BRISBANE, March 27, 2026, 05:36 AEST
Virgin Australia has locked in the world’s best cabin crew award for the eighth year running, according to AirlineRatings.com’s 2026 list. The carrier also landed third place in the “hybrid” airline category, a segment for airlines blending low-cost and full-service offerings, per the ratings site and the airline. AeroTime
Awards continue to spotlight service across Australia’s crowded airline sector. Qantas picked up the top premium economy honor alongside Emirates and was named best for domestic service. Jetstar, its budget offshoot, grabbed the low-cost long-haul title. The ACCC, for its part, noted this week that Qantas Group and Virgin Australia now operate nearly 99% of domestic flights.
AirlineRatings bases its awards on editors’ assessments and specific onboard data—not public votes. In the hybrid segment, passengers on shorter trips typically pay extra for food and beverages, but longer journeys tend to include more full-service perks.
Virgin’s crew picked up praise for both their helpfulness and their safety focus, according to the site’s separate cabin-awards update—marking an eight-year run for the airline.
Virgin Australia chief executive Dave Emerson described the award as “all about our people.” Emerson said staff are urged to show “their own unique flair” on the job, while the airline pointed to its top-three hybrid finish as proof of its promise to deliver both service and value across the network. Virgin Australia
Qatar Airways grabbed the top spot among full-service carriers. Qantas landed at 12th on that list, but dominated both premium economy and domestic service—options AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen called “incredibly fortunate” for Australians. Over on the budget side, Jetstar took second place among low-cost airlines. Airline Ratings
Impressive marks for cabin service don’t spare airlines from tougher market realities. Virgin told Reuters last week it’s tweaking fares to match rising costs, while the ACCC pointed out that Australia’s big carriers hedge some of their fuel, but also flagged the risk: a lengthy run-up in jet fuel prices could still drive domestic fares higher.
The regulator warned airlines can adjust prices based on demand, supply, or input costs, but stressed they can’t mislead customers over the reasons for higher fares. Service perks may end up carrying extra weight now, as airlines seek to justify steeper ticket prices in a market the ACCC continues to label as lacking in competition.
