Photo by Al Reile Dela Torre on Unsplash.
Cathay Pacific has secured a series of major wins at the AirlineRatings World’s Best Airlines for 2026 awards, getting praise and recognition for its continued focus on delivering high-quality customer experiences across its full-service, cargo and low-cost operations.
The Hong Kong-based carrier was ranked second in the World’s Best Full-Service Airlines category, while also taking top honours for World’s Best Business Class thanks to its Aria Suite cabins.
In addition, Cathay’s premium ground experience was recognised with the award for World’s Best Airline-Branded Lounges.
Recognition Across the Group
The accolades extend beyond passenger services. Cathay Cargo was named World’s Best Airline-Branded Cargo Operations, highlighting the strength of its logistics offering, while HK Express was awarded World’s Best Low-Cost Carrier.
Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said the awards recognise the dedication of teams across the business and reinforce the company’s long-term ambitions.
He noted that the recognition serves as motivation to continue innovating and improving the travel experience, while thanking customers for their ongoing support as the group marks its 80th anniversary.
Continued Investment in Customer Experience
Looking ahead, Cathay is continuing to invest heavily in its future, with more than HK$100 billion committed across fleet upgrades, inflight products, ground services, and digital innovation.
This investment is also aimed at strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a leading global aviation hub, as the airline group focuses on enhancing connectivity and service standards.
Building on Previous Success
The latest AirlineRatings recognition adds to a growing list of industry accolades for the Cathay Group.
Cathay Pacific was recently ranked among the world’s top three airlines by Skytrax, with its Economy class and inflight entertainment also receiving top global honours last year.
In 2025, Cathay Cargo was named the world’s best cargo operator by Air Transport World, while HK Express was recognised among the top three most improved airlines globally by Skytrax.
Top 10 Airlines on The List
At the top of the list this year is Qatar Airways, recognised for its consistently high standards across all classes, followed closely by Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines, both long known for exceptional cabin service and premium offerings.
Korean Air and Emirates continue this trend, combining strong global networks with high-quality onboard experiences, while Air France and Japan Airlines highlight the strength of European and Japanese hospitality in aviation.
Rounding out the top ten are Qantas, Air New Zealand, and Etihad Airways, each praised for reliability, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
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