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Air New Zealand has been ranked the World’s Best Airline and Best for Inflight Entertainment in the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.
The airline was also ranked second for Business Class, Cabin Crew, Economy Class and Inflight Food. The results were decided by public vote from nominees selected by a panel of subject matter experts and USA TODAY 10BEST editors.
Air New Zealand chief commercial officer Scott Wilkinson says international recognition for the airline also helps 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.
“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.”
Scott says the awards also recognise the care Air New Zealanders bring 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 recognition for inflight food also reflects Air New Zealand’s focus on showcasing the best of New Zealand through its onboard dining experience. The airline continues to build on this offering, most recently introducing new dishes from premium culinary ambassador Josh Emett across its premium cabins, bringing more of New Zealand’s ingredients and flavours to the skies.
The results add to recent international recognition for Air New Zealand. Forbes Travel Guide named the airline’s Economy Skynest Innovation of the Year in its 2026 Verified Air Travel Awards, and Condé Nast Traveller recognised Skynest as one of 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.
Scott says Skynest is 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.”
