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Top 10 Richest Airlines In The World!

We all can agree that flying has somewhat become cheaper than it used to be, thanks to, low-cost carriers which dominate aviation markets around the world.

But then there are some airlines which may seem expensive but offer some world class services to its guests.

In fact, a few airlines go as far as offering showers, spas and playing areas to their passengers cause they can afford to.

We did some digging around and found out which are the 10 richest airlines in the world which provide luxurious services like Healthy Meals, Seat Comfort, Spa, Shower, Cabin Staff Service etc.

1.Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is the richest airline service in the world.

Its fleet comprises of one of the most modern aircrafts out there, which provide the best of everything, from comfort to entertainment, as compared to any other airline.

Surprisingly, it hasn’t been in this business for that long but still stands at the number one position of richest airlines in the world.

It’s one of the youngest airlines holding a lot of awards and recognitions from Skytrax and other corporations.

Qatar Airways ensures the comfort, safety of its passengers and provides healthy meals. They do this by providing specially cooked meals made by onboard chefs and provide a luxurious experience with there comfortable seats and inflight facilities.

2.Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airline is the second richest airline in the world after Qatar Airways.

The airline is known to provide spacious and luxurious airplanes so that their guest can travel in peace.

In fact, it is regarded as the best airline in Asia based on the awards it has got and customer reviews. It has won many awards such as “Best Airline In Asia”, “Best airline cabin crew”, “Best first class” and many more.

It has a fleet size of 105 aircraft, which includes the Airbus A380, the largest passenger airplane in the world.

3.Cathay Pacific Airways

Cathay Airlines have been named “Airline Of The Year” on 4 occasions and there is a good reason for that.

Its first class ticket costs $31000 however, it’s completely worth it, due the facilities and luxuries provided to its customers.

The airline is a member of the global airline alliance and has a fleet of 150 airplanes which fly to 200 destinations throughout the world.

In 2017, the airline was awarded with “The Best Premium Economy Class” by Skytrax.

4.Turkish Airlines

It is one of the best airlines in the world in terms of services and amenities provided, be it in the economy class or first class cabin.

Their airplanes have a children’s playroom, library, billiards room, and teleconference rooms. This luxurious airline is very comfortable which provides its passengers with massage beds and showers sections.

The airline has received numerous accolades which include the best airline in south Europe from 2009 to 2016, the best airline in Europe for 5 consecutive times and best business class lounge in 2015.

This airline is valued at more than $3 billion.

5.Emirates

The airline was founded in the year 1985, starting initially with just 2 aircraft, but now it has a vast fleet of about 230 aircraft flying to over 140 sites including 80 countries.

It was considered the richest airline in the world before Qatar Airways took over.

It has received more than 500 international awards, one of which is the “Best Inflight-Entertainment” award, which they have won for the past 12 consecutive years.

It is currently the largest and the best airline in the Middle-East.

6.Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is the national airline of United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The airlines commenced operations in 2003 and currently has a fleet size of 126 airplanes which fly to more than 116 destinations around the world.

It has a workforce of more than 20000 people and operates a 1000 flights per week.

In fact, it has received the Best Airline in the world award in 2016, amongst many accolades.

7.All Nippon Airways(ANA)

The first-class ticket of this airline costs anywhere between $6500 to $7500 due to its extra seat cushioning, comforts and amenities.

The Japanese airline was founded in 1952 and is ranked as the 7th richest airline in the world.

It’s the only Japan-based airline which has been given a 5-star rating for the past 4 consecutive years.

The airline has a fleet of 221 airplanes and has the best cabin crew in the world, which provide quality customer care services.

8.Eva Air

Eva Air is the second largest airline in Taiwan which flies over 60 international destinations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

It is famous for its customer service and cabin crew all around the world.

The airline is one of the eight airlines in the world who have got a 5-star rating. The airline is currently the best when it comes to Business class seats.

9.Garuda Indonesia

The Indonesian airline, which was on the verge of shutting down due to financial issues, is among the top 10 richest airlines in the world.

It is rated as 5 star by Skytrax for the world-class services and facilities it provides to its clients.

The Garuda Indonesia Airline has been the winner of ‘world’s best cabin crew’ as well as ‘world’s best economy class airline’ award.

It is also known as the “Best Regional Airline In The World”, which flies to 40 domestic and 36 international destinations.

10.Qantas

Founded in 1920, Qantas is the 3rd oldest airline in the world which flies to many international destinations and airports.

It is Australia’s best airline and has won many international awards for its world-class facilities and services it provides to its customers.

In fact, the airline was awarded the ‘Best Premium Economy Airline’ and “Airline Excellence Award” in 2015.

The above-mentioned airlines are also the best airlines in the world in terms of cabin crew services based on Skytrax ratings. So before you fly with an airline, it is important to check its Skytrax rating.

