Thai Airways is Now the World’s Best Economy Class Airline

Thai Airways International has skyrocketed to the top as the world’s best economy class airline of 2017, according to airline review firm Skytrax.

Another airline in Thailand, Bangkok Airways, was also recognized during a sideline event to the Paris Air Show on Tuesday, receiving the “world’s best regional airline” award, according to the Bangkok Post.

Overall, Qatar Airways was named the world’s best airline of 2017, taking the top spot from its Middle East-based rival Emirates, which landed at No. 4, followed by Singapore Airlines in second place and ANA All Nippon Airways in third.

Thai Airways placed as the world’s eleventh best airline, up two spots from 13th in 2016.

Skytrax, a UK-based consultancy that ranks and reviews airlines and airports, conducted a survey between August 2016 and May 2017, garnering 19.87 million eligible entries from 105 countries.

From the largest international airlines to small domestic carriers, the survey covered more than 325 airlines.

Skytrax made its decision after measuring quality standards for 41 Key Performance Indicators through front-line product and service factors in the airport and on-board environments.

Below are the world’s top 20 airlines of 2017:

1. Qatar Airways

2. Singapore Airlines

3. ANA All Nippon Airways

4. Emirates

5. Cathay Pacific

6. EVA Air

7. Lufthansa

8. Etihad Airways

9. Hainan Airlines

10. Garuda Indonesia

11. Thai Airways