Air New Zealand named 'airline of the year' for second year in row

Air New Zealand has been named airline of the year by AirlineRatings.com for the second time in a row.

According to News.com.au, the international airline safety and product rating website says Air NZ is being honoured for the second consecutive year for its in-flight innovations, record financial performance, operational safety and motivation of its staff.

AirlineRatings.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas said that Air New Zealand is an airline of first choice and given the airline's location and the country's size its performance is even more remarkable.

The airline also scooped the award for best premium economy class.

Here are the names of the top 10 airlines for 2015: Air New Zealand, followed by Etihad, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, Lufthansa, All Nippon Airways and British Airways.