OAG annual airline awards

Congrats pretty ladies!

OAG (which stands for Official Airline Guide or the folks that consolidate and publish airline schedules for the trade) announced their 2008 list of the best airlines in the world. Yes, dear reader, some airlines are actually known for their innovation and good service - they just don't fly much in the United States!

Here's the complete list for your information:

• OAG Airline of the Year 2008: Singapore Airlines
• Best Airline Based in Africa: South African Airways
• Best Airline Based in Asia: Singapore Airlines
• Best Airline Based in Australasia/Pacific: Qantas
• Best Airline Based in Central/Eastern Europe: CSA Czech Airlines
• Best Airline Based in Central/S. America & Caribbean: LAN Airlines
• Best Airline Based in North America: Continental Airlines
• Best Airline Based in the Middle East/Indian Sub-Continent: Emirates
• Best Airline Based in Western Europe: Virgin Atlantic
• Best Europe - Asia/Australasia Airline: Emirates
• Best Low Cost/No Frills Airline: easyJet
• Best Transatlantic Airline: British Airways
• Best Transpacific Airline: Air New Zealand
• Best International First Class: Singapore Airlines
• Best Business/Executive Class: British Airways
• Best Economy/Coach Class: American Airlines
• Best Airport: Singapore Changi (SIN)

This is Singapore Airline's 6th win in the awards 25 year history. While I've never flown them, I hear it's undoubtedly well deserved. Continental Airlines won best North American airline for the 5th consecutive year. While it doesn't matter, I second the nod. They are pretty good.

But I've got to tell you, I'm pretty shocked AA won best coach class. It must be the in-seat power, because besides that little perk, at least in my experience, there's little going on in AA's coach class that's award worthy.

I don't really understand how American's coach class can stack up against jetBlue, Virgin America, Frontier Airlines or even Midwest Airlines. I'd fly those guys in a minute over American. Makes me wonder what all the decision making criteria were - and I secretly wonder if amount of fees paid to OAG is one of them.

Just saying folks, just saying...

Singapore crowned best airline for 6th time [Fox Business]
OAG [Official Site]