APEX World Class awards name top global airlines; Fiji Airways is first Oceania carrier to earn the honor as JSX tops U.S. domestic rankings

The Airline Passenger Experience Association on Sept. 11, 2025 announced its annual World Class rankings, naming 10 airlines that meet the highest standards of safety, service and passenger satisfaction. The list is led by a mix of long-haul specialists and premium carriers, with Fiji Airways becoming the smallest airline by fleet size to earn the honor and the first from Oceania to break into the group.

The 2025 World Class honorees, listed in no particular order, are All Nippon Airways, Emirates, Japan Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Xiamen Airlines and Fiji Airways. Fiji Airways’ inclusion marks a milestone for the carrier, which has undergone a broad overhaul of its in-flight experience and customer service as it expands its footprint beyond the Pacific. Andre Viljoen, managing director and CEO of Fiji Airways, said the recognition is a “proud and historic moment for the airline and for Fiji.” The airline says the award reflects years of focused investment in people, product and partnerships that raised its service bar to global standards.

Fiji Airways has pursued a wide-ranging revamp of its guest experience. The carrier has upgraded aircraft and supply chains, partnered with local businesses and introduced premium products. It rebuilt dining with Pacific Rim-inspired cuisine, retrained hundreds of cabin crew and created a team of “World Class Trainers” to ensure service meets international expectations. Founded in 1951 as Air Pacific, the airline now operates flights to several U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas and Honolulu, as part of its broader network expansion.

The World Class list also highlights safety and sustainability as integral components of the evaluation. JAL was recognized specifically for safety and well-being, Saudia for service-guest experience, and Turkish Airlines for sustainability and Food & Beverage execution, underscoring a broad interpretation of what constitutes a top-tier travel experience. APEX Chief Executive Officer Joe Leader said the distinction signals a shift toward a higher standard of world-class quality that encompasses safety, sustainability and customer satisfaction in response to traveler expectations.

The U.S. travel market also echoed the market’s appetite for boutique, member-style travel experiences. Travel + Leisure magazine’s 2025 World’s Best Awards, released earlier in the year, placed JSX atop its list of domestic airlines. The Houston-based private-jet–style carrier topped the poll, with readers praising speedy 20-minute check-ins, free Wi-Fi and a streamlined boarding process that many passengers equate with private aviation. JSX outpaced its nearest competitor by more than 12 points, according to Travel + Leisure’s survey, which also cited high marks for Hawaiian Airlines, Breeze Airways, Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines in the top five.

Travel + Leisure’s rankings consistently reflect consumer sentiment on timeliness, safety, service and amenities, and they align with a broader industry push toward differentiated guest experiences. Delta was the standout among the major “big four” legacy carriers in the top tier of the domestic list. The full top 10 domestic lineup included JetBlue, Southwest, United, American and Sun Country, illustrating a blend of legacy airlines and newer low-cost and boutique operators that have carved out niches by emphasizing speed, comfort and customization.

APEX’s methodology combines professional audits, yearlong customer reviews and peer assessments to determine which airlines meet the “world class” standard. The organization has noted that smaller and regional carriers are increasingly challenging the giants by emphasizing niche excellence, cultural authenticity and a sense of place that the largest carriers cannot always replicate. Francis Hellyer, co-founder and CEO of Tickadoo, a travel-tech platform, said the trend toward boutique excellence is a key dynamic shaping the competitive landscape.

The World Class announcement comes as airlines face a confluence of market pressure and shifting traveler preferences. Consumers have shown a willingness to pay for better service, more personalized meals and improved cabin environments, even as fuel costs and labor pressures remain a constant backdrop for carriers worldwide. Market observers say the emphasis on service quality, safety metrics and sustainability could influence fleet planning, route choices and partnerships in the years ahead as carriers seek to differentiate themselves in an increasingly crowded field.

Qatar Airways, Emirates and Singapore Airlines, often cited for their premium cabins and culinary offerings, remain the benchmark-bearers in international travel. The inclusion of Xiamen Airlines and Oman Air reflects continued globalization of airline quality benchmarks beyond traditional powerhouses, suggesting that the definition of “world class” now encompasses a broader geographic spectrum and a wider array of service models. Analysts say the award’s diverse lineup signals continued appetite among travelers for high-service experiences across both long-haul and short-haul itineraries.

In summary, the 2025 World Class designation reinforces a bifurcated but complementary trend in aviation: world-class service and safety metrics are increasingly accessible to a broader swath of travelers, even as the market continues to reward boutique, customer-centric operators that emphasize speed, efficiency and a premium experience. For investors and airline executives alike, the awards highlight a market where differentiation on passenger experience can translate into brand value, competitive advantage and potential revenue growth in an environment of ongoing cost pressures and evolving consumer expectations.