The Best of the World's Safest Airlines Amid COVID-19

Airline safety website AirlineRatings.com recently published its list of Top Airlines in the World based on safety, in-flight service, passenger comfort and flight routes in addition to how they've responded to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Only airlines with seven safety stars are considered based on crash history, pilot-related incidents, government audits and COVID-19 protocols. Here's a look at the best of the best for 2021.

British Airways was a big mover in 2021, rising seven places to round out the top 10. The airline earns a six out of seven for product rating and perfect scores for both safety and COVID-19 star rating breakdown. AirlineRatings.com notes that the carrier has been amongst the winners for product, service and innovation going back decades.

There's little room for improvement for Taiwan's EVA Air, which returns to the top 10 for 2021. The airline earns perfect scores across the board, excelling in terms of safety, product and the all-important COVID-19 response. EVA Air has even gone so far as to introduce Hello Kitty-themed aircraft in an effort to spice up travel and differentiate itself from the competition.

United Airlines is the highest-ranked U.S. carrier, finishing eighth in 2021 after missing AirlineRatings.com's list last year. The website cited the airline's "huge commitments to supersonic, subsonic and electric aircraft to rejuvenate its fleet and offer passengers the very best in comfort and eco-technology."

Virgin Atlantic stays put in seventh place for 2021. AirlineRatings.com says that the airline has "always been at the forefront of cabin innovation" and awards it a stellar seven out of seven stars for safety, product and COVID-19 star rating breakdown. Virgin Atlantic was quick to adapt to the ongoing crisis, launching the IATA Travel Pass this past spring.

Down just one spot from 2020, Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific was found to be one of the world's top-performing airlines in terms of COVID-19 safety compliance, which takes into account factors such as website information, social distancing protocols, deep cleaning of aircraft, passenger face masks, personal protection equipment (PPE) for cabin crew and changes to meal services.

Winner of the in-flight entertainment award, Emirates ranks fifth this year, with its recently launched premium economy class already being lauded as one of the industry's best. Emirates was also found to be the fifth-safest airline in the world as of January 2021.

Australia's flag carrier Qantas ranks fourth worldwide in 2021 thanks to its outstanding safety record and impressive fiscal performance during the COVID pandemic. Qantas was also recognized for its Best Lounge and Best Domestic Service awards.

Singapore Airlines finished third in AirlineRatings.com's latest rankings, excelling in both technology innovation and in-flight products. The Asian carrier also stands out for its unrivaled first-class experience. In March, Singapore Airlines became the world's first airline to test the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Travel Pass.

Air New Zealand was finally dethroned in 2021 after holding the title of Airline of the Year for six of the last eight years on the strength of its innovation, cabin service and industry leadership. The carrier is also renowned for producing some of the most creative safety videos in the industry.

Qatar Airways surged up the rankings this year, climbing a whopping eight places to secure the number one spot. AirlineRatings.com praised the Gulf carrier for its "cabin innovation, passenger service and dedication and commitment to continue to operate throughout the COVID pandemic." Additionally, Qatar Airways was the first to complete IATA's IOSA safety audit, the first to be fully COVID audited and compliant by both AirlineRatings and Skytrax and was among the first to trial IATA's COVID Safe Travel Pass.