UK charter carrier named best in world
Thomson Airways has been named World’s Best Leisure Airline by air travellers from more than 160 countries.
Thomson was ranked as the Best in Leisure Carrier at the 2013 World Airline Awards announced at the Paris Air Show.
As the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey in the world, the awards recognise the opinions of thousands of air travellers from around the globe who are asked to rate their experiences with more than 200 airlines.
However, the awards are run by Skytrax, whose airline and airport review site, airlinequality.com was discredited last year by the Advertising Standards Authority which found it was unable to back up several of its claims, including providing proof that reviews on its website were posted by genuine passengers.
The ASA said that Skytrax, which also runs an airline review site airlinequality.com, had not followed the robust procedures it claimed it had in place to check all reviews on the website were genuine.
Skytrax claims its World Airline Awards, which are separate from airlinequality.com, are based on the rating of over 40 key aspects of airline product and service, including everything from check-in, seat comfort and in-flight entertainment to cabin cleanliness, quality of food and the service from cabin crew.
The UK-based business said "the survey is held in high esteem for its clarity of process, and the rigorously rules of independence".
Chris Browne, MD for Thomson Airways, said: "We are so proud to receive this fantastic accolade, given the strength of the competition, but most of all because it is voted for by passengers.
"The World Airline Awards are highly sought-after across the global airline industry and this award is testament to all the hard work of all the team here at Thomson to deliver unique holiday experiences to our customers.
"We are committed to modernising every aspect of the holiday experience and aim to further improve and enhance our service to customers, with the introduction of the brand new Thomson 787 Dreamliner this summer."
Turkish Airlines won the title of Best European Airline for the third year running and was also voted the Best Business Class Catering.
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad was named Best First Class for the fourth consecutive year and also won Best First Class Seat and Best First Class Catering.
Winners of other categories are expected to be announced on the Skytrax website shortly.
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
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