Singapore Airlines
For the seventh year, Singapore Airlines (SIA) takes the top spot.  Its extensive route network and flight frequency in Asia Pacific and links to major long-haul markets make SIA a strong player in business and MICE travel. For example, SIA was official airline for six events held in Singapore in October, including TravelRave.

SIA’s A380 aircraft have proved popular with customers, seeing strong loads on all routes they serve. Customers across all three classes enjoy high-tech in-flight entertainment, including some 20 e-magazines introduced in 2011.

Nicholas Ionides, SIA’s vice president public affairs, says: “We place a strong emphasis on continual innovation and enhancement of our products and services. This year, travellers can look forward to inflight wi-fi Internet access and mobile telephony services on selected flights.”

SIA will also continue exploring new destinations and increasing frequency on more popular routes, including with its regional arm SilkAir and other airline partners.

“MICE is an important sector to SIA and we are stepping up sales efforts both locally and across our global network, in addition to carving out a more integrated and structured approach to support this aim,” says Ionides.

Cathay Pacific
The Hong Kong flag carrier held on strong to second place again this year as it unveiled plans for new premium economy seating with enhanced onboard services and priority checking-in.

John Slosar, Cathay CEO, told a Pacific Asia Travel Association gathering in Hong Kong in December that 2011 continued to see ‘huge growth’ in travel to and from China with the Japan segment recovering well following the Fukushima earthquake and tsunami last March.

He said staying competitive largely rested with a third runway at Chek Lap Kok, but warned that ‘aviation is being seized on for fund-raising by governments’ in the form of taxes on air travel.

Thai Airways
Thai Airways came third this year, a return to form after being knocked out by Emirates last year. A number of its fleet were retrofitted in 2011, making a big difference to its in-flight reputation.

The project began with five A330-300 aircraft and continues with 12 Boeing 747-400 aircraft, which will be completed in 2013. Improvements included new seating, the addition of personal screens and more comprehensive in-flight entertainment. Thai will take delivery of its first A380 in the third quarter of this year.