The Vijay Mallya-promoted Kingfisher Airlines has been voted the best carrier in India and the whole of Central Asia by a global survey carried out by industry consultancy Skytrax.
According to a report by the London-based Skytrax, Kingfisher Airlines got the honours under three categories--the best airline in India and Central Asia, the best economy class seats, and excellent staff service.
Skytrax announced the results after a survey among 18 million flyers from 100 different countries that was carried out between July 2009 and April 2010.
"Being recognised by Skytrax is an honour and we would like to thank our valued guests, who chose to fly Kingfisher," said Mallya, whose business interests span spirits and beer and Formula 1 and airlines.
Kingfisher is one of six airlines worldwide that currently meets the rigorous quality criteria, which Skytrax has set for this prestigious top tier 5-star airline ranking.
"The greatest attribute behind the five-star status is an airline's ability to deliver the combination of product and service," said Skytrax chief executive Edward Plaisted.
"The renewal of the five-star ranking to Kingfisher reaffirms its standing as the only airline in India and one of only six airlines in the world which has been awarded this status.
The other airlines in the list include Oneworld, which has been named best inter-airline pact; Cathay Pacific the best trans-Pacific airline; DragonAir, the best regional carrier and Qantas for best premium economy class and seat.
Kingfisher is one of six airlines in the world to have a five-star rating from Skytrax, often called the Oscars of airline industry, along with Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways and Asiana Airlines.
Started in May 2005, Kingfisher today connects 63 domestic destinations and eight international cities spanning eight Asian and European countires.
Skytrax is a UK-based consultancy, which delivers a unique knowledge base across all areas of front-line product, service and consumer research affecting the air travel industry.