Hainan Airlines rated five-star by intl authority

Hainan Airlines representatives receive the five-star airline medal presented by Skytrax in London. [Photo/Hainan Daily]

Hainan Airlines was ranked as a five-star airline for the eighth consecutive year by Skytrax on July 17. 

It also ascended from last year's ninth place to eighth this year in the World's Top 10 Airlines of 2018, becoming the first Chinese mainland airline to win the honor in successive years.

Three other awards, namely Best Business Class Amenities, Best Airline China, and Best Airlines Staff in China, were also won by the Hainan province-based enterprise.

During the award ceremony, Skytrax chairman Edward Plaisted said that Hainan Airlines is one of the world's fastest growing. In addition to being at the vanguard of aviation services, it regularly receives positive feedback from global travelers. The brand offers considerate service and continues to enhance its position in the market.

Established in 1993, Hainan Airlines has 1,050 air routes and a 17.99 percent of domestic market share. The company is one of the top 500 most profitable companies in the country, according to the latest China Fortune 500 list released on July 10. It generated a business income of 59.9 billion yuan ($8.98 billion) and a net profit of 3.32 billion yuan last year. Its ranking on the list rose from 162 the year before to 133 this year.

Bao Qifa (C), chairman of Hainan Airlines, provides catering service on board in May to celebrate the company's 25th anniversary of the maiden flight. [Photo/Hainan Daily]

So far, Hainan Airlines has opened nearly 30 international air routes to countries and regions along the Belt and Road departing from such cities as Xi'an, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Chongqing. In the first half of this year, eight such routes started service and more will be opened in the next half to link domestic cities with Tel Aviv in Israel, Zurich in Switzerland and Vienna in Austria.

Skytrax is a prestigious global provider of research and consulting services with a focus on airline and airport services. It publishes an annual ranking of the world's airlines and airports and is highly regarded by industry players and travelers around the world.

The selection of the world's top 10 airlines is based on a poll of 24.45 million travelers from over 100 countries and regions. A total of 335 airlines were under consideration from August last year to this May. The awards are considered the Oscars of the aviation industry.

The compilation of the list is based on a comprehensive airline passenger satisfaction survey which asks passengers to rate every aspect of an airline's products and services, including in-flight entertainment and onboard food services as well as other facilities and services.

Singapore Airlines has been named the world's best airline for the fourth time in the annual World Airline Awards. It also won for best overall first class, best first class seat and best airline in Asia.

A technical attendant of Hainan Airlines repairs and overhauls aircraft components and accessories. [Photo/Hainan Daily]