12.3 million passengers vote for world's best airline

JetBlue Airways maintained its excellent service reputation by taking second place for North America as well being named the world's Best Low-cost airline.

British Airways takes the title as Best Airline in Europe, with it's Club World service being named as the world's Best Business Class. PGA Portugalia is the second placed European airline, as well as being named Best Regional Airline Europe - PGA Portugalia being is a very small airline compared to their European rivals. The third place in Europe goes to FINNAIR, who were better ranked by customers for their short haul product in Europe, contrasted to a rather outdated intercontinental product.

Best regional airlines

In one of the closest regional results, Best Airline Middle East goes to Emirates, ahead of Qatar Airways, and a resurgent Gulf Air in third place.

Malaysia Airlines secured the title of Best Intercontinental Economy Class, with Emirates second and Singapore Airlines third. "Whilst thousands of different reasons were given by passengers for their different airline nominations in this category, seat comfort was the most prominent and determined the final leadership of Malaysia Airlines over Emirates" added Miller. "On a long haul flight, customers want to be comfortable/rest/sleep (seat comfort), enjoy a meal (onboard catering), be entertained (inflight entertainment) and be well looked after (cabin staff). Airlines achieving leadership in this category are those that manage to offer the correct balance between these aspects".

South African Airways continues its dominance of the Best Airline Africa award, taking the title in 2005 for the 6th consecutive year, ahead of Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways.

Jet Airways is named Best Airline India / Southern Asia, coinciding with the airline's launch of direct flights between India and the UK - second place in this category going to SriLankan Airlines with Air Sahara in 3rd.

Best Low-Cost Airlines

...continued