Non-profit organization the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA) has revealed the finalists for its annual Avion Awards, which honours excellence in in-flight entertainment (IFE).
"This year, an overwhelming 60,000 passengers rated their IFE experience on 38 airlines that competed for the prestigious Avion Awards for 'best in region' and 'best overall' categories," says the WAEA in a statement.
Passengers completed online surveys administered by Skytrax, a leading researcher to the airline and air transport industry. Skytrax administered the online survey in 11 languages to determine passenger satisfaction.
The five finalists in each category listed alphabetically are:
Best in Region - Americas
- Air Canada
- Delta/Northwest Airlines
- LAN Airlines
- TAM Airlines
- Virgin America
Best in Region - Asia and Australiasia
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Korean Air
- Qantas Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- V Australia
Best in Region - Europe
- Air France
- British Airways
- Swiss International Air Lines
- Turkish Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic Airways
Best in Region - Middle East and Africa
- El Al Israel Airlines
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Qatar Airways
- South African Airways
Best Overall - large airlines (over 25 IFE-equipped in fleet)
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Emirates
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic Airways
Best Overall - small airlines (up to 25 IFE-equipped in fleet)
- Air Tahiti Nui
- SAS Scandinavian Airlines
- SriLankan Airlines
- Swiss International Air Lines
- V Australia
"Passenger voting makes this award truly representative of passenger comfort and satisfaction with their in-flight entertainment experience," says Christine Ringger, president of WAEA and IFE system engineer and project manager for Swiss International Air Lines.
"With incredible participation from industry and passengers, the Avion Awards will continue to increase standards for innovation in in-flight entertainment."
Winners will be announced at a ceremony during the 30th WAEA conference and exhibition on 5 October in Palm Springs, California.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
