Asian airline named world’s best for 2025

By Tamara Hardingham-Gill, Feb 9: How important is extra legroom on a plane? Extremely important, if the results of the AirlineRatings.com annual round-up of the best airlines across the globe are anything to go by.

Korean Air has been named Airline of the Year for 2025, beating out last year’s winner Qatar Airways, in the Australia-based aviation safety and product rating agency’s official list of the top 25 full-service airlines.

The South Korean flag carrier’s commitment to “passenger comfort” was cited as one of the main reasons for its triumph — both Korean Air and Japan Airlines provide the most spacious economy-class seating of any global airline.

Korean Air was commended for maintaining its original seat configuration and prioritizing the needs of economy travellers.

“While many airlines have added a 10th seat per row on 777 aircraft and reduced seat pitch in the economy to 31 to 32 inches (down from the previous 32 to 33 inches), Korean Air has chosen not to follow this trend,” AirlineRatings.com CEO Sharon Petersen said in a statement.

Comfort first

The airline’s recent merger with Asiana Airlines — the largest consolidation in Asian aviation history — was also noted as a contributing factor to its place at the top.

Air New Zealand was third on the “carefully selected” list, while Cathay Pacific came in fourth place on the “carefully selected” list.

The top 25 airlines all meet a list of specific requirements, such as providing a comprehensive full-service experience and having an economy seat pitch of a minimum of 31 inches.

“These awards are not a popularity contest or a people’s choice award,” added Petersen

“As airline experts, we conduct a meticulous assessment of each category to help travellers identify the best airlines for quality, value, and safety.”

Meanwhile, AirAsia topped AirlineRatings.com’s list of the best 20 Low-Cost Airlines for 2025, beating out Jetstar and AirBaltic, which came in second and third place respectively.

This year, the product rating agency added a new category, Best Hybrid Airlines, in a move to celebrate hybrid airlines and their “significant positive impact on the travel industry.”

Jetblue came in at number one, followed by Westjet in second place, and

“These airlines deserve recognition for their excellence in hybrid operations and their innovative offerings,” said Peterson.

AirlineRatings.com’s Top 25 Full Service Airlines for 2025

1. Korean Air

2. Qatar

3. Air New Zealand

4. Cathay Pacific

5. Singapore Airlines

6. Emirates

7. Japan Airlines

8. Qantas

9. Etihad