Guest wowpow Posted August 1, 2007 Posted August 1, 2007 "International survey ranks THAI near top Bangkok Post BOONSONG KOSITCHOTETHANA Despite criticism at home, Thai Airways International (THAI) has made big strides on the list of the world's favourite airlines, climbing from fourth position in a major global poll last year to second in 2007. But its pace was slower than its main regional rival, Singapore Airlines, which jumped from seventh place in the Skytrax passenger survey last year to win the Airline of the Year title this year. Cathay Pacific, a former winner of the top award, retained its third position from last year in the polling conducted by the UK-based aviation research firm and involved 14 million nominations around the world during an 11-month survey. Also rapidly climbing up the ladder was Malaysia Airlines, moving up from ninth in the 2006 result to sixth this year. THAI also walked off with the best first-class lounge award (at Suvarnabhumi Airport) in the same poll, and third position in the cabin staff category. Bangkok Airways was also voted the best regional airline in Asia, as well as the best airline in Southeast Asia. Skytrax chief executive Edward Plaisted described THAI's achievement as an ''impressive performance''. Sunathee Isvarphornchai, THAI's vice-president for corporate communications, said yesterday the improved ranking was testimony to the airline's improvement in services and products. ''We will strive to take away the crown from SIA in the not-so-distant future,'' she quipped. Qatar Airways secured fourth position in the latest rating, and a new entrant to the top-five group, with Qantas now taking fifth position, down from second place last year. The biggest surprises in this year's ranking were British Airways, which plunged to 10th from first last year, and Emirates, which dropped from fifth to ninth place. The World Airline Survey is primarily focused on the quality attributes that different airlines offer _ both in the airport and the onboard environment. ''Of course, in making a nomination for a Best Airline based on the standards of products and services, the survey participants will pay due regard to the value-for-money equation, but we do not set out to evaluate which airlines might have the largest network or most frequent schedules. It is all about quality, and how the customer rates one airline against another,'' said Mr Plaisted. While not taking a top spot in 2007, Cathay Pacific was ranked in the top four or five positions in nearly every section of the poll. Qatar Airways performed well in many other categories. It was named best first-class airline and best cabin staff (Middle East) award. Qantas is the highest placed airline in the Australasia region, and a consistent performer across many product and service sections. Jetstar Airways, the low-fare carrier of Qantas, was named the world's best low-cost Airline for 2007 _ wresting the title away from Europe's best low-cost airline, Air Berlin" Bangkok Post http://www.airlinequality.com/ Quote
