- Consumer aviation website Skytrax releases an annual ranking of the best airlines in the world.
- For 2017, five European carriers made it into the top 20.
Every year, consumer aviation website Skytrax releases its list of the best airlines in the world. Even though airlines from Asia traditionally dominate the Skytrax rankings, European carriers have managed to hold their own amid some tough competition.
In fact, the last non-Asian airline to take home Skytrax's Airline of the Year award was British Airways in 2006.
This year, five European airlines managed to make it into the top 20 with two in the top 10.
The Skytrax rankings are based on the impressions of 19.87 million travelers from 105 different countries. The survey, which covered more than 325 airlines, measured 49 parameters ranging from boarding procedures to seat comfort to the quality of service.
Here's a closer look at the 10 best airlines in Europe.
SEE ALSO: RANKED: The 10 best economy-class airlines in the world
FOLLOW US: on Facebook for more car and transportation content!
10. Virgin Atlantic Airways
Overall rank: 33
Why it's awesome: Virgin Atlantic is the crown jewel of Sir Richard Branson's aviation holdings. However, with a 49% stake in the airline, Delta is actually VA's largest single shareholder. Virgin Group retains only 20% of the airline's shares. But VA's service, product, and ambiance are all Branson. From the purple mood lighting all the way to the stylish crew uniforms.
See additional airline information at Skytrax.
9. Aeroflot Russian Airlines
Overall rank: 30
Why it's awesome: While Aeroflot's image in the west may be that of grizzled pilots wrangling old Soviet machinery through the treacherous Russian winter. In reality, things are very different. These days the new Aeroflot operates a fleet of new Airbus and Boeing jets. For 2017, Skytrax named Aeroflot the Best Airline in Eastern Europe.
See additional airline information at Skytrax.
8. Norwegian
Overall rank: 28
Why it's awesome: Norwegian has been one of the most disruptive forces in commercial aviation over the past 10 years. The Scandinavian airline also helped reintroduce no-frills economy flying to the skies over the North Atlantic. This year, it was named the Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe by Skytrax. Norwegian also took home the prize for the World's Best Low-Cost Long-Haul Airline.
See additional airline information at Skytrax.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider