Mumbai, Sep 1 (IANS) Air India has been ranked the ‘most trusted brand’ in aviation for the fifth consecutive year by the Economic Times Brand Equity Survey 2010, the national carrier said Wednesday.

‘Air India has also been ranked 28th among the top 50 service brands, ahead of leading banks, insurance companies, food chains and airlines,’ said an Air India spokesperson.

The survey, conducted by Economic Times in collaboration with market research agency Nielsen, identifies brands that bond with consumers.

A sample of 8,160 consumers across socio-economic classes, age, income and geography, was surveyed with parameters such as the brand’s quality of service, value for money, popularity, confidence and repurchase intent.

‘Air India, since its first flight on October 15, 1932, has grown to become a mega international airline with a network of 52 destinations across the USA, Europe, Canada, Far-East and South-East Asia and the Gulf,’ the spokesperson said.

The cash strapped airline’s domestic network covers 63 destinations, including far-flung areas of the Northeast, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

‘This is for the fifth year that the airline has won the top honour. Recently, AI was presented the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Gold Award for the fifth consecutive year,’ the spokesperson added.