Emirates has been voted the world's best airline by passengers at the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards.

The awards -- decided by 18.2 million passengers in 160 countries around the world -- judge airlines on everything from the cleanliness of the cabin to the quality of the in-flight food and entertainment.

Emirates was also named best airline in the Middle East, and won a third award for its in-flight entertainment system.

Emirates has been voted the world's best airline, and best in-flight entertainment, by passengers at the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards.

Cathay Pacific's cabin crew were crowned the world's best, while Air Asia took the prize for best low-cost airline. Japan's ANA won a new award for cabin cleanliness, as well as receiving a five-star airline rating.

John Slosar, CEO of Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific said the win was recognition for the company's "fabulous team."

Presenting the awards, CNN's Richard Quest said consistency was key to the success of those crowned the best in the world.

"It's all about the ability to deliver a product every time -- every flight, for every passenger in every class."

The Skytrax World Airline Awards were established in 1999; they are compiled from the world's largest airline passenger satisfaction survey -- responses to questionnaires in English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian.

(Source: CNN)