Singapore Airlines voted world's best again - survey

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore Airlines was voted the best in the world for the second consecutive year by an annual survey of passengers which was dominated by Asian and Gulf Arab carriers, including Australia's Qantas.

British-based consultancy Skytrax's 2008 survey involved more than 15 million questionnaires completed by passengers over an 11-month period and includes categories for catering, in-flight entertainment and airport lounges.

Singapore Airlines, the first to fly the luxurious Airbus A380, retained the top spot as world's best overall airline and also garnered the award for the best business class.

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific took second place overall, and was also awarded the world's best first class and best first class catering.

Qantas, which had a series of security scares recently and put in place a string of belt tightenings because of high fuel costs, was voted third best airline and best first class lounge.

"The global rating for Qantas is interesting" said Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted in a statement.

"When we look at more localised studies and reporting, we found that Qantas comes under fire from some media that clearly contradicts a more widespread view of Qantas customers."

In the overall rankings, Thai Airways was voted number four as well as picking up 4th place in the best cabin staff section.

Korea's Asiana Airlines showed one of the biggest improvements in the list, rising to the number 5 spot worldwide from number 12 last year, as well as taking the world's best cabin staff award and the best economy class.