Emirates wins 'Best Airline in the World' for 8th consecutive year at ULTRAs travel awards 2025

Emirates Airline has secured the top spot as the 'Best Airline in the World' for the eighth consecutive year at the ULTRAs travel awards, cementing its position in a competitive global industry.

The awards were decided by votes from 1.2 million travellers. Emirates also won for 'Best Premium Economy Class,' while its president, Sir Tim Clark, was honoured with a 'Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to Global Aviation.'

The repeated wins come as the airline continues a multi-billion dollar investment strategy. In his acceptance speech, Sir Tim Clark pointed to the company's aggressive retrofit program, network expansion, and crew training as factors in maintaining its market position.

“At Emirates, we want every customer to ‘fly better,’ and that’s why we never stop investing into the Emirates experience,” Clark stated. He emphasized that the goal was to "provide the very best in international air travel" and continuously elevate the company's own standards.

Emirates wins ‘Best Airline in the World’ 

The 'Best Airline' accolade reflects the carrier's broad appeal, supported by a network of over 150 destinations and a mixed fleet of Airbus A380s, A350s, and Boeing 777s. The onboard experience, frequently cited by travellers, includes its ice entertainment system and luxury amenities in its premium cabins, which feature private suites and onboard lounges and shower spa's.

The award for 'Best Premium Economy Class' signals the successful introduction of a newer cabin product. Emirates is currently the only airline in the Middle East offering this class, which provides passengers with dedicated check-in, spacious leather seats with up to 40 inches of pitch, and an upgraded dining menu. The service is now available on flights from Dubai to 61 cities globally.

Sir Tim Clark honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to Global Aviation

The lifetime achievement award for Sir Tim Clark recognizes a five-decade career that has shaped modern aviation. Clark joined the then-fledgling airline in 1985 and became president in 2003, overseeing its expansion from a regional operator into one of the world's largest long-haul international carriers.

The ULTRAs awards add to a significant haul of industry recognition for Emirates in 2025. Earlier this year, the airline secured top honours at the Forbes Travel Guide Verified Air Travel Awards and The Times Travel Awards, among others. Its loyalty program, Emirates Skywards, was also recently named the 'Best Global Airline Loyalty Program.'