Passengers travelling to New Zealand have the opportunity to fly with two of the world’s best airlines, it seems.

Singapore Airlines has just been named Airline of the Year 2008 and Air New Zealand has won the Passenger Service Award from Air Transport World.

Singapore Airlines was praised for its superb safety record, exemplary commitment to operational excellence and customer service, and strong financial performance.

The magazine also praised Singapore Airlines $360 million investment in upgrading all cabin classes of its long-haul international aircraft.

Air New Zealand received the Passenger Service Award in recognition of both its physical product and the service delivered by ANZ staff. Since introducing its new long-haul product, it has seen a dramatic increase in demand for its premium service.

In announcing the award, Air Transport World Editorial Director and Associate Publisher Perry Flint cited Air New Zealand’s staff and ongoing product development as critical elements to its success.

“Air New Zealand’s customer service staff are known for their warmth and cheeriness and they are empowered to go the extra mile for their passengers.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe says the award is justified recognition for the hard work Air New Zealand staff have put in the over the last few years.

“To now be judged as having the finest service in the world reflects extremely well on the continual efforts made by the business to be the best. That intention has become a reality and our 10,975 staff should be extremely proud of that fact.

In announcing the Passenger Service Award, Air Transport World congratulated Air New Zealand on the success of its ongoing product development programme.

“Air New Zealand is implementing a revolution in its short-haul product and is working to remove up to 40% of the normal “travel” time by introducing technologies such as reusable bag tags and boarding passes sent electronically to passengers’ mobile phones.

“Air New Zealand has become the carrier of first choice almost everywhere it operates. Its focus on relationships with staff and pursuit of the best value-for-money in-flight product mark it as a standout in passenger service.”