Cathay Pacific named world’s best economy class airline at Skytrax Awards

Among specific awards, Japan Airlines (JAL) received recognition for Best Economy Class Airline Seat due to its spacious seating on international flights. EVA Air was awarded Best Economy Class Onboard Catering for its meal quality and presentation.

A ranking of the top ten airlines for economy class in 2025 showed that eight were from the Asia-Pacific region. These carriers tend to focus on hospitality and cabin quality through crew attentiveness and food presentation as well as high hardware standards.

Cathay Pacific’s approach includes slimline seats with improved cushioning and adjustable headrests; a seat pitch averaging 32 inches; menus developed with Michelin-starred restaurants; an extensive inflight entertainment library featuring 4K HDR content; personal screens at every seat; WiFi throughout the fleet; and a cabin crew noted for professionalism.

Economy class standards differ by region. Asian airlines such as Cathay Pacific, JAL, ANA, and Singapore Airlines emphasize service culture and comfort with more generous seating and catering reflecting local traditions. North American carriers have made some improvements—Delta has enhanced inflight entertainment and introduced free WiFi—but generally offer less seat space compared to Asian competitors. European legacy carriers provide reliable but unremarkable products except Turkish Airlines, which stands out due to its combination of European and Asian influences.

Looking forward, several trends are shaping economy class: technological upgrades such as next-generation entertainment systems; sustainability initiatives including lighter seats and more efficient catering; and premiumization strategies that segment cabins or improve standard economy offerings.

Cathay Pacific’s recognition reflects both substantial investment in product quality and a commitment to treating economy passengers as valued customers. The award serves as a reminder that competitive service in economy class remains central to airline reputation even as premium cabins expand their presence within fleets.

As airlines adapt to changing expectations around technology, sustainability, and comfort—those who invest in improving their core product will likely see continued success among travelers worldwide.