The UAE-based Emirates was named “World’s Best Airline 2013” at the Skytrax Awards in Paris yesterday, denying Qatar Airways a third consecutive win of the coveted title.

Qatar’s national carrier was named runner-up instead – with Singapore Airlines coming in third, and Japan’s All Nippon in fourth.

Skytrax polls around 18 million passengers annually about their experiences on over 200 airlines around the world.

Best Business Class

Qatar Airways did, however, take home three awards: “World’s Best Business Class,” “World’s Best Business Class Lounge,” (for the premium terminal in Doha) and, for the second consecutive year, “Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East.”

Competition is hotting up in the region, however, with Emirates also winning “Best Middle East Airline” and “World’s Best In-flight Entertainment.”

Abu Dhabi based Etihad, meanwhile, won “Best First Class” for the fourth consecutive year, as well as “Best First Class Seats” and “Best First Class Catering.”

Qatar Airways declined to comment on the loss of the top accolade, choosing instead to focus on the awards it won for its customer service:

“These awards are highly rewarding as they are judiciously voted by passengers – a true account of the overall experience felt by customers who have travelled with the airline” Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said.

“A notable highlight is that these accolades reflect every touch point for our premium and economy class passengers through our ground service and in-flight experience.”

Thoughts? 

Credit: Photo courtesy of Qatar Airways