Skytrax

Founded in 1989 by British aviation consultant John Hardman, this London-based consultancy started as Inflight Research Services before evolving into the global benchmark for air travel quality. The organization distinguishes itself by aggregating direct consumer feedback from a massive global survey network rather than relying solely on internal data or expert panels. This "passenger choice" model powers the annual World Airline Awards and World Airport Awards, which have become critical tools for carriers seeking to improve service standards and compete for customer loyalty.

Skytrax generates revenue through B2B services including subscription-based market intelligence reports, customized surveys for airlines and airports, and licensing fees for its star rating systems. Its primary platforms include airlinequality.com for public reviews and skytraxratings.com for official award announcements. While specific annual revenue figures remain undisclosed, the brand's influence is immense, often described as the Oscars of the aviation industry due to the prestige of its rankings.

The 2026 awards cycle highlighted significant shifts in the aviation landscape, with Singapore Changi retaining the title of World's Best Airport for a record-breaking streak. New 5-Star ratings were awarded to Japan Airlines and STARLUX Airlines, while Air India received a 4-Star upgrade following transformation efforts under new management. However, the year also saw Etihad Airways announce its departure from the program in August 2026, citing a strategic decision to no longer participate in the rating system. [edit]