Mumbai: Private carrier Kingfisher Airlines has been given the prestigious "5-Star Airline Status" by Skytrax, the world's leading independent travel forum and air travel information organisation.

The UB Group-promoted Kingfisher Airlines is the only domestic carrier to get this ranking.

The other Indian airlines are Jet Airways and Air India, which have been given three star ratings by Skytrax.

The other airlines falling in the 5-star status category are Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific Airways.

Commenting on the award, Kingfisher Airlines chairman and CEO Vijay Mallya said: "Being recognised by Skytrax is an honour and we would like to thank our valued guests who chose to fly Kingfisher Airlines."

Skytrax is a Britain-based consultancy that conducts research and surveys for commercial airlines. It carries out international-traveller surveys among all certified airlines in the world irrespective of size or nationality.

The survey is rated with star ranking levels on the basis of best cabin staff, airport, airline, airline lounge, in-flight entertainment, on-board catering, and several other elements of air travel.

The findings of the survey concluded that Kingfisher was delivering the highest standards of customer service.

The Kingfisher-Deccan Group is India's largest domestic airline group connecting 71 cities and offering over 540 flights daily with a modern fleet of 80 aircraft.

In August this year, Kingfisher plans to fly on international routes, starting with a Bangalore-San Francisco service.