Qatar Airways took top spot for its cabin innovations, passenger service, and commitment to continued operations throughout the pandemic LONDON: AirlineRatings, an aviation safety and product rating agency, has named three Gulf long-haul carriers among the world’s 20 best airlines in its 2022 rankings. Qatar Airways took the top spot for the second year in a row, with the UAE’s Etihad Airways and Emirates in third and 16th places, respectively. Air New Zealand took second place. To make the top 20, airlines must have a seven-star safety rating and demonstrate leadership in innovation for passenger comfort. According to AirlineRatings, which ranks more than 200 airlines worldwide, Qatar Airways took the overall top spot this year thanks to its cabin innovations, passenger service and its commitment to continuing to operate throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Flydubai, also based in the UAE, was named by AirlineRatings as one of the top 10 low-cost airlines in the world, in recognition of its good safety record and making a “big difference” in its market. Etihad Airways was named the best environmental airline, in recognition of its leadership in the 787 Greenliner program. The full top 20 list is: Qatar Airways, Air New Zealand, Etihad Airways, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Virgin Australia, EVA Air, Turkish Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Japan Air Lines, JetBlue, Finnair, Emirates, Hawaiian, Air France/KLM, Alaska Airlines, and British Airways.