Skytrax has just announced the winners of the 2005 World Airline Awards. And the verdict?

Twelve million passengers from 94 countries selected Cathay Pacific as the Best Airline in the World.

Skytrax conducted the world's largest passenger survey over an 11-month period. Participants of the survey were asked to evaluate the airline, on both land and air services. Services on land include facilities and customer service for checking-in and boarding. Services on air include comfort, cleanliness and service on board plus, the condition of the airplanes.

Along with Cathay Pacific, those who made it in the top 10 are:

1. Cathay Pacific -- HongKong
2. Quantas Airways -- Australia
3. Emirates -- Dubai
4. Singapore airlines -- Singapore
5. British Airways -- Great Britain
6. Malaysian Airlines -- Malaysia
7. Thai Airways -- Thailang
8. Qatar Airways -- Qatar
9. Asiana Airlines -- Korea
10. ANA Universe Nippon Airways -- Japan

The Best Cabin Staff are in:

Asian Airlines
Thai Airways
Malaysian Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Qatar Airlines
China Airlines
Air Tahiti Nui

Now this is what I would like to know...

The Best Catering are in:

First Class: Gulf Air, Cathay Pacific and Swiss
Business Class: Gulf Air, Continental and BMI British Midland
Economy Class: Thai Airways, Austrian and Saudi Arabian.

In all honesty, I can say that I will be using this to guide me in my future bookings. Would you?