Also, a rating of most valuable airline brands. AirlineRatings.com has announced its 20 Top Airlines in the World for 2021. Tops is Qatar Airways.
To be named in the top twenty, airlines must achieve a seven-star safety rating and demonstrate leadership in innovation for passenger comfort. The editors of AirlineRatings.com look for a consistent level of service, innovation, and staff engagement from each major contender.
“We are focused on leadership and airlines that innovate to make a real difference to the passenger experience.” Said Geoffrey Thomas, editor-in-chief of AirlineRatings.com, adding, “in our evaluation, we also consider the audited feedback from passengers on our website.”
Qatar Airways was ranked number 1 because of its cabin innovation, passenger service, and its dedication and commitment to continue to operate throughout the COVID pandemic.
Also, the airline has a host of industry firsts: First to complete the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) important Operational Safety Audit, first to be fully COVID audited and compliant by both AirlineRatings.com and Skytrax, and among the first to trial IATA’s COVID Safe Travel Pass.
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U.S. Carriers Still Top Global Brands: The total value of the world’s top 50 most valuable airline brands has declined by a third, decreasing from $108.6 billion in 2020 to $72.9 billion in 2021.
“The airline sector is one of the most severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with international travel at a near complete standstill since the beginning of 2020,” said Brand Finance Airlines. “With airlines forced to ground a significant amount of their fleets and cut flights down to worryingly low numbers, brands are grappling with depleting cash reserves and a dependence on government or state support.}
Yet, even though the world’s top airline brands lost a third of their value since the last annual report of Brand Finance Airlines, U.S. carriers are emerging from the Covid-19 crisis with their brand value ranking intact. Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines retained the top three spots in the 2021 ranking. Their brand value slumped 30 to 40 percent, but they still continued to dominate the ranking. The following graphic gives one a closer look of Brand Finance Airlines’ Top 10 global airline brands.
“As predicted, airline brands have had a turbulent ride since the outbreak of the pandemic, with brand values plummeting across the board. With recovery closely tied to vaccination rates, we will likely witness short-haul flights and airline carriers rebound quicker compared to long-haul,” said Savio D’Souz0a Valuation Director, Brand Finance Airlines, adding, “airlines that successfully manage to fly through the economic storm of the pandemic and protect their brands, are likely to be more resilient and perform better as we return to normality.” For a copy of the Brand Finance Top 50 brands, click here.