There are currently only 8 airlines in the world who have been provided with a 5 star Skytrax rating. Airlines with a 3 or more star rating are known to provide a pleasant flight experience

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SpiceJet Will Soon Offer Free Inflight Wi-Fi!

Low-cost airlines in India aren’t particularly known for their inflight services.

To keep costs low, free snacks don’t exist and in-flight entertainment is no more than a magazine, half of which is full of advertisements

However, all that is soon about to change!

In a bid to grow its popularity, SpiceJet will be the first airline in India to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi when it is cleared by the government.

Normally, airlines charge a fee for providing the service. SpiceJet will not charge passengers for the inflight internet but they will cover their costs by charging advertisers for pop-up ads.

India’s regulatory policy continues to ban inflight internet in the country. Even international flights entering Indian airspace must switch off their systems.

However, in May 2018, Telecom Commission – the highest policy-making body of the Department of Telecommunication, had approved the proposal for allowing internet inside flights. Airlines are expecting all the other necessary approvals to be completed by November.

The wi-fi will be available in SpiceJet’s new Boeing 737 Max, for which they have tied up with “Immarsat”, a mobile satellite service communication provider who will fit the aircraft with Satcom (Satellite Communication) antennas.

SpiceJet’s strategy to offer free inflight wi-fi is in tandem with its strategy to blur the lines between low-cost and full-service airlines. In the past few months, the airline has launched onboard entertainment, has revamped its loyalty programme. It will also retrofit its aircraft with USB charging points.

According to Mr. Ajay Singh, Chief Managing Director of SpiceJet, In India, you cannot define a low-cost airline by the service provided. Airlines like SpiceJet are low-cost carriers because the cost of operations is low.

He went on to say that if they can use those savings from the cost to better customer experience, it will obviously work in their favour.

SpiceJet will join the club of a handful of carriers providing inflight wi-fi for free. Among global carriers, JetBlue, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines provide wi-fi as free.

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Singapore Airlines Successfully Conducts The World’s Longest Flight!

Singapore Airlines has successfully carried out the world’s longest flight!

The airline’s Flight SQ22 departed at approximately 11:35 p.m. yesterday for New York with 150 passengers and 17 crew on board. The flight had a journey time of 19 hours.

This journey was made possible by the aircraft, an Airbus A350-900ULR, which has a twin-engine with a modified system that burns 25 percent less fuel. It can carry up to 161 passengers – 67 in business class and 94 in premium economy.

The flight can take up to 18 hours and 45 minutes but the pilots have reserve fuel in the aircraft to make it capable of flying more than 20 hours non-stop, in case of an emergency.

Two pilots, a special “wellness” menu and more than seven weeks’ worth of film and television entertainment accompanied the passengers on the 16,700-kilometre (10,400-mile) journey to the Big Apple.

The cabin has higher-than-normal ceilings, larger windows and lighting designed to reduce jet lag. This has been done to lessen the stresses that can accompany any passenger after spending almost a day on an airplane.

To promote healthy eating, the airline offered a special menu which included organic dishes.

Singapore Airlines originally flew the route for nine years using the four-engine A340-500 before abandoning it in 2013 because high oil prices made the service unprofitable.

Previously the record for the world’s longest flight was held by Qatar Airways Flight 921 from Auckland to Doha, which takes 17 hours 40 minutes. However, Singapore Airlines has now officially broken that record.

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Top 10 Airports In The World For A Foodie!

Stuck with a long layover at the airport and a hungry tummy?

Figuring out what to eat is often a dreaded task for many air travellers. Between the salty fast food, stress and struggle to find a seat, airport dining isn’t typically known for its desirability.

Thankfully, airports around the world are changing this and adding more world-class restaurants to cater to all types of foodies and weary flyers.

To give you some idea about how far good airport dining has come, here are the top 10 airports in the world to satisfy the foodie in you while you travel

1.Hong Kong International Airport

The third busiest international airport in the world has some amazing food to offer to its guests!

Hong Kong International Airport has won many awards for giving travellers a dining experience that they never forget.

From “Caviar House & Prunier” to “Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao”  the consistently positive dining reviews here speak for themselves.

And if you’re craving for some delicious dumplings/authentic street food and are on a budget, try Tian Xia Dumplings which is located in Terminal 2.

2.Singapore Changi International Airport

The world’s best airport offers a number of authentic and quality dining options to travellers from around the world.

The rows of street food stalls on your way to the boarding gate will surely stop you in your tracks by offering you authentic dishes like fish-head curry, spiced pork-rib soup and mutton noodles.

The best part about this airport is that it offers a variety of different cuisines which are delicious and not very expensive.

