A Sneak-Peek Into The Top 4 Airlines in Australia

Last updated on Dec 12th, 2024 by Heena Ganotra

When it comes to airlines in Australia, there are a variety of different choices to make. In fact, one could even say you’re spoilt for choice because some Australian airlines are often named the best in the world. However, if you’re travelling and want to have the most comfortable experience, you may want to look at your options before booking a ticket. Here are some of the best airlines in AU.

Best Airline in Australia Overall – Qantas Airways

Qantas Airways is one of the biggest airlines in the world, and they have several different destinations in Australia. It is Australia’s national carrier and offers full-service flights to major destinations in the world, both domestic and international. Its extensive flight availability makes this airline a popular choice among travelers in this region. 

When you look at airlines by ranking, Qantas Airways often shows up at the top. The carrier offers a combination of a state-of-the-art fleet, excellent services, and good connectivity. Most people consider Qantas seats comfortable and their in-flight offerings are some of the best in the industry. 

Key Factors of Qantas Airways

• Founded In – 1921
• Primary Hubs – Brisbane Airport, Sydney Airport, Melbourne Airport
• Secondary Hubs – Perth Airport, Adelaide Airport
• Fleet Size – 124
• International Fleet – Airbus A380, A330-300, Boeing 787, Airbus A330-200, and Boeing 737-800.
• Domestic Fleet – Boeing 737-800, Airbus A330-200, and occasionally Airbus A330-300.
• First Class and Business Class – First Class is offered only on A380 flights. Business Class is offered on all primary flights and routes.
• Destinations Serviced – 85
• International Services Provided? – Yes
• Alliance – Oneworld
• Codeshare Agreement – IndiGo, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Air New Zealand, SriLankan Airlines, and more.

Qantas offers good catering, which is managed by the popular Australian chef Neil Perry. It is also considered one of the best business class airlines in the region today. 

Most Popular Airlines in Australia – Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia is another big airline in Australia and it often ranks second after Qantas on most lists. It is the second most popular airline and is considered very reliable by most seasoned travellers on this route. 

Virgin Australia offers both domestic and international flights to several different destinations, and they also have some of the best in-flight services in the world. Many consider it the best Australian airline for the quality of service and the number of options available. 

Key Factors of Virgin Australia

• Founded In – 2011
• Primary Hubs – Brisbane Airport, Sydney Airport, Melbourne Airport
• Secondary Hubs – Perth Airport, Adelaide Airport, Gold Coast Airport, Alice Springs Airport
• Fleet Size – 79
• Fleet – Boeing 787-700 and Boeing 737-800.
• First Class and Business Class – Business Class is offered in most of its aircraft. No First Class Service provided. 
• Destinations Serviced – 37
• International Services Provided? – Yes
• Codeshare Agreement – Air Canada, All Nippon Airways, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, United Airlines.

Virgin Australia offers Business Class, Economy X, and Economy services. The inflight menu is prepared by a great Australian chef, Luke Mangan. Inflight entertainment options are plentiful so you won’t be bored on the flight. You can also take advantage of their Velocity Frequent Flyer Program. 

Best Domestic Airlines in Australia – Jetstar

Jetstar Airways is a subsidiary of Qantas and is Australia’s most popular low-cost airline. If you want affordable deals, Jetstar is the best bet and it offers a great quality of service. Most international travellers from India to Australia prefer to use Jetstar to travel domestically in the country. 

As a subsidiary of Qantas, Jetstar offers a great standard of service. It has expanded its fleet and served destinations considerably since it was launched. 

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Key Factors of Jetstar

• Founded In – 2003
• Bases – Brisbane Airport, Adelaide Airport, Auckland Airport, Sydney Airport, Melbourne Airport, Gold Coast Airport, Cairns Airport, Perth Airport, 
• Fleet Size – 76
• Fleet – Airbus A320-200, Airbus A320Neo, Airbus A321-200, Airbus A321LR, Airbus A321XLR, Boeing 787-8. 
• First Class and Business Class – First Class isn’t offered. Business Class is only available on Boeing 787 international routes. All domestic routes are single-class and affordable with buy-on-board facilities. 
• Destinations Serviced – 38
• International Services Provided? – Yes
• Alliance – Oneworld
• Codeshare Agreement – Qantas, Emirates, American Airlines, Finnair, Jin Air, Fiji Airways, and more. 

Jetstar is very affordable compared to full-service airlines like Qantas or Virgin Australia, which is one of the reasons why it is one of the preferred domestic airlines in Australia. It offers good inflight service and entertainment, which means it isn’t as much of a compromise as most people expect. Furthermore, it is one of the airlines that offer flexible flights, making it a preference among people. 

Honorary Mention – Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is another great airline in Australia, and they offer both domestic and international flights. They have several different destinations, and their in-flight services are also some of the best in the world.

While it isn’t an Australian airline, per se, it is considered one of the best regional airlines in Australia. Air New Zealand has a great domestic and international reputation, which makes it a preferred airline among many travellers in this region. 

Key Factors of Air New Zealand

• Founded In – 1965
• Primary Hubs – Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch
• Fleet Size – 104
• Long Haul Fleet – Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
• Short Haul Fleet – Airbus A320 and Airbus A320/A321neo
• First Class and Business Class – First Class isn’t offered. Business Premium is the highest class provided. Followed by Premium Economy, Economy, and Economy SkyCouch. 
• Destinations Serviced – 50
• International Services Provided? – Yes
• Alliance – Star Alliance
• Codeshare Agreement – Qantas, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, Air Canada, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Fiji Airways, and more.

Air New Zealand is New Zealand’s national carrier and is owned by the New Zealand government. The airline offers great inflight services and entertainment. It has a great reputation for its quality of service and has won several awards over the years. If you’re looking for an alternative to Qantas and Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand is a good choice. 

All of these carriers can be considered reliable airlines. They offer a combination of good services and excellent options, which makes them a solid choice for both domestic and international travellers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Virgin Australia reliable?

A: Yes! Virgin Australia often ranks second in Australia and is considered a very reliable airline.

Q. What airlines are flying to Australia?

A: Australia is a very popular and important destination so almost every major airline in the world operates flights to Australia. Some of the most popular international airlines include Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air India, SriLankan Airways, and more.

Q. Which ate the most popular carriers on the Australian airlines’ list?

A: The most popular carriers are Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia.

Now that you know which airlines to book, it is time to book one! MyTicketsToIndia has associations with airlines and airline consolidators that help us offer bumper discounts just book tickets to India and back. With us, convenient and easy ticket booking services are a given. Hence, we are just a call away if you’re looking for affordable flights, great discounts, and hassle-free booking. You can even join the live chat for a quick resolution to queries. 

About Heena | View Posts

A writer by both passion and profession, Heena Ganotra is "half agony, half hope" but all heart. And oh, she has been a book lover from the start! Her love for books is what convinced her to make a career in the wonderful world of words. She loves what she does and is out-and-out a satisfied soul with a wish to spread happiness and kindness in abundance. Insight- Some say she is living the best life anyone could because she reads, writes, travels, and makes merry. They’re right because what else does one really need! :)