On March 18, aviation ranking web site AirlineRatings launched its World’s Best Airlines 2026 rankings.
This yr, Qatar Airways retained the top spot amongst full-service carriers, adopted by Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific in second place. Hainan Airlines ranked 14th, whereas China’s “Big Three” airways failed to interrupt into the Top 20.
Meanwhile, HK Express, a subsidiary of Cathay Pacific, climbed from fourth place final yr to take the top spot amongst low-cost carriers, successful the world’s finest low-cost carrier title for the first time. Spring Airlines ranked twentieth on the LCC listing.
According to AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen, though HK Express doesn’t provide add-ons akin to Wi-Fi or in-flight leisure, its strengths lie in constant cabin service and onboard eating. Its menu options a mixture of Hong Kong road meals and worldwide delicacies, hanging a stability between service high quality, consolation, and worth for cash.
Over the previous yr, HK Express has continued to increase its Asian community and improve capability, carrying almost 8 million passengers. This signifies that at Hong Kong International Airport, one in each eight passengers flew with HK Express.



