By Nelson Alcantara - eTurboNews

ASIA'S airlines and airports emerged as world's favorites, according to a new survey released Thursday.

Skytrax, a UK-based aviation consultancy firm, surveyed 4.8 million airline passengers from 86 countries over a 10-month period to March this year for that it calls "the global barometer of passenger opinions."

In the airport category, Skytrax found that Asia's airports excel above others, with four spots in top five alone.

Hong Kong International Airport continued its winning streak in the poll, taking first place for the fourth consecutive year, followed closely by Singapore's Changi International Airport. Skytrax indicated that the final result was one of the closest in years.

Amsterdam's Schiphol jumped from last year's seventh place to finish third-best airport in the world.

Rounding up the Top Five in fourth and fifth place respectively were Seoul Incheon Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Respondents ranked the airports based on the usability and comfort of airlines.

Meanwhile in the airline category, Asian carriers once again performed well, occupying five of the top 10 positions.

According to Skytrax, three airlines constantly battled for the top spots-- Emirates was on top throughout December and January - Cathay Pacific did so in September, October and February - and Singapore Airlines led in March 2004.

Qantas moved one position up in this year's survey to claim the fourth spot, and Thai Airways jumped from 8th in 2003 to fifth position in the 2004 results.

British Airways sixth position reflects no change from 2003 - while Qatar Airways jumps from 24th last year to take seventh position.

Malaysia Airlines slipped from 4th in 2003, to occupy eighth position in this year's Survey, ahead of Continental Airlines in ninth (up from 13th in 2003), and ANA All Nippon Airways in 10th - ANA breaking into the top 10 from 11th position in 2003.

The survey format was based on asking passengers to name Best in Category airlines from a qualitative aspect - encompassing the quality of front-line product and service in both airport and onboard areas.

 

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