SIA places 18th in Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies

Fortune Magazine has published its annual list of the World’s Most Admired Companies. Singapore’s very own flag carrier, Singapore Airlines (SIA), has snagged the 18th place out of 50 outstanding companies this year, rising from 2018’s ranking of 32nd place.

SIA is the highest-ranking Asian company on Fortune’s Top 50 list, besting industry giants Alibaba, Samsung and Toyota, the only other Asian companies to make the list. SIA is also representing Southeast Asia as the only company from the region to make the coveted list.

Fortune says that its ranking is the “definitive report card on corporate reputations”. 

The much-awaited annual list is based on a survey, where 3,750 executives, directors and analysts across a range of industries were asked to rank companies (from any and all industries) that they admired most.

Topping the list are Apple, Amazon and Berkshire Hathaway, which are in first, second and third place respectively.

SIA has been upping its performance, churning out awards and recognition over the years. Last October, the airline was also feature in another list – this time the top 50 “Genius Companies, an annual list put together by Time Magazine.

Time said that they were looking for firms which are driving progress for the present and inventing the future, considering factors such as influence, success, ambition and originality. They are the ones to watch out for.

SIA made Time’s list as well, being the only airline on the list and sharing the Asian spotlight with DJI and Xiaomi from China and Nintendo from Japan.

Below is a portion from Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies –  the top 20 most admired countries globally, courtesy of Fortune:

1. Apple

2. Amazon

3. Berkshire Hathaway

4. Walt Disney

5. Starbucks

6. Microsoft

7. Alphabet

8. Netflix

9. JPMorgan Chase

10. FedEx

11. Southwest Airlines

12. Costco Wholesale

13. Nike

14. Salesforce

15. Coca-Cola

16. American Express

17. Johnson & Johnson

18. Singapore Airlines

19. Boeing

20. Nordstrom

SIA has been engaged in a comprehensive, three-year transformation programme. The recognition from inclusion in Fortune’s list and traveller awards has put the airline well on the right road to going back to being the world’s best airline, according to SIA chief executive officer Goh Choon Phong.

Goh announced during his New Year Message that the programme has included operational enhancements, revenue growth and changes in organisation structure. SIA has seen notable progress in each of the three areas.

“With the positive momentum… we can be upbeat and assured that we are on the right path to better position the Group for the future,” said Goh.

“Underpinning the programme to date has been our goal to be the undisputed best airline in the world. We are well on our way, with so many improvements to the customer experience and recognition in multiple global rankings this year.”