SINGAPORE AIRLINES WINS 2007 AIRLINE OF THE YEAR TITLE

London : 28th July 2007


"This has been our longest running passenger survey and our largest ever" said Edward Plaisted (CEO of survey organisation, Skytrax).

"Over 14 million eligible nominations were received from around the world during the 11 month survey period. From Beijing to Buenos Aires, Sydney to Stockholm, the sheer breadth of the project adds yet further support to the title of the World's Largest Passenger Survey.

This is the second time in the history of the World Airline Awards that Singapore Airlines has emerged as overall winner, and we congratulate them on this outstanding achievement. In a survey of this scale and duration, our data section have seen the top 5 positions fluctuate on quite a regular basis, and we would highlight the performance of these other airlines - Thai Airways (up from 4th in 2006), Cathay Pacific (a former winner, 3rd), Qatar Airways in 4th (a new entrant to the Top 5 group), and Qantas in 5th position.

All the Awards announced today represent a level of excellence achievement by the winning airlines. We all like to be recognised for success we have achieved, and whilst we honour the successful airlines here, I also pay due respect to the significant achievements by many airline that may have missed out on a top place by just a very small margin.

As well as picking the overall Airline of the Year title, Singapore Airlines was named Best Business Class in a very competitive section of the survey. Surely in part recognising Singapore Airlines new Business Class product, we will await next year to see what customers think about the yet to be unveiled product standards on their Airbus A380 aircraft.

"Thai Airways achieved an impressive performance, taking 2nd place overall in the Survey, as well as walking off with the Best First Class Lounge Award, and 3rd position in the Cabin Staff section.

A former Airline of the Year winner, Cathay Pacific (3rd), was a very consistent performer across the World Airline Survey, and whilst not taking a top spot in 2007, was ranked in the top 4 or 5 positions in nearly every section of study. I am sure we will see them on the top of the podium again very soon.

Qatar Airways is a new entrant to the top 5 of our blue riband Airline of the Year title, taking 4th place overall - and again, performing well in many other categories. Named Best First Class airline, Qatar Airways also picked up the Best Cabin Staff (Middle East) Award.

In this top category, Qantas ranked 5th overall, again with a number of category placings in the top 5. Down from second in the 2006 Awards, Qantas is however the highest placed airline in the Australasia region, and a very consistent performer across many product and service sections.

It is appropriate to mention that Jetstar Airways (a subsidiary of Qantas) is named the World's Best Low-Cost Airline for 2007 - wrenching the title away from Europe's Best Low-Cost Airline, Air Berlin, who were the global winners in 2006.

Sixth place goes to Malaysia Airlines, moving up from three their 2006 result, but they should be delighted to learn that they are back to winning ways in 2007, taking the world's Best Cabin Staff Award. It is a title that Malaysia Airlines picked up in a number of previous years, losing their crown to Thai Airways last year.

Korean Air is another new Award winner, being named Best Economy Class, and also performing very strongly in the Best Inflight Entertainment Survey.

Further enquiries should be directed to:

Mr Peter Miller
Marketing Director
SKYTRAX RESEARCH
E-mail: miller@airlinequality.com