Bandar Seri Begawan - In its 2004 survey of airline services worldwide, Skytrax, the world`s best known and most recognised independent assessor of airline quality, has ranked Royal Brunei Airlines` Business Class in 5th position out of 21 airlines surveyed in the Asian region, a press release said.

This is a marked improvement from 16th position in 2003.

The ranking places RBA just behind Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Air Nippon Airways, and ahead of every other Asian carriers, including Malaysia Airlines, Japan Airlines, Thai International, Air New Zealand and Korean Air.

In a ranking of 68 airlines surveyed worldwide, RBA is placed in 9th position, ahead of such big-named carriers as Emirates, Lufthansa, Swiss International and Air France.

The Skytrax ranking is based on a comprehensive survey of all aspects of airline service, including ground service, lounge facilities, in flight comfort and amenities, frequent flyer programmes and cabin crew service.

An RBA spokesman was quoted as saying, ``we are delighted that the efforts we have put into improving the business class product have been recognised and have put us into the top tier of the world`s airlines.

This achievement is not only due to the introduction of the Sky Lounge. SkyDreamer seats, Sky Show in-flight entertainment.

Royal Skies frequent flyer programme, new menus and new aircraft, but also due to the dedication of our flight crews and ground staff, who have worked hard to deliver a consistently improved level of service.``

Asian ranking in full:

Cathay Pacific

Singapore Airlines

Qantas

Nippon Airlines

Royal Brunei Airlines

Japan Airlines

Malaysian Airlines

Asiana Airlines

Thai International

China Airlines

Air Tahiti

Korean Air

Sri Lankan Airlines

Philippine Airlines

Eva Airways

Garuda Indonesia

Air New Zealand

Vietnam Airlines

Air China

Pakistan International Airlines and

Air India.