kabarsula Air New Zealand named world’s best airline in USA TODAY 10Best awards bandar SLOT INDONESIA

Air New Zealand has been named World’s Best Airline and Best for Inflight Entertainment in the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.

The carrier also placed second in the Business Class, Cabin Crew, Economy Class and Inflight Food categories. Winners were decided by public vote from nominees selected by a panel of subject matter experts and USA TODAY 10BEST editors.

Chief commercial officer Scott Wilkinson said international recognition for the airline also helped put New Zealand in the spotlight.

“When Air New Zealand is recognised internationally, New Zealand is recognised too. We compete for travellers’ attention alongside much larger airlines, so awards like these help more people notice us and the country we connect them to,” he said.

“International tourism is critical to our strategy and our role to connect New Zealand with the world and help visitors get here. The more people who consider New Zealand, the more opportunity there is for tourism to support businesses and communities around the country.”

Wilkinson said the awards also recognised the care staff brought to every journey.

“Our crew go above and beyond to make our customers feel welcome and well looked after. It’s great to see their work recognised by travellers around the world.”

The result for inflight food reflects the airline’s focus on showcasing New Zealand through its onboard dining. It recently introduced new dishes from premium culinary ambassador Josh Emett across its premium cabins, featuring more local ingredients and flavours.

Other wins

The wins add to a run of recent international recognition. Forbes Travel Guide named the airline’s Economy Skynest Innovation of the Year in its 2026 Verified Air Travel Awards, and Condé Nast Traveller listed Skynest among its Bright Ideas in Travel for 2026. The World Travel Awards also named Air New Zealand Oceania’s Leading Airline 2026 and Oceania’s Leading Airline Brand 2026.

Wilkinson said Skynest was an example of New Zealand innovation being recognised on the world stage.

“Skynest is a world-first idea designed around a simple customer need: a better way for Economy travellers to rest on long-haul flights. It shows how we can bring fresh thinking to the travel experience, and it’s encouraging to see that recognised internationally.”