Celebrating Excellence: oneworld Reigns Supreme in the 2023 Cellars in the Sky Awards
For the 13th year in a row, the oneworld alliance has clinched the coveted title of Best Airline Alliance for in-flight wines at the prestigious Cellars in the Sky Awards. This remarkable achievement, announced in 2024, solidifies oneworld’s commitment to exceptional passenger experiences, extending beyond comfort and convenience to encompass a truly discerning palate.
A Toast to Quality: Award Recognition and Rigorous Testing
The Cellars in the Sky Awards, running since 1985, is a highly respected competition judged by renowned wine experts. This year, over 280 wines from 30 airlines were meticulously blind-tasted by esteemed judges, including winemaker John Worontschak, Masters of Wine Sam Caporn and Peter McCombie, with Charles Metcalfe, founder of the International Wine Challenge, presiding as head judge. This rigorous process ensures only the finest in-flight wines are recognized.
oneworld Takes Center Stage: A Collection of Coveted Awards
At the London ceremony, oneworld’s VP Europe, Middle East and Africa, Roger Blackburn, proudly accepted the Gold award for Best Airline Alliance. He expressed his delight and acknowledged the collective effort of oneworld member airlines: “We are thrilled to celebrate all our carriers who participated in this year’s Cellars in the Sky Awards. Their dedication to offering exceptional wines has once again earned oneworld the top spot, solidifying our reputation for in-flight luxury.”
But the accolades didn’t stop there. oneworld member Qantas had a particularly impressive showing, bagging a record-breaking thirteen medals across nine categories. These included Best Business Class White, Best Business Class Red, Best Business Class Cellar, and Best Overall Cellar, demonstrating their unmatched commitment to curating a truly distinguished on-board wine experience.
Beyond Qantas: Individual Member Airline Accolades
Several other oneworld member airlines also received well-deserved recognition:
- American Airlines: Silver in First Class Rosé
- British Airways: Silver in First Class Red and First Class Sparkling, Bronze in First Class Rosé
- Japan Airlines: Bronze in First Class White and First Class Best Wine List
- Malaysia Airlines: Gold in First Class White, Bronze in First Class Sparkling and First Class Cellar
- Qatar Airways: Gold in First Class Rosé, Silver in Business Class Red and Business Class Cellar, Bronze in First Class Fortified / Dessert Wine and Business Class White
These individual awards highlight the collective strength of the oneworld alliance, where each member airline contributes to the overall reputation for exceptional in-flight dining experiences.
Beyond the Awards: A Commitment to Passenger Delight
oneworld’s consistent dominance in the Cellars in the Sky Awards reflects a broader commitment to exceeding passenger expectations. By partnering with renowned wineries and carefully selecting premium wines, oneworld airlines elevate the in-flight experience, transforming air travel into a sensory journey to be savored. This dedication to quality extends beyond award recognition, serving as a testament to the alliance’s dedication to continuous improvement and passenger satisfaction.
Looking Ahead: Continued Excellence and Passenger Focus
As the air travel landscape continues to evolve, oneworld remains steadfast in its commitment to providing unparalleled experiences. Continued participation in prestigious awards like the Cellars in the Sky Awards not only serves as a benchmark for excellence but also fuels a passionate pursuit of improvement. Whether it’s through innovative partnerships, meticulous curation, or personalized service, oneworld strives to ensure every journey is marked by exceptional taste and unforgettable moments.
