f you come across an airline you’ve never heard of, naturally you’re going to assume the worst. But it’s not always the case.

We’ve put together a list of 10 great airlines you’ve never heard of, because they’re small, niche or simply don’t often serve the routes Kiwi tourists are visiting.

KULULA

This no-frills South African airline services Cape Town, Durban, East London, George and Johannesburg and is ranked among the world’s 10 safest budget airlines by airlineratings.

S7

With a garishly decorated fleet of about 60 aircraft, S7 used to be called Siberia Airlines and is growing fast. S7 serves an iconic flight is the one that goes from London to Dublin.

SPICEJET

Rather than personal transport for the likes of Geri Halliwell and Victoria Beckham, SpiceJet is a Chennai-based low cost airline with the slogan, “Whatever We Do, We Do It With All Our Heart.”

AIR NOSTRUM

A low cast option for patrons of Iberia has a small fleet of planes with a capacity of 100 passengers or fewer. Skytrax has given Air Nostrum a decent rating of 7.7 out of 10.

PEACH

One of the world’s newest airlines, Peach took to the skies in 2012 and serves 15 destinations with its fleet of 14 aircraft. Pilot shortages caused major issues last year, but it looks to be back on track.

AZUL

Despite it’s relatively young age (only six years old), Azul is already South America’s fourth largest airline with 144 aircraft. But it doesn’t fly to Europe, which is why many haven’t heard of it.

COPA AIRLINES

Copa Airlines is Panama’s flagship carrier and has quite a history, having been servicing the skies since 1944. That being said, Copa Airlines still hasn’t ventured beyond The Americas.

PORTER AIRLINES

Porter Airlines is a small carrier with no planes that can carry more than 78 passengers, but has a great safety record and was named the 55th best airline in the world by Skytrax rankings.

SILKAIR

Formed in 1976, SilkAir is Singapore’s second oldest airline, servicing 45 destinations with 29 aircraft. SilkAir was recently ranked the 40th best airline in the world according to Skytrax rankings.

DRAGONAIR

If for the coolness of the name, Dragonair takes out the top place and is ranked top out of obscure airlines by Skytrax. It is owned by the billionaire Swire family, among the richest people in travel.

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/75983661/10-best-airlines-youve-never-even-heard-of