Australia's aviation industry is more than just a means of transportation; it is a lifeline that connects the diverse areas of the country. Airlines in Australia play a crucial role in bridging the distance, making air travel important. In this article, we’ll dive into the Top 10 Australian Airlines as rated by the World Airline Awards by SkyTrax. These top 10 Australian airlines showcase the diversity and connectivity of Australia's aviation industry.
10. Air Niugini
Photo by Alec Wilson
Air Niugini, the national airline of Papua New Guinea, is based in Port Moresby. For the people of Papua New Guinea, Air Niugini represents more than just an airline, as it has played a crucial role in connecting the diverse and remote parts of Papua New Guinea with each other and the world. In 1973, Air Niugini took flight with a vision to connect this beautiful nation to itself and to the world.
| Aircraft Model | In Service |
|---|---|
| Boeing 737-800 | 3 |
| Boeing 767-300ER | 3 |
| Fokker 70 | 6 |
| Bombardier Dash-8-400 | 3 |
| Fokker 100 | 7 |
| Total | 22 |
9. Air Tahiti
Photo by FRED
Air Tahiti, the primary inter-island airline in French Polynesia has been providing air transport between Tahiti and the islands for over 65 years. It offers a unique travel experience and unforgettable Polynesian hospitality. Air Tahiti embodies the essential connection between the islands of French Polynesia and among people.
| Aircraft Model | In Service |
|---|---|
| ART 42-600 | 2 |
| ART 72-600 | 10 |
| Beechcraft King Air B200 | 3 |
| de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter | 1 |
| Total | 16 |
8. Air Tahiti Nui
Photo by New York-air
Air Tahiti Nui connects Tahiti with the rest of the world. The enchanting scent of the Tiare flower offered to passengers, and "Maeva," the Tahitian word for "welcome," means that the spirit of Polynesia welcomes you for a unique journey. The airline currently operates Boeing Dreamliners alone.
| Aircraft Model | In Service |
|---|---|
| Boeing 787-9 | 4 |
| Total | 4 |
7. QantasLink
_**Photo by [Montague Smith](<http://www.airliners.net/photo/QantasLink-\(National-Jet/Boeing-717-2K9/1039563/L/, GFDL 1.2, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17187547>)**_
QantasLink is the regional airline for the Qantas Group; operating over 2,000 flights weekly to a vast network of destinations across Australia.
| Aircraft Model | In Service |
|---|---|
| Airbus A220-300 | 4 |
| Airbus A319-100 | 5 |
| Airbus A320-200 | 15 |
| Boeing 717-200 | 1 |
| De Havilland Canada Dash 8-200 | 3 |
| De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 | 16 |
| De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 | 31 |
| Fokker 100 | 15 |
| Total | 90 |
6. Jetstar Airways
Photo by Terence Ong
Jetstar Airways is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. It operates an extensive domestic network in addition to regional and international services from Melbourne Airport. Jetstar Airways is a low-cost airline as it provides affordable options while maintaining high service quality.
| Aircraft Model | In Service |
|---|---|
| Airbus A320-200 | 50 |
| Airbus A320neo | 1 |
| Airbus A321-200 | 6 |
| Airbus A321LR | 18 |
| Boeing 787-8 | 11 |
| Total | 86 |
5. Virgin Australia
Photo by Mehdi Nazarinia
Virgin Australia is an Australian airline, formerly known as Virgin Blue. Each aircraft in Virgin Australia houses some of the most advanced avionics in history, efficient engines and lighter structures, which make better use of fuel and in return produce lower emissions.
| Aircraft Model | In Service |
|---|---|
| Airbus A320-200 | 7 |
| Boeing 737-700 | 9 |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 8 |
| Boeing 737-800 | 75 |
| Fokker 100 | 3 |
| Total | 102 |
4. Rex Airlines
Photo by Bidgee
Based in Mascot, New South Wales, Rex is an Australian regional airline whose tagline, "Our Heart is in the Country”, depicts its mission to ensure that all Australians, particularly those living in regional communities, have access to affordable air travel.
| Aircraft Model | In Service |
|---|---|
| Saab 340 | 57 |
| Total | 57 |
3. Qantas Airways
Photo by Bahnfrend
Qantas Airways has its hubs in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, making it Australia's largest domestic and international airline. It is widely regarded as the world's leading long-distance airline and operates the largest network of any Australian airline, flying to more than 700 destinations in over 130 countries.
| Aircraft Model | In Service |
|---|---|
| Airbus A330-200 | 16 |
| Airbus A330-300 | 10 |
| Airbus A380-800 | 10 |
| Boeing 737-800 | 75 |
| Boeing 787-9 | 14 |
| Total | 125 |
2. Air New Zealand
Photo by Eric Salard
Air New Zealand is the flag carrier of New Zealand based in Auckland. It operates a global network that provides air passenger and cargo services to, from, and within New Zealand. At Air New Zealand, their driving purpose is to enrich their country by connecting New Zealanders to one another, and the country to the world.
| Aircraft Model | In Service |
|---|---|
| Airbus A320-200 | 17 |
| Airbus A320neo | 6 |
| Airbus A321neo | 12 |
| Boeing 777-300ER | 10 |
| ATR 72-600 | 29 |
| Boeing 787-9 | 14 |
| De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 | 23 |
| Total | 111 |
1. Fiji Airways
Photo by Eric Salard
The flag carrier of Fiji is Fiji Airways, one of Australia's leading airlines (formerly Air Pacific). Fiji Airways is well-known for its colorful aircraft livery, which incorporates traditional Fijian motifs that represent a sense of direction, determination, and belonging.
| Aircraft Model | In Service |
|---|---|
| Airbus A330-200 | 3 |
| Airbus A330-300 | 1 |
| Airbus A350-900 | 4 |
| Boeing 737-800 | 1 |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 6 |
| Total | 15 |
Have you ever traveled with any of these top 10 Australian airlines? Share your thoughts, memorable experiences, or even tips for fellow travelers in the comments below.