Air NZ loses best airline title to familiar competitor

Air New Zealand has fallen to fourth place in the Airline Excellence Awards, having again been de-throned from the top spot by a familiar competitor.

While the airline retained the best economy class award, it slipped from the top overall position it held last year.

AirlineRatings.com revealed today it awarded Qatar Airways the title of Airline of the Year for 2024 after an "objective analysis" judged by aviation industry experts.

For the past four years, the Qatari-based carrier has tussled with Air New Zealand for the top prize in the awards — having won out in 2021 and 2022.

AirlineRatings editor Geoffrey Thomas said: "In our objective analysis Qatar Airways came out number one in many key areas although it was a very close scoring for the top ten.

"The passenger reviews however scored Qatar Airways ahead of all airlines and its consistency and high standard of service delivery came through in the feedback."

Air New Zealand was ranked fourth overall behind Qatar Airways, Korean Air and Cathay Pacific. Airlines were judged on criteria including aircraft fleet age, profitability, safety, product ratings and future orders for planes.

In the regional categories, New Zealand's flag carrier maintained its title as the top "Australia/Pacific" airline for long-haul excellence.

Meanwhile, Jetstar won the award for best low-cost carrier in Australia and the Pacific.

Last year, Air New Zealand said it had been "humbled" to win the top spot for 2023. The flag carrier won the Airline of the Year award last year, in 2020 and in 2018.

Last week Air NZ quietly introduced changes to its baggage prices last week, with fees increasing for many travellers.

The new prices — for pre-paid, excess and overweight baggage, as well as domestic pet carriage — came into force on Thursday.

For domestic flights, a pre-paid bag now costs $45 (up from $35) while excess baggage would set you back $60 (up from $45). If your bag was overweight, that used to cost $20 – but now the fee was twice that at $40.

For short haul flights, a pre-paid bag now costs $95 (up from $70), excess baggage now costs $115 (up from $90) and overweight bags now cost $80 (up from $40).

And for long-haul trips, it's $160 (up from $120) for a pre-paid bag, $195 (up from $150) for excess baggage and $120 (up from $60) for an overweight bag.

"Please note, the pre-paid bag fees above are for additional bags purchased at the time of booking on top of a seat and bag fare domestically or a seat+bag fare on short haul services, or after booking and prior to travel," chief customer and sales officer Leanne Geraghty.

More on this topic

Costs increase for Air New Zealand baggage pricing, pet fees

"Like many Kiwis and businesses, we are experiencing a high-cost environment," an airline spokesperson said.

New Zealand

May 28, 2024