So who are we flying with - and why? Skytrax helps answer this question with yesterday's annual World Airline Survey at the Farnborough Air Show. The annual World Airline Awards forms the culmination of an 11-month survey of over 15 million airline passengers across the globe. Below we hear from some of the winners. 

Qatar Airways - Airline of the Year

Qatar Airways CEO, Mr Akbar Al Baker hailed the achievements as a “fantastic recognition”  of all employees at Qatar Airways for their dedication and commitment to their job.  “I am extremely proud of the praise given once again by the very people who fly, the travelling public for their support and faith in Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways set out on a mission 15 years ago when we launched to be the world's best airline and spreading the airline's brand to all corners of the world. Last year we achieved that. Retaining awards is always difficult, but we have managed to do so amid the tough competition which only shows we remain focused in our day to day job of offering passengers what they fully deserve - highest standards of service in the air and on the ground”   

Cathay Pacific Airways - World's Best Business Class 

John Slosar, Chief Executive Officer - Cathay Pacific

“This year's award becomes even more meaningful as our new Business Class is a genuine   collaboration between our customers and our own team. The customers know best. This is why in designing the business class product we talked to our customers, listened to their feedback, and then incorporated those features they told us would provide them with the optimal balance of productivity, comfort, and privacy.

"This is a seating environment truly designed by the people who use it.  Of course the best seat would be just a seat were it not complemented by outstanding service. People do make an airline - and this is not just an advertising slogan.

"They are the winning element that can't be easily replicated and we're fortunate that, on the ground and in the air, we have the industry's best people serving our customers. My thanks go to the many, many Cathay Pacific staff who make possible our award-winning service.” 

 Malaysia Airlines - World's Best Cabin Staff & Best Airline Signature Dish 

Malaysia Airlines walked off with the above two awards in two tough categories. The Best Airline Signature Dish award was won for its  Satay dish which is enjoyed in the Business and First Class cabins.

Malaysia Airlines Group CEO Mr Ahmad Jauhari Yahya : “I am pleased that our MAS team has been recognised for its passion to deliver the best service to our guests for memorable experiences during their journey with us. It is an honour to be recognised by our passengers as leading the way in service and hospitality on board Malaysia Airlines, AND to receive this prestigious 5-star ranking. Of course, this is not the end for us. With our new fleet of planes and a significant refurbishment throughout our services, we hope to win more next year.” .

Emirates - Best Inflight Entertainment

Patrick Brannelly, VP Corp Comms Product - Emirates

Emirates has done it again by sustaining its win over this category at the 2012 World Airline Awards. Air travellers worldwide again named Emirates as having the World's Best Airline Inflight Entertainment.

“Emirates continues with it's long standing winning record in taking this award for the Best Airline Inflight Entertainment for 2012, and they must be very proud of this fantastic customer recognition of their inflight entertainment standards.

"As an onboard product amenity, inflight entertainment has become a great quality differentiator and continues to grow in importance for customer satisfaction rankings. Emirates clearly remains a favourite airline for this amongst passengers.” said Edward Plaisted of Skytrax. 

Skytrax World's Top 20

1-Qatar Airways

2-Asiana Airlines

3-Singapore Airlines

4-Cathay Pacific Airways

5-ANA All Nippon Airways

6-Etihad Airways

7-Turkish Airlines

8-Emirates

9-Thai Airways

10-Malaysia Airlines

11-Garuda Indonesia

12-Virgin Australia

13-EVA Air

14-Lufthansa

15-Qantas Airways

16-Korean Air

17-Air New Zealand

18-Swiss Int'l Air Lines

19-Air Canada

20-Hainan Airlines