Zero Dollar promotions, and rapid network expansion.
Air New Zealand's Skycouch is changing international economy travel. Air New Zealand
Unsurprisingly, Qatar Airways took out the top gong as the World's Best Full-Service airline.
"Qatar's value proposition, combined with a superior economy product and award-winning business class, secured that top position once again," said Sharon.
The Middle Eastern carrier is often at the top of these lists, thanks to its comfortable cabins and world-class service.
Cathay Pacific came in second place, and Singapore Airlines third.
