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
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 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026