British airlines crash out of top 30
Not a single British airline is considered to be amongst the best in the world, according to the much-coveted World Airline Awards.
Both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic slipped out of the top 30 this year, with BA taking the biggest tumble from 26th place last year to 40th position.
Virgin Atlantic was the highest ranked of all UK carriers, coming in at number 33, but this was five places below last year’s ranking.
EasyJet slipped from number 38 to 41 while Thomson was nudged down one place from 65 to 66.
The World Airline Awards, often referred to as ‘airline Oscars’, are based on based on passenger satisfaction surveys.
Qatar came top of the table this year, knocking off Emirates which dropped into fourth position. Singapore came second, followed by ANA.
Ryanair improved its ranking, rising from 108 to 76.
British Airline Pilots’ Association BALPA blamed UK carriers’ poor performance in the awards on stiff overseas competition.
It called on politicians to take urgent measures to ensure the UK’s £52 billion aviation industry is able to compete with its rivals globally.
BALPA warned that passengers looking to book flights for 2018 might be put off by uncertainly about restrictions they might face post-Brexit.
"Pilots want reassurance that airlines will be able to continue to connect passengers with EU countries without the need to shift operations outside of the UK," it said.
If the uncertainty continues, it warns that British airlines might seek to set up bases within the EU, and therefore the UK market could lose significant value.
The association is also concerned that Heathrow, currently the aviation hub and busiest airport in Europe, could lose out to Paris or Amsterdam if passengers aren’t reassured.
BALPA general secretary, Brian Strutton added: "Aviation brings £52 billion pounds a year in to the UK economy so we need to make sure it’s a priority for politicians.
"We want to see aviation in the UK thrive, and that means making decisions now so that passengers don’t lose confidence and turn to our European and global competitors."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive