Singapore Airlines named world best carrier

Singapore Airlines has been named the world's best carrier for the third time in ten years at the 2008 Skytrax Airline of the Year awards.

Edward Plaisted, chief executive of Skytrax, extended the company's congratulations to the airline for winning an award that was based on more than 15 million interviews.

Singapore Airlines was also named the best business class carrier in a competitive section of the survey.

Mr Plaisted said: "Business class standards continue to be upgraded by airlines across the world and Singapore Airlines managed to retain their title amidst this growing level of competition."

Singapore Airlines beat Cathay Pacific and Qantas to the top award, while Emirates and Etihad Airways also featured in the top ten.

Emirates was named the best provider of inflight entertainment and Qantas took the award for the best first class lounge in recognition of its facilities at Sydney airport.

In the regional sections of the awards, the winners included South African Airways (Africa), Lufthansa (Europe) and LAN Airlines (South America).

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