SIA tops Asian list among 50 most admired global firms

Singapore Airlines (SIA) is among the 50 most admired companies in the world, scoring top marks for the quality of its products and services.

An annual poll by Fortune magazine, which was released last week, ranked SIA No. 19 on the list, down one spot from last year's 18th position.

It noted in its rankings that the airline had recently launched a new premium economy class.

SIA was the highest-ranked Asian company on the list, and the only one from Singapore.

The top three spots were taken by Apple, Google and Berkshire Hathaway, which is in the insurance and property business.

The other airlines on the admired list of 50 are Southwest Airlines at No. 7 and Delta Air Lines in 39th place.

Compiled by Fortune with survey partner Hay Group, the annual ranking starts with a comparison of about 1,400 companies which are listed on two other Fortune lists.

The firm asked executives, directors and analysts to rate companies in their own industry on nine criteria, including investment value, quality of products and services, social responsibility and people management.

More than 4,000 executives were involved in finalising the list of top 50 most admired companies.

SIA spokesman Nicholas Ionides said that while the airline is not in the business to seek out such accolades, "it is a validation of the hard work and dedication of our staff all over the world, who have helped Singapore Airlines become a company that competes on a global level".

He added: "Amid increasing competition in our industry, this recognition will help drive us to develop further as a global airline group, focused on providing air transportation services of the highest quality and maximising returns for the benefit of our shareholders and employees."

Fortune magazine highlighted on its list the airline's move to launch a new premium economy class. Travellers from Singapore to Sydney will be the first to experience the new product on Aug 9.

Offering economy passengers better comfort and services for a higher fare, which will vary depending on the day and time of travel, the new class will be progressively extended to more destinations, including London, Frankfurt, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

The new class will initially be introduced on 19 Airbus 380s, 19 777-300ERs and the airline's first 20 A-350s, with a total investment of an estimated US$80 million (S$109 million).

karam@sph.com.sg


This article was first published on February 24, 2015.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

Become a fan on Facebook