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 colours in many different ways. Here are the best airlines of 2021.
Uganda Airlines is the national carrier of Uganda, headquartered in Entebbe. Re-established in 2019, the airline operates regional flights with the aim to expand to international routes. Uganda Airlines focuses on safety and customer service, aiming to contribute to the country's economic development... 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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
Philippine Airlines, also known as PAL, is the flag carrier of the Philippines. Founded in 1941, the airline offers both domestic and international flights. Philippine Airlines focuses on providing quality service and has been recognized for its in-flight hospitality and entertainment. The airline aims... 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.
Bamboo Airways JSC, operating as Bamboo Airways, is a Vietnamese leisure airline owned by the FLC Group. 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!
Azul Airlines is a Brazilian airline offering domestic and international flights. Founded in 2008, Azul focuses on serving underserved markets in Brazil. The airline aims to offer a high-quality service experience, focusing on punctuality and customer satisfaction. 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!
La Compagnie, legally incorporated as DreamJet SAS, is a French boutique airline founded by Frantz Yvelin and based at Orly Airport in Paris. 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.
Southwest Airlines Co., typically referred to as Southwest, is one of the major airlines of the United States and the world's largest low-cost carrier.
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.
American Airlines is a major U.S. airline headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. Founded in 1926, the airline serves an extensive network of domestic and international routes. American Airlines focuses on delivering reliable air travel services, including passenger flights, cargo transportation, and frequent... read more
Korean Air is the largest airline in South Korea, based in Seoul. Founded in 1969, it operates both domestic and international flights. Korean Air is a member of the SkyTeam alliance and focuses on providing high-quality service and a luxurious travel experience.
Emirates is a Dubai-based airline offering international passenger and cargo services. Founded in 1985, Emirates focuses on luxury travel and high-quality customer service. The airline operates one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the world. Emirates aims to be a global leader in aviation,... read more