In a worldwide survey conduced by an independent research agency, often called the Oscars of airline industry, Kingfisher Airlines has been selected as the best Indian carrier and Finnair the best in north Europe.

Vijay Mallya-led Airline received the accolades under three different sections -- best airline in India and Central Asia, best economy class seats and excellent staff service, whereas the Nordic carrier was named for its overall recital as a "four-star" airline.

London-based Skytrax declared the outcomes after a poll among 18 million air riders from some 100 different nations, which was conducted between July 2009 and April
2010.

Mallya, whose business interests span airlines and Formula 1 racing to spirits and beer, stated, "Being recognised by Skytrax is an honour and we would like to thank our valued guests who chose to fly Kingfisher Airlines."

Kingfisher Airlines is one of just six airline companies globally that presently meet the rigorous quality criteria which Skytrax set for this prestigious, top tier 5-Star airline ranking.

Among the other honors, Oneworld has been appointed best interline deal, Cathay Pacific the best transpacific airline, Dragonair the best regional carrier and Qantas for best premium economy class and seat.

"This confirms our product is already at the very highest level. Of course, we want to keep developing our service to make it even better."

While Finnair, which flies to India six times on a weekly basis, is a founder-member of Oneworld, Kingfisher is due to become its member soon, having signed a pact for membership in February. (With Inputs from Agencies)