Singapore Airlines is Australia’s most preferred way to fly around the world, the airline topping the list in the latest annual customer satisfaction results from Roy Morgan.

The airline scored a 90 per cent satisfaction rating, pipping Emirates on 89 per cent, and national carrier Qantas at 86 per cent.

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North American: United Airlines (49 per cent) and American Airlines (45 per cent) were on the nose with consumers, receiving the lowest customer satisfaction ratings.

Both Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand fared well, landing a satisfaction rating of 85 per cent.

The troubled Malaysia Airlines achieved 72 per cent, down from 85 per cent in July, 2010.

Roy Morgan Research group director Angela Smith said almost five million Australians aged over 14 flew with an international airline over the past year.

“Every one of those passengers would have an opinion on the quality of customer service they experienced – influenced by a range of factors such as the flight attendants, the meals served, the inflight entertainment, the cost of flights and airport check-in process.”

Interestingly, Qantas’ score of 86 per cent was its best result since measurements began in July, 2009.

“After some challenging years, spanning industrial unrest, revenue los and massive job cuts, Qantas has seen much improved customer satisfaction with its international service.”