Cathay Pacific Climbs to Third in World’s Best Airlines at 2025 World Airline Awards

Cathay Pacific Airways has soared to third place in the 2025 World Airline Awards, announced today at the Paris Air Show’s gala at the Air and Space Museum. The Hong Kong-based carrier’s impressive climb from fifth place in 2024, highlighted by its win for World’s Best Inflight Entertainment, marks a significant milestone in its pursuit of global aviation excellence.

A Notable Leap Forward

The awards ceremony, hosted by Skytrax in the iconic Hall of Eight Columns at Le Bourget airport, saw 500 airline leaders celebrate Cathay Pacific’s progress. The airline’s green ranking on the 2025 top 10 list reflects a two-spot improvement from 2024, outpacing competitors like Emirates and ANA All Nippon Airways, which slipped from third and fourth respectively.

Ronald Lam, Cathay Pacific’s Chief Executive Officer, shared his excitement, saying, “Climbing to third place and winning World’s Best Inflight Entertainment is a proud moment for our team. This achievement reflects our relentless focus on enhancing passenger experiences through innovative entertainment and exceptional service. We’re grateful to our passengers for their continued support.”

Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, commended the rise, stating, “Cathay Pacific’s jump to third place showcases their dedication to quality. Their leadership in inflight entertainment, paired with a strong overall performance, resonates with travelers worldwide.”

Inflight Entertainment Takes Center Stage

Cathay Pacific’s inflight entertainment system, featuring a vast selection of movies, music, and interactive options, earned top honors, surpassing Emirates (2nd) and Qatar Airways (3rd). A Cathay Pacific crew member noted, “Our passengers love the variety and quality of our entertainment offerings. This award motivates us to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible onboard.”

2025 Top 10 Rankings Overview

The 2025 rankings, based on a global customer survey from September 2024 to May 2025, highlight shifts among top airlines:

• 1. Qatar Airways (1 in 2024 → 1, unchanged)

• 2. Singapore Airlines (2 in 2024 → 2, unchanged)

• 3. Cathay Pacific Airways (5 in 2024 → 3, +2)

• 4. Emirates (3 in 2024 → 4, -1)

• 5. ANA All Nippon Airways (4 in 2024 → 5, -1)

• 6. Turkish Airlines (7 in 2024 → 6, +1)

• 7. Korean Air (11 in 2024 → 7, +4)

• 8. Air France (9 in 2024 → 8, +1)

• 9. Japan Airlines (6 in 2024 → 9, -3)

• 10. Hainan Airlines (12 in 2024 → 10, +2)

Skytrax: A Global Standard

The World Airline Awards, launched in 1999, remain fully independent, with Skytrax covering all survey and event costs. Airlines pay no fees, ensuring impartial results. The 2025 survey, offered in seven languages, screened entries for authenticity, delivering a true reflection of traveler preferences.

Plaisted noted, “Cathay Pacific’s strong performance across multiple categories highlights their ability to consistently meet passenger expectations. Their focus on inflight entertainment and cabin service sets a benchmark for the industry.”

Cathay Pacific’s Vision Forward

Cathay Pacific’s third-place ranking and inflight entertainment win signal its growing influence in global aviation. As Lam stated, “This recognition fuels our drive to innovate and deliver exceptional experiences. We’re grateful to our passengers and team for making this possible.” With plans to further enhance its services, Cathay Pacific is poised to remain a leader in 2026.

For the full list of winners, visit worldairlineawards.com.