Skytrax has been presenting its coveted awards since 1999. The winners are chosen by the public. This year, 14 million airline passengers from over 100 nations submitted their ballots for a variety of categories, with the top honor being "World's Best Airline". After two years of virtual events, the 2022 Skytrax Awards took place at The Langham in London. These 10 rank as the best airlines in the world.

10. Swiss International Airlines

Swiss International Airlines opens the Top 10. A ranking to be proud of. © Swiss International Airlines

Smooth like a fine Swiss watch – and with a friendly cabin staff to boot. In addition, the airline flies to more than 100 destinations in around 50 countries worldwide, which are served by the hubs in Zurich and Geneva. Swiss Air is also the only member of the Lufthansa Group to make it into the top 10 of the "Best Airline" category. And the only German-language one in the top 20.

9. Korean Air

From South Korea to the world: Korean Air takes the 9th spot. © Shutterstock

South Korea's national airline has its base at Incheon Airport, from where they operate a route network to over 125 cities around the world. Korean Air's fleet includes about 170 aircraft. Voters were especially convinced by the crew's friendliness and outstanding service.

Recommended reading: The 10 Best Airports in the World

8. Air France

Air France recently introduced a new business class. © Air France

Air France is one of only two Central European airlines in the top 10. The airline operates around 1,500 flights a day in Europe and worldwide. With this ranking, Air France moves up two spots from last year. It also took the award for "Best Airline in Western Europe."

Continue reading: Inside Air France's New Business Class

7. Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines flies to 120 countries and is a member of the Star Alliance. © Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines took home several awards. In addition to the 7th place in the ranking of the best airlines in the world, it was also awarded "Europe's Best Airline" as well as "World's Best Business Class Catering" and "Southern Europe's Best Airline." Classified as a 3-star airline, it flies to 200 destinations worldwide.

6. Japan Airlines

Hospitality is writ large at Japan Airlines. © Shutterstock

In total, Japan Airlines flies to 95 destinations in 20 countries. The airline maintains major airports in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Okinawa. Japan Airlines is especially known for its "omotenashi," traditional Japanese hospitality.

5. Qantas Airways

Australia's most popular and best-known airline opens the top 5. © Qantas

The 4-star airline secured fifth place in the global ranking. In the national ranking of Australia and Oceania's best airlines, Qantas made it to first place, followed by Air New Zealand. Qantas has been flying since 1920 and is a member of the Oneworld Alliance.

4. ANA - All Nippon Airways

98 airports are served by the popular Japanese airline. © ANA

With ANA, a second Japanese airline enters the top ten in Skytrax's 2022 ranking. Japan's largest airline is a member of the Star Alliance and operates a fleet of nearly 270 aircraft. These are known for their numerous advertising and special liveries.

3. Emirates

Emirates is revered for its spacious economy class seats and in-flight entertainment program all over the world. © Emirates

Emirates won a total of three prestigious awards, among them "World's Best Inflight Entertainment" for its ICE (Information, Communication, Entertainment) media system, for the 17th time in a row. The airline also took home gold in the "World's Best Economy Class" and "World's Best Economy Class Catering" categories. Globally, the Dubai-based airline was ranked third.

2. Singapore Airlines

The best Asian airline held its own in a total of nine categories. © Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines took home silver for the third time in a row. The airline particularly shines for its cabin staff – and it didn't go unnoticed. In addition to the global runner-up spot, the airline also received the "World's Best Cabin Staff" award for its crew as well as "World's Best First Class" and "Best Airline in Asia." In total, it was awarded with nine statuettes.

1. Qatar Airways

Already legendary: the QSuites in Business Class. © Qatar Airways

For a record seventh time, travelers agree Qatar Airways is the best airline in the world. "To receive this top award for the seventh time is both a unique and remarkable achievement," said Edward Plaisted of Skytrax. Qatar's national carrier, based in Doha, has 233 aircraft that are just 7.4 years old on average. In total, it flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide. In addition to winning the top award, the airline also won eight other prizes. One of these was once again "World's Best Airport" for Hamad International Airport.

Related: Are Qatar Airways' QSuites Worth the Hype?