Indonesia’s flag carrier Garuda Indonesia has won the world’s best airline staff award for the fourth year in a row according to a survey conducted by international rating organization Skytrax.

Garuda Indonesia took first spot in the category at this year’s World Airline Awards, dubbed as the Oscars of the aviation industry, beating other prestigious airlines in the region such as Singapore Airlines and Thai Airlines.

In the same category, Japan’s largest airline All Nippon Airways came second, followed by Taiwan-based international airline Eva Air and Thai Airways and Singapore Airlines. The awards were announced at the Paris Air Show yesterday.

According to Skytrax, the award “recognizes the highest all-around performance of an airline’s cabin staff” as well as the quality of staff members’ techniques and efficiency and their enthusiasm, attitude and overall hospitality.

The survey was conducted from August 2016 to May 2017, involving 19.8 million votes.

This year, Garuda Indonesia improved its position in the best airline category, climbing one spot to enter the top ten carriers on the world’s best airline list.

The world’s best airline award for 2017 went to Qatar Airways, which took the title from fellow Middle Eastern carrier Emirates. (ika)