Do visit “Imperial Treasure” for some lip-smacking Cantonese food, which is located at the airport’s Terminal 3

3.Seoul-Incheon International Airport

This South Korean airport has a lot to offer to its travellers. Casinos, spas, a premier golf course, museum and of course, authentic food.

The airport has many options for foodies but it is particularly famous for ‘Bon Bibimbap’ which is located at Terminal 1 F.

Bibimbap is a warm Korean dish that mixes rice with mixed vegetables and seafood, beef or chicken which is pretty spicy but soul fulfilling.

A comforting bowl of bibimbap is the best way to prep for a long-haul international flight.

4.Tokyo Narita International Airport

Even though Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport is one of the more famous airports from Japan, Narita International Airport is known for its fantastic selection of Japanese food all around the world.

Yakitori, sushi, udon, tonkatsu, you name it! The high-quality dining experience at Narita makes it one of the best airports in the world for authentic food.

And the best part, it suit’s every travellers budget!

5.Taoyuan International Airport

This Taiwanese airport lacks in choice when it comes to food but, more than makes up for it with food quality and price.

Even if you’re here in transit, you’ll get to try a number of local Taiwanese dishes that are quick and delicious such as bubble tea and handmade noodles.

You should surely visit the “Chun Shui Tang” café which is famous for its Chinese and Taiwanese food.

6.Munich Airport

Like the country itself, Munich Airport is very famous for its in-house breweries and authentic Bavarian delicacies.

The only shortcoming for a foodie travelling through this airport is that restaurants offer food almost 40 % above the average rate. But if you have no budget restrictions then there shouldn’t be a problem.

Plus passengers are spoilt for choice for restaurants which offer high-quality food.

Visit  “Airbräu”, a Bavarian restaurant that has a large indoor beer garden, live music, and its own on-site brewery. Enjoy a glass of their house-made beer alongside a selection of tasty Bavarian treats.

7.Hamad-Doha International Airport

Apart from an amazing shopping experience, Hamad Airport in Doha has a lot to offer when it comes to food.

You can find both gourmet and on-the-go bites at the airport.

Its food court has everything from Indian and Arabic cuisine, pasta/pizza to organic sandwiches on display for passengers to eat.

If you’re looking to indulge in some hearty Italian dishes visit celebrity chef, Massimo Capra’s restaurant, “Soprafino”.

8.Vienna International Airport

The city of Vienna is famous for its coffee houses and its airport is the perfect representation of this.

The airport has different cafes and restaurants that offer a wide selection of delicious tortes, cakes, strudels along with some coffee at an affordable rate.

These hand-made delicacies are the perfect pre-flight snack for those with a sweet tooth.

9.London Heathrow Airport

More than 75 million hungry travellers have passed through Heathrow’s gates, making it the second-most travelled international airport.

Its one of the most top rated airport in terms of food quality, thanks to restaurants owned by celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsey’s “Plane Food”.

“Wagamama” is also another crowd attractor which offers Asian comfort food like gyoza, soba, udon and ramen.

The only drawback of this airport is that even though the quality of food is top-notch at its restaurants, it is pretty expensive.

10.Amsterdam -Schiphol Airport

Schipol Airport has a bit of everything, from fine dining to more budgeted options, for different travellers.

Price and choice wise, food at the airport is very traveller friendly, however, when it comes to quality it’s not as good as London Heathrow or Singapore Changi.

Schiphol has “Bubbles Seafood & Wine Bar”, the best airport bar in the world. It offers a wide selection of bubbly Champagne, plus dozens of other wines along with tasty and fresh seafood.

Want to Grab A Bite Before Your Flight? Simply download the AirWhizz App and get information about airport eateries & lounges along with real-time updates for your flight on the move. Fly Stress-Free!

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GoAir Has Officially Become An International Airline!

Low-Cost carrier GoAir has become the 6th domestic airline to fly international skies with the launch of its inaugural flight from New Delhi to Phuket.

The inaugural flight (G8 031), with 182 passengers on board, was given a ceremonial flag off for Phuket in Thailand at 1 a.m. on Thursday from Indira Gandhi International Airport.

GoAir’s first international service took place on an Airbus A320 Neo aircraft. The airline will provide direct flights, two times a week between New Delhi – Phuket and three times a week between Mumbai – Phuket.

According to the CEO of GoAir, Mr. Cornelis Vrieswijk, The launch of their first service to Phuket represents another step of transition from a domestic carrier to a global airline for GoAir.

He went on to say that Phuket is a key market in India and holds a significant base for business and tourism and they are delighted to include Phuket in GoAir’s new global network.

Besides the national carrier Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express, private carriers Jet Airways, IndiGo and SpiceJet also fly internationally.

GoAir became eligible to fly overseas two years ago when it took delivery of its 20th aircraft, which was also the first Airbus A320 Neo for the airline.

