Air NZ was also dubbed better than the rest for in-flight meals, winning best airline for food.
Conde Nast Traveller editors said the airline’s regional premium menu Taste of Aotearoa — which includes seared snapper, smoked kahawai rillette — earned it “top marks for food”.
Geraghty said the company had placed a lot of attention on “elevating” its on-board food offering during the past year.
“We work hard to bring fresh and interesting food to our customers onboard. Our Taste of Aotearoa menu is an opportunity to spotlight the unique flavours of Aotearoa, championing the regions, and it’s a privilege to showcase the best our country has to offer and share that with the world.”
“We’re also proud to serve wine exclusively from New Zealand throughout the aircraft, and an incredible selection of New Zealand-produced spirits and craft beer,” she said.
In the category for best country, New Zealand sat in eighth spot — down three places from its ranking last year.
The magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards has been running for 27 years, launching in 1997.
Best airlines in the world according to Conde Nast Traveller’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards
10. Malaysia Airlines. Score 82.86
9. Swiss International Air Lines. Score 83.00
8. Delta Air Lines, US. Score 84.17
7. Virgin Atlantic, UK. Score 85.17
6. Etihad Airways, UAE. Score 85.18
5. British Airways. Score 86.49
4. Emirates, UAE. Score 86.92
3. Qatar Airways. Score 87.11
2. Singapore Airlines. Score 88.47
1. Air New Zealand. Score 89.08
Best airlines for food according to Conde Nast Traveller’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards
10. Delta Air Lines, US. Score 80.71
9. Swiss International Air Lines. Score 83.28
8. Etihad Airways, UAE. Score 85.00
7. Virgin Atlantic, UK. Score 85.28
6. Malaysia Airlines. Score 85.37
5. Emirates, UAE. Score 87.11
4. Qatar Airways. Score 88.03
3. Singapore Airlines. Score 88.85
2. British Airways. Score 89.11
1. Air New Zealand. Score 91.18