Hobbits might not need the extra legroom , but they know a good airline when they see one . Air New Zealand , the carrier that has regularly pressed the diminutive denizens of Middle Earth into service in its advertising campaigns , has been named the world 's best airline . Australia-based safety assessment website AirlineRatings.com says the airline came top of its 2015 `` airline excellence '' chart because of its reputation as a `` trendsetter . '' It also led the website 's top 10 airlines for 2015 . This is the second year in a row the airline has scooped the Airline of the Year prize . AirlineRatings said Air New Zealand had been honored for `` its award winning in-flight innovations , record financial performance , operational safety and motivation of its staff . '' The 75-year-old airline was also praised for its `` commitment to a young , technologically-advanced fleet and its continual focus on the environment . '' It was also presented with AirlineRatings ' Best Premium Economy Class award . `` Quite simply Air New Zealand is an airline of first choice . And given the airline 's location and the country 's size its performance is even more remarkable , '' Geoffrey Thomas , the agency 's chief editor , said . Outstanding efforts . Air New Zealand 's chief executive officer , Christopher Luxon , said the award recognized the `` outstanding efforts '' of his airline 's 11,000 staff . Multiple prizes were also doled out for down-under flyer Qantas -- honored for Best Domestic Service , Best Catering and Best Lounges , with a special commendation for its safety record . Etihad Airways scooped Best First Class , Cathay Pacific took the Best Business Class prize , Thai Airways got Best Economy Class , while Best In-Flight Entertainment went to Emirates . Virgin Australia won the Best Cabin Crew prize for its outstanding staff . Prizes in the `` low cost airline sector '' were given to U.S. carrier JetBlue , Norwegian in Europe and Kulula.com and Scoot in Asia . Lan Chile , Etihad and EVA Air were named for excellence in long haul travel . As yet , there are no awards for airlines flying to Middle Earth . AirlineRatings.com 's top 10 airlines for 2015 . 1 . Air New Zealand ; . 2 . Etihad . 3 . Cathay Pacific . 4 . Qantas . 5 . Emirates . 6 . Singapore Airlines . 7 . EVA Air . 8 . Lufthansa . 9 . All Nippon Airways . 10 . British Airways .
Best Domestic Service named Qantas the world 's best airline for its in-flight innovations . Best First Class award goes to Lan Chile , which has a luxury changing room . Qantas was honored for AirlineRating.com , Qantas .