The airline currently operates over 1,544 weekly flights across 23 domestic destinations with a fleet of 38 Airbus A320 planes, including 19 A320 Neos.

GoAir, which launched its domestic operations in November 2005, was granted rights in August 2016 to operate to nine countries, including China, Vietnam, Maldives, Kazakhstan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, among others.

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Hyderabad Airport Gets A Brand New International Terminal!

Hyderabad Airport is all set to handle the demands of its increasing passenger traffic!

In a move to decongest the airport, a new international terminal will be opened on 23rd October 2018. Spread over an area of 1 lakh square feet, the temporary terminal will exclusively cater to international passengers.

Due to the ongoing expansion work at Hyderabad Airport, which will take about three years to be completed, this interim terminal will be operational.

According to the  CEO of Hyderabad International Airport Limited, Mr. S.G.K Kishore, this arrangement has been done keeping the growth of passenger traffic in mind. It has spiked from 10 million in 2015 to  20 million passengers in 2018.

He expects that this traffic will further increase to 40 million in the next three years. This interim terminal will reduce inconvenience to passengers due to increase in volume.

Here are a few interesting facts about the new international terminal:

  • With a total budget of Rs 50 crore, the interim facility was built within just six months.
  • It has 40 check-in counters, 30 immigration points and an exclusive checkpoint for business class passengers.
  • It will also have India’s first remote hand baggage screening facility
  • The terminal is also unique in a way that it uses Pre Engineering Building Technology, which means it can be dismantled and taken elsewhere.
  • A total of 22 airlines will operate from the terminal
  • The terminal will have 32 international flights daily which will connect the city to 29 different global destinations.

The new terminal which is adjoining the existing airport was built in place of the Aerobridge that was present there.

Mr. Kishore has also said that once the main airport’s expansion is over, this terminal will be used as a Haj Terminal, a VIP terminal or may be dismantled altogether.

The exclusive interim international departure terminal facility is located close to the Haj Terminal facility and is adjacent to the international section of the main passenger terminal building.

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Delhi Airport Plans To Become Plastic Free By 2019!

Single-use plastic items, like straws and containers, may soon become a thing of the past at Delhi airport.

Delhi International Airport Limited(DIAL) has decided to make India’s busiest airport plastic free by the end of 2019

DIAL, which operates the Indira Gandhi International Airport has said that it has they have taken steps to eliminate the possible use of single-use plastic. This includes creating awareness, enhancing waste management systems and promoting the use of eco-friendly sustainable alternatives

They have also said that they are collectively working with all the stakeholders to put a ban on single-use plastic at the airport.

Single-use plastic, also called disposable plastics, including grocery bags, food packaging, bottles, straws, containers, cups and cutlery.

In place of plastic, DIAL is planning to use smart and bio-friendly packaging for food takeaways & beverages as well as paper or environmentally friendly bags for retail shopping.

Among other efforts, DIAL will also look to minimise generation of wastes by way of recycling opportunities and enhance segregation and collection of waste at sources.

A few months back, due to ban of plastic in Maharashtra, airports across the state stopped using single-use plastic, which has benefitted both the environment and the airport operators.

Plastic and garbage dumped around the airport is the major cause for attracting animals and birds. There have recently been a lot of complaints at many Airport about the growing number of stray dogs in the airport vicinity.

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Bengaluru Airport To Put An End To Long Security Queues!

Passengers flying from Bengaluru Airport will no longer need to wait in long security queues!

Bengaluru International Airport Ltd (BIAL), which operates the Kempegowda International Airport, will soon introduce Smart Security Line with Automated Tray Retrieval System (ATRS).

BIAL has signed an agreement with a UK based technology developer, L3 Macdonald Humfrey (Automation) India Pvt. Ltd. to develop and implement this tech.

ATRS will reduce the waiting time for passengers at the security checkpoint and significantly improve passenger experience and efficiency.

The new system will accelerate the process of passenger and carry-on luggage screening, which is faster than the regular methods, while reducing waiting time and congestion at the same time.

Once fully operational, the passenger screening capacity will significantly increase by over 50%.

Here’s how it works:

  • The smart lanes with ATRS will automatically return empty trays to the preparation area for passengers to place their bags and belongings, ending the hassle of looking for trays and also prevent empty trays from piling up.
  • Automated rollers will enable the trays to automatically move into the screening machine, without the need for passengers or staff to push their trays/ bags into the X-Ray machines.

According to Mr Javed Malik, COO of BIAL, with the new system, security personnel can now process more passengers in a secure and controlled environment, improve overall operational efficiency and enhance safety and security. Passengers will benefit from a quicker passage through security checkpoints

The installation of this system will begin from December 2018 at both domestic and international terminals. Replacement of existing manual lanes will be undertaken in a phased manner to ensure minimal disruption to Airport operations.

The project is expected to be fully implemented by March 2019.

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