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A recent ranking has spotlighted the top ten airlines worldwide, with a particularly notable mention for a small airline making its debut on the list. Additionally, a boutique carrier from Texas has achieved recognition in a separate U.S. ranking.
The prestigious APEX “World Class” award, presented annually by the Airline Passenger Experience Association, honors just ten airlines globally that exemplify superior service, safety, and passenger satisfaction.
This year, Fiji Airways, the national carrier of Fiji, achieved a remarkable milestone by entering the top ten list for the first time, thereby becoming the smallest airline by fleet size to receive the APEX accolade and the first in Oceania to be recognized.
Andre Viljoen, the managing director and CEO of Fiji Airways, expressed pride in this recognition. He stated that being named among the world’s best airlines, announced on September 11, represents a significant achievement for both the airline and the nation of Fiji.
“In 2016, we were ranked outside the world’s Top 100 airlines,” Viljoen noted. “Today, through sheer determination, relentless innovation, and the resilient spirit of our team, we have risen to be named one of the Top 10 Airlines in the world.”
Viljoen underlined the importance of this honor, emphasizing it as a testament to the possibilities within the aviation industry. “This recognition is not just an award, it’s about showing every Fijian and every member of our team that we can achieve the impossible,” he added.
Fiji Airways has invested heavily in enhancing its in-flight experience. The airline revamped its services by upgrading equipment, establishing new supply chains, collaborating with local businesses, and introducing premium products.
The culinary offerings have also been revamped, showcasing Pacific Rim-inspired cuisine. Furthermore, the airline retrained hundreds of cabin crew members and established a team of “World Class Trainers” to ensure that service standards align with global benchmarks.
Founded in 1951 and originally named Air Pacific until its rebranding in 2012, Fiji Airways currently operates flights to various American cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, and Honolulu.
This year’s APEX “World Class” list also includes esteemed airlines such as All Nippon Airways, Emirates, Japan Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines.
Japan Airlines notably received recognition for its commitment to safety and passenger well-being, while Saudia earned accolades for service quality and guest experience. Turkish Airlines was honored for excellence in sustainability and food and beverage execution.
Joe Leader, the CEO of APEX, highlighted that achieving such high standards reflects a dedication to exceptional service and customer satisfaction. He remarked that these achievements resonate with the modern traveler’s expectations.
“This distinction marks a significant stride toward a future where every flight should be benchmarked against a higher standard of world-class quality,” Leader stated.
Each airline on the APEX list undergoes rigorous evaluations through professional audits, year-long customer feedback, and assessments by industry peers.
Francis Hellyer, the co-founder and CEO of Tickadoo, an AI-driven service that helps people discover experiences, commented on the evolving dynamics of the airline industry. He noted that smaller and regional carriers are increasingly challenging larger airlines by focusing on niche excellence.
“The trend to watch is boutique excellence,” Hellyer stated. He emphasized how airlines like Fiji demonstrate that focusing on service, identity, and consistency allows them to compete effectively with larger carriers.
This trend is not confined to international airlines. In July, Travel + Leisure magazine conducted its 2025 World’s Best Awards survey, highlighting U.S. domestic airlines. Notably, JSX, a Houston-based boutique public charter carrier, topped the list for the second consecutive year.
JSX received praise for its 20-minute check-in process and complimentary Wi-Fi, significantly outperforming its nearest rival by over 12 points in the reader survey.
One Travel + Leisure reader likened flying with JSX to “almost like flying private,” noting the friendly service, streamlined check-in, and boarding assistance provided by the staff.
The ranking honors airlines based on criteria such as timeliness, safety, customer service, and overall amenities. Other airlines that made the top five include Hawaiian Airlines, Breeze Airways, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, marking Delta as the only major carrier from the big four to rank that highly.
Completing the top ten were JetBlue, Southwest, United, American, and Sun Country, representing a mix of legacy airlines and emerging low-cost carriers.
As airlines continue to compete for passenger favor, the recent APEX ranking highlights a shift toward elevated service standards in the industry. Smaller airlines are finding their footing by prioritizing exceptional customer experiences, questioning the status quo, and delivering value that resonates with modern travelers. The future appears bright for both established carriers and innovative newcomers alike as they strive for excellence in the skies.
