KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines moves up a rung to number 8th in the Top Airlines, Worldwide Category in the Best in Travel 2009 Poll by Smart Travel Asia, the dedicated travel magazine for Asia.

The national carrier is tied with Lufthansa in 8th position.

"We are delighted to receive the recognition and once again we are among the world's top 10 best airlines," Malaysia Airlines managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Azmil Zahruddin said in a statement.

The Best in Travel 2009 Poll by Smart Travel Asia measures readers' perceptions and favourite travel brands and ran from May to July this year.

The selection criteria is based on a combination of actual travel experience, word-of-mouth and an idea of the brand drawn from advertising and editorial exposure in the media, primarily online.

Voters of the poll took an average 12.84 air trips over the past 12 months and 60 per cent from America with annual household income of USD170,401.

Azmil said the national carrier was committed to providing its customers with seamless travel experience.

"One of our key initiatives is introducing new aircraft. Our customers will be among the first to enjoy the new, spacious 737-800 Boeing Sky Interior as we are the second airline in the world to take delivery of the aircraft from next year.

"We will also begin flying the A380 in 2011 and are currently reviewing orders for widebody aircraft," he said.

Malaysia Airlines was in 5th place in the category of Top 10 Airlines, Cabin Service and ranked 8th in the category of Top 10 Airlines, Business Class.

-- BERNAMA

AMY LES JS