Top 10 Best Airlines of 2021

2020 has been a very difficult year for the aviation and airline industry. Yet, we've still seen airlines blossom and show their true colors in many different ways.

Here are the best airlines of 2021.

The Top Ten

  1. Uganda Airlines

    Uganda Airlines is the national carrier of Uganda, headquartered in Entebbe. Re-established in 2019, the airline operates regional and long-haul international flights from its hub at Entebbe International Airport. The airline emphasizes safety and customer service as part of its mission to support Uganda's... read more

    Uganda Airlines took delivery of its first of two stunning A330-800neos, configured in a three-class layout, to be deployed on routes from Entebbe to London, Dubai, Guangzhou, and Johannesburg. The onboard amenities of their A330-800neos far surpass any other African carrier and possibly offer the best cabin of any A330neo. They have ambitious goals and are pursuing them quickly. Thus, I believe this African boutique carrier deserves #1 on this list.

  2. Starlux Airlines

    STARLUX Airlines is an international airline headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. It was founded in 2018 and commenced operations in January 2020. The airline operates regional and long-haul flights from its hub at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and positions itself as a luxury carrier in Asia.

    STARLUX has only been operating for a year but has already made a name for itself as Asia's new luxury airline! With lie-flat, wide-body-style beds on their A321neos, equipped with IFE in every class for short and medium-range routes, it's clear that this Taiwanese airline aims to be a premium carrier. The airline's plans are massive too, with A350-900s and A350-1000s on order and additional A330-900neos coming to serve long-haul routes, perhaps to the USA. STARLUX truly deserves #2 on this list.

  3. JetBlue Airways

    JetBlue's hybrid approach to service has become popular among passengers. With their low fares yet premium service, possibly superior to American, Delta, and United, along with lie-flat JetBlue Mint beds, JetBlue's creative style of premium service puts them at #3 on the list. The airline recently took delivery of its first A220 and will soon receive its first A321LR, which will be deployed to London Gatwick or Stansted by the end of the year. This aircraft will be configured with a new and even better JetBlue Mint. Exciting times lie ahead for JetBlue!

  4. Vistara Airlines

    Vistara is an Indian full-service airline that not only started flying to Heathrow in 2020 but also took delivery of its first 787-9. With Singapore Airlines-style business class beds, high-speed WiFi, and inflight entertainment, Vistara has grown to become India's best airline. I wish them all the best for 2021!

  5. Aegean Airlines

    Aegean Airlines excels in European regional flights. While they don't offer an on-demand video screen, their spacious and beautiful cabins and top-notch service make them possibly the best airline in Europe. In 2020, the Greek flag carrier took delivery of its first A320neo and A321neo, featuring stunning cabins in all classes. If you want to fly to Greece, fly Aegean!

  6. Philippine Airlines

    Philippine Airlines, also known as PAL, is the flag carrier of the Philippines. Established in 1941, it operates domestic and international flights. The airline is known for its in-flight hospitality and entertainment services.... read more

    Philippine Airlines has grown to become a major premium airline in Asia. Even aboard their narrow-body aircraft, you'll always have ample legroom in their cabins, and their service is up to Emirates' standards. This is evident in their service aboard the A321LR aircraft deployed to Australia before COVID-19.

  7. Bamboo Airways

    Bamboo Airways JSC, operating as Bamboo Airways, is a Vietnamese airline. It was established by the FLC Group and commenced operations in January 2019. The airline follows a hybrid service model and operates domestic and international routes.

    Vietnamese airline Bamboo Airways has a stunning 787-9 cabin and service superior to perhaps all other Vietnamese airlines. Vietnam Airlines may finally have a competitor! Bamboo Airways has ambitious plans to have 30 787-9s in their fleet in five years. Wow!

  8. Azul Brazilian Airlines

    Azul Airlines is a Brazilian airline that operates both domestic and international flights. It was founded in 2008 and has focused on connecting regions of Brazil that previously had limited air service. The airline operates an extensive network serving destinations throughout Brazil and abroad.

    Azul Brazilian Airlines has the same hybrid approach as JetBlue, which has proven exceedingly successful. Azul has a stunning A330-900neo cabin and, for that matter, a stunning cabin across all their aircraft!

  9. La Compagnie

    La Compagnie, legally incorporated as DreamJet SAS, is a French boutique airline founded by Frantz Yvelin and based at Orly Airport in Paris. It operates all-business-class flights connecting Newark with destinations including Paris, Milan, and seasonal service to Nice. The airline launched operations... read more

    La Compagnie is an all-business-class French boutique airline based in Paris Orly that specializes in transatlantic routes to the USA. An all-business-class boutique airline offering lower prices than its competitors is bound to be good, and La Compagnie has proven this.

  10. Southwest Airlines

    Southwest Airlines Co., commonly known as Southwest, is a major airline based in the United States. It operates an extensive domestic network and was the fourth-largest airline in North America by passengers carried as of 2024. Incorporated in 1967, the airline is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    Emirates Airline

    Emirates is a Dubai-based airline that provides international passenger and cargo services. The company was founded in 1985 and is known for emphasizing luxury travel and customer service. Its all-wide-body passenger fleet includes Airbus A350s and A380s as well as Boeing 777s, and the airline is the... read more

  12. ?

    Qantas Airways

    13. The Contenders

  13. Air Côte d'Ivoire

    While I stated that Uganda Airlines is Africa's best airline, I now believe that Air Côte D'Ivoire is Africa's best regional airline. With WiFi and IFE-equipped A320s and A320neos (the A320neos will be delivered soon) and a spacious, luxurious cabin, Air Côte D'Ivoire is leading the way in premium service in the West African airline industry.

  14. United Airlines

    United Airlines, Inc. is a major U.S. airline headquartered at 233 South Wacker Drive in the Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the world's largest airlines and operates an extensive domestic and international route network. United serves more than 300 destinations across six continents... read more

  15. Air Koryo

  16. Spirit Airlines

  17. Delta Air Lines

  18. American Airlines

    American Airlines is a major U.S. airline headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. Founded in 1926, the airline operates an extensive network of domestic and international routes. It provides passenger flights, cargo transportation, and the AAdvantage frequent flyer program.... read more

  19. Korean Air

    Korean Air is the flag carrier and largest airline of South Korea, headquartered in Seoul. The present-day airline began operations in 1969 and operates a comprehensive network of domestic and international flights. The airline is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance and is known for offering high-quality... read more

  20. Air Canada

  21. Jetstar Airways

  22. Austrian Airlines

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