AirlineRatings.com, the world’s only safety and product rating website, has announced Korean Air as its Airline of the Year for 2025.
The World’s Best Airline Awards are determined based on feedback from travelers, expert editor reviews, overall product choice and consistency for passengers, innovation, and forward fleet orders. Safety is a key consideration, with only seven-star safety-rated airlines eligible, and financial stability is also factored in—airlines undergoing restructuring, mergers, or bankruptcy are not considered.
AirlineRatings.com CEO Sharon Petersen stated, “These awards are not a popularity contest or a people’s choice award. As airline experts, we conduct a meticulous assessment of each category to help travelers identify the best airlines for quality, value, and safety. “
On Korean Air being this year’s winner, Petersen said:
“In reviewing this year’s awards, we placed particular emphasis on Economy Class as it is where most passengers travel. While many airlines have added a 10th seat per row on 777 aircraft and reduced seat pitch in economy to 31–32 inches (down from the previous 32–33 inches), Korean Air has chosen not to follow this trend. They have maintained their original seat configuration and a generous 33-34 inch seat pitch offering passengers a more comfortable experience. ”
Korean Air has won AirlineRatings Airline of the Year award for 2025. Along with Japan Airlines, Korean Air provides the most spacious economy class seating of any airline in the world with a seat pitch of 33–34 inches on all wide-body aircraft. On narrow-body 737 aircraft, Korean Air offers a 32–34-
inch seat pitch which is rare in today’s industry. Passengers on medium- to-
long-haul flights are also treated to thoughtful touches such as slippers,
larger meal portions compared to most other airlines and an improved selection
of in-flight entertainment over recent years.
Petersen continued: “While the airline’s Business and First Class products are
highly regarded for their exceptional meals efficient service and comfort it
was Korean Air’s outstanding Economy Class offering that truly secured their
win We consistently receive feedback about lack of space in Economy Class so
it was only fitting to make this major factor in selecting this year’s award
winner ”
AirlineRatings’ recognition extends beyond passenger experience to business
strength and future readiness The judges noted carrier’s groundbreaking merger
with Asiana Airlines – largest consolidation in Asian aviation history – as
factor decision
With competitive average fleet age of ten point seven yearsKorean demonstrated strong commitment operating modern fuel-efficient aircraftThis reinforced by significant commitments including orders fifty Boeing Widebodies(777X &787s) thirty-three Airbus A350s twenty-six Airbus A321neos These investments viewed clear indicators long-term commitment maintaining competitive product offering
In choosing Korean as Airline Year twenty-twenty-fiveAirlineRatings highlights unwavering commitment exceptional passenger experiences through comfort service innovation further example launch Premium Economy Product As other carriers continue prioritize capacity over passenger experience demonstrates how balance efficiency exceptional experience strong business fundamentals
