Is the highly extolled Singapore Airlines starting to rest on its laurels? We can’t say for sure, but according to this year’s list of the world’s best airlines by Airline Ratings, our national carrier might need to pull up its socks just a little if it’s keen to reclaim its crown. Though often hailed as one of the best airlines in the world – with multiple first-place accolades – Singapore Airlines has scored fifth in 2025’s list, losing out to Korean Air (#1), Qatar Airways (#2), Air New Zealand (#3), and Cathay Pacific (#4).
It also got bumped down a spot to second place in last year’s ranking of the world’s best airlines by Skytrax.
Of course, fifth place globally isn’t bad at all, and Singapore Airlines is still one of the top three full service airlines in Asia. But in a world of shrinking seat space, the airline probably needs to fight harder in order to stay on top of its competitors.
Now, let’s see what won top winner Korean Air its first-place spot; Airline Ratings praises Korean air for having the most spacious economy seats – along with Japan Airlines – with a seat pitch of 33 to 34 inches (wide-body aircraft) or 32 to 34 inches (narrow-body aircraft), which is something hard to come by these days. Those on board medium to long-haul flights also get to enjoy amenities like slippers, a wider selection of in-flight entertainment, and more generous meal portions.
Perhaps Singapore Airlines could learn a thing or two from that.
Still, Singapore Airlines outranks other popular full service airlines like UAE’s Emirates (#6), Japan Airlines (#7), Australia’s Qantas (#8), Taiwan’s EVA Air (#11), and Japan’s ANA (#14).
Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary under Singapore Airlines, also receives recognition as one of the best low cost airlines in the world in 2025, ranking eighth globally. AirAsia scores number one on the list, closely followed by Jetstar (#2) and AirBaltic (#3). Other Asian airlines that make this list include HK Express (#4) from Hong Kong and IndiGo (#15) from India.
25 best full service airlines in 2025, according to Airline Ratings
- Korean Air
- Qatar Airways
- Air New Zealand
- Cathay Pacific
- Singapore Airlines
- Emirates
- Japan Airlines
- Qantas
- Etihad
- Turkish Airlines
- EVA Air
- Fiji Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- ANA (All Nippon Airways
- Aero Mexico
- Air Caraibes
- Thai Airways
- STARLUX Airlines
- Vietnam Airlines
- Sri Lankan Airlines
- Air France
- KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines)
- Air Calin
- Air Mauritius
- Garuda Indonesia
Check out the full report on the world’s best airlines in 2025 by Airline Ratings.
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