In the competitive skies, where airlines vie for the attention and loyalty of passengers, Virgin Australia has once again distinguished itself with its exceptional service. For the seventh year running, the airline’s cabin crew has been recognised as the best in the world, a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence in customer service.
The prestigious accolade was awarded as part of the AirlineRatings.com 2025 Airline Excellence Awards, where 380 airlines from around the globe compete for top honours. The criteria for these awards are comprehensive, assessing safety, value, passenger comfort, and innovation—factors that are increasingly important to today’s discerning travellers.
Virgin Australia Group chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka attributes the airline’s success to the ‘unique Virgin flair’, a blend of professionalism and personality that resonates with passengers. ‘We know our people are exceptional and deliver wonderful service each and every day, so awards like these are fitting recognition by our guests,’ Hrdlicka said, highlighting the importance of the human touch in the travel experience.
To stay ahead of the curve, Virgin Australia has not rested on its laurels. The airline has invested in new aircraft, upgraded cabin interiors, and introduced passenger must-haves such as in-seat power and Wi-Fi connectivity. These enhancements ensure that travellers enjoy not only top-notch service but also the comforts and conveniences that modern air travel can offer.
The airline’s commitment to quality extends beyond its mainline operations. Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, based in Western Australia, was crowned the world’s best regional airline for the second consecutive year. This double win underscores the airline’s dedication to providing superior service across all its routes, whether short-haul or long-haul.
While Virgin Australia soared in the cabin crew category, Korean Air clinched the title of Airline of the Year for 2025, with its commitment to passenger comfort earning high praise. The South Korean flag carrier was lauded for maintaining spacious economy class seating, bucking the trend of cramming more seats into the same space—a move that has become all too common in the industry.
Qantas, another Australian airline, also made its mark, ranking eighth overall and tying for first place for best premium economy with Emirates. Meanwhile, Jetstar, Qantas’ low-cost subsidiary, secured the second spot in the best low-cost airline category, demonstrating the strength of Australian aviation across different market segments.
Air New Zealand, a perennial favourite, took third place in the Airline of the Year category, following Qatar Airways. The recognition of these airlines highlights the competitive nature of the industry and the importance of continual innovation and improvement.
The competition is fierce, and Virgin Australia has once again set the bar high for cabin crew excellence. But what makes an airline truly stand out to you? What factors do you prioritise when choosing an airline—service, comfort, or value? Which airline do you think deserves recognition for going above and beyond for its passengers? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Also read: Rex Airlines’ future is up in the air—will the government step in to save it?
