I am trying to put together a list of the Greatest Airlines of the World. Such airlines must be living, must have strong fundamentals and must be in sound health. They must also have a history -long or short – that is extraordinary and they must qualify for a place in the aviation history of our times. They must also be dynamic in terms of rediscovering their strengths and must have a very clear vision for the future. I propose that we include the following airlines (not necessarily in any order) in the LIST OF GREATEST AIRLINES OF THE WORLD:
1. KLM (for history, size and reach);
2. Lufthansa (for reliability, fleet and reach);
3. United Airlines ( for sheer size, reach and dynamism);
4. Aeroflot (for history and reach during the Cold War);
5. British Airways (for its capability to reinvent);
6. SAS (for history, predictability and relaibility);
7. Qantas (for history and adaptability);
8. Air France (for being just what it is);
9. Singapore Airlines (for being smartest).
This is my list for the Greatest Airlines of the World. I invite you to please react and suggest which other carriers if any should be included in the list. But please do now allow your nationalism or your love for a particular carrier influence your judgement. Mind it, we are trying to identify the Greatest and not only the best. You are welcome!
Narendra from New Delhi
By: monster500 - 31st March 2002 at 07:18
RE: Greatest Airlines of the World
No bias here
but the airline i work for is by far the best service airline in the air.
Be Good to yourself FLY EMIRATES
By: mongu - 30th March 2002 at 20:51
RE: Greatest Airlines of the World
Let’s leave Delta out of this – “domestic” carriers not allowed surely!!!
I’ve got the feeling Gulf Air are in the SIA/Emirates/Qantas group – v. good but also v.small really.
By: forwardjumpseat - 30th March 2002 at 09:48
RE: Greatest Airlines of the World
I agree with you Mongu, British Airways are the greatest for all of the reasons you mentioned.
By: Benair316P - 28th March 2002 at 17:21
RE: Greatest Airlines of the World
I would certainly agree with the initial list. BA KLM and Qantas being emphesised.
I would also considor gulf air, perhaps not overly huge, but they have a history (recently celebrated 50years). SAA also springs to mind.
Regards
Benair
By: EGNM - 28th March 2002 at 13:05
RE: Greatest Airlines of the World
what about Cathey Pacific – they must be one of the present day masters!
By: Saab 2000 - 28th March 2002 at 08:39
RE: Greatest Airlines of the World
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 28-03-02 AT 08:40 AM (GMT)]Surely Delta must be included?They are not only one of the largest airlines in the US but one of the oldest.It was set up back in 1924 to spray cotton fields in the Mississipi Delta and in 1928 the first passenger services took place.I am not sure about how many airlines have been arouund that long?
By: mongu - 27th March 2002 at 20:16
RE: Greatest Airlines of the World
Delta can’t make the list…
They are just too US-centric
By: mj2292 - 27th March 2002 at 20:14
RE: Greatest Airlines of the World
Not that i like them or anything, but if size is an issue then Delta have to be included in this list.
They are very big, but i am not sure where they come in this list.
I believe that BA have got to be the greatest airline of all, because they are just superb.
Regards
Mik€
By: Dutchy - 27th March 2002 at 10:03
RE: Greatest Airlines of the World
I makes me proud to be a dutchman when the KLM is given such good credits. My vote would probably go to BA and in secound place SIA. Both extreemly good airlines.
regards,
jw
By: monster500 - 27th March 2002 at 03:47
RE: Greatest Airlines of the World
you should try living in Australia you will soon see the hardship of isolation that Asutralia suffers.
I would vote Qantas 1st
for safety and reliablity.
2 KLM only because its older than Qantas
By: mongu - 26th March 2002 at 20:56
RE: Greatest Airlines of the World
In terms of “greatest” as opposed to “best” the winner for me, is British Airways.
1. The other Euro carriers have had too much government help.
2. The US carriers are too US-centric.
3. SIA is fantastic but lacks global reach.
4. Qantas ditto.
5. Aeroflot has traditionally been a very poor airline.
BA has great global connections and First and Biz classes are extremely good. It also flies Concorde!
Sign In
March 26, 2002 at 5:45 pm