Cathay Pacific has edged out Singapore Airlines to be named the world's best airline in the annual Skytrax awards.

Qantas slipped from its position as the world's third best, but stayed in the top 10 at number six.

The annual Skytrax awards are among the most highly regarded in the industry, with the results based on surveys of more than 16 million air passengers conducted over eight months.

 

Skytrax chief executive Edward Plaisted praised Cathay for its performance, pointing out that the airline has won the award three times in the last ten years.

"A factor behind the Cathay Pacific win is clearly the consistency of product and service that they provide to their customers," he said. "Not only are Cathay Pacific satisfying their passengers onboard flights, but the ratings they achieved for their airport operations in Hong Kong also played a considerable part in this success".

Malaysia Airlines was awarded for the world's best cabin staff, the sixth time the airline has won the award in the past ten years.

Singapore Airlines won for best first class, Etihad for best business class and Qatar for best economy class.

In the southern hemisphere, Qantas was named best airline Australasia with the best low cost airline Australasia award going to Jetstar. AirAsia won best low-cost airline overall.

Airline of the Year 2009

1. Cathay Pacific

2. Singapore Airlines

3. Asiana Airlines

4. Qatar Airways

5. Emirates

6. Qantas

7. Etihad Airways

8. Air New Zealand

9. Malaysia Airlines

10. Thai Airways

Source: Sydney Morning Herald