Air New Zealand named world’s best airline in USA TODAY awards

Air New Zealand has been named the World’s Best Airline and Best for Inflight Entertainment in the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. The airline also secured second-place rankings in the Business Class, Cabin Crew, Economy Class, and Inflight Food categories.

Chief commercial officer Scott Wilkinson noted that the international recognition serves to highlight New Zealand and its tourism industry. The airline’s recent focus on onboard dining, which includes dishes from culinary ambassador Josh Emett, contributed to its success in the food category.

These accolades follow other recent honors, including being named Oceania’s Leading Airline 2026 by the World Travel Awards and receiving recognition from Forbes Travel Guide and Condé Nast Traveller for its Skynest innovation.