Emirates was tabbed as the world's best airline, according to the annual airline ratings published by SkyTrax, USA Today reported.

Emirates' win was its first top finish in the SkyTrax World Airline Awards since 2002. Emirates jumped from eighth to first in the 2013 ratings, overtaking two-time defending winner Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways did not fall far, however, with the overall ratings reflecting the strength of the fast-growing "Gulf carriers." Qatar Airways finished No. 2 while Abu Dhabi-based Etihad finished No. 7, meaning all three of the big three Gulf carriers finished in the global top 10.

As usual, Asian airlines also fared well. Third-place Singapore Airlines took the highest spot of the five Asian carriers (not counting the Gulf carriers) that cracked the top 10.