The best airlines in the world: who made it to the top

The aviation industry facilitates millions of people traveling around the world quickly and conveniently. Meanwhile, airlines must adhere to strict maintenance schedules, safety procedures, and international aviation regulations.

In general, airlines play a vital role in the global economy by facilitating both business and leisure travel and supporting economic development worldwide, according to Verified Market Research.

Here are some TOP airlines known for their impeccable passenger service:

Air France

Founded in 1933, Air France is the primary air carrier in France. It is a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group and a founding member of the global airline alliance SkyTeam. With a fleet of over 200 aircraft, Air France serves more than 200 destinations worldwide, making it one of the best airlines globally.

American Airlines

Established in 2013 after the merger of American Airlines and US Airways, American Airlines Group is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. As one of the largest airlines globally, it operates an extensive network of domestic and international flights, serving over 350 destinations in more than 50 countries.

ANA Holdings

Founded in 1952 as Nippon Helicopter and Aeroplane, ANA Holdings is a leading Japanese airline based in Tokyo, Japan. It owns All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan's largest airline, along with several other airlines and aviation-related companies. ANA Holdings operates a large fleet of aircraft serving a wide range of domestic and international destinations.

British Airways

Established in 1974 after the merger of four airlines, British Airways is headquartered in London. As the primary airline in the UK, it operates a large fleet serving over 180 destinations worldwide. Known for its premium services, British Airways has a strong reputation for safety and reliability.

Delta Air Lines

Founded in 1924 as a crop dusting company called Huff Daland Dusters, Delta Air Lines started passenger transportation in 1929 and was later renamed Delta Air Service. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, it is one of the largest airlines globally, serving over 325 destinations in more than 50 countries on six continents.

Deutsche Lufthansa

Founded in 1953 and headquartered in Cologne, Germany, Deutsche Lufthansa began operations in 1955. It is the largest airline in Germany and one of the largest in Europe, serving over 220 destinations in more than 80 countries. Known for its extensive network and high-quality service.

Hainan Airlines

Established in 1989 and headquartered in Haikou, Hainan Airlines is one of the largest airlines in China. It operates an extensive network of domestic and international flights, known for its modern fleet, quality service, and extensive route network.

Read which airlines are considered unsafe in the UK. TravelWise has published a list of airlines to watch out for.