Asia and the Gulf account for nine of the world's top 10 airlines, the latest survey by SkyTrax has found. 

The airline and airport consultance firm, which surveys more than 20 million fliers every year, announced that Singapore Airlines has been voted the best carrier in the world for 2018. Thai Airways was judged to be the 10th best airline, up from no.11 last year, while its Royal Orchid Spa scooped Best Airline Lounge Spa Facility 2018. 

This is the fourth time Singapore Airlines has claimed top honours since the annual awards were established in 1999. This year it also scooped the world's best first class airline airline (perhaps in part due to its stunning new first-class suites unveiled last year, packed with real bed, a leather armchair, a 32-inch HD screen and Bose noise-canceling headphones)

In all, Asia and the Gulf dominate the top 10 list, with Lufthansa the only European airline to make the cut at no. 7. 

Outside the top 10, Bangkok Airways came in at no.21 and AirAsia, winner of the Best Low Cost Airline, at no.28.

The top 10 are as follows