Emirates, the international airline of the UAE, has been voted Airline of the Year 2001, in what was claimed to be the largest-ever global survey of airline passengers.

In all, 2.7 million votes were submitted over a period of nine months from all over the world.

Conducted by Skytrax Research of the UK, the survey asked passengers to rank airlines by the quality of the product and service provided. Singapore Airlines came in second, Cathay Pacific third, British Airways fourth and Thai Airways fifth.

Skytrax managing director Edward Plaisted said that the survey was unique from a number of perspectives: "This was a truly global voting process and not restricted by the influences one often sees with polls conducted on a regional basis. It allowed for smaller airlines to compete on an even basis with the world's majors."

Monthly ranking snapshots were taken throughout the survey process and Emirates was strong performer during the whole voting period, resulting in it scooping the Airline of the Year title.

Maurice Flanagan, Emirates group managing director, said: "We are delighted to be recognised by customers in this world-wide airline survey. The award testifies to the unbeatable product that we offer passengers - a combination of the most modern aircraft, latest on-board facilities and the highest standard of service in the sky.

Respondents were asked to rate the best airport service at the airline's home base, cabin seating standards, onboard catering, inflight entertainment and cabin staff service.