The prestigious Skytrax 2019 World Airline Awards were held in Paris on the 18th of June and for the third consecutive year, Ethiopian Airlines emerged as the best airline in Africa.
Not only was Ethiopian Airlines awarded with the best in Africa, but also walked away as the Best Business Class in Africa and ‘Best Economy Class in Africa.
The methodology used for determining the best airlines was based on cabin service, ground/airport services and onboard conduct.
Below are the best airlines in Africa for 2019
1. Ethiopian Airlines
For the third consecutive year running, Ethiopian Airlines has taken the number one position as the best airlines in Africa. They have been unstoppable, as they have expanded their fleet and also are exploring new, under-served markets and destinations.
Ethiopian Airlines has now grown to more than 120 destinations across the world, equipped with 115 ultra-modern fleet. They are driven by an incessant need to satisfy their customers; meeting and exceeding their expectations. Ethiopian Airlines is the trailblazer when it comes to aviation in Africa.
2. South African Airways
The airline has managed to maintain its second position in Africa for two years in a row, with 35 destinations a fleet size of 47. It is the largest airline in South Africa and has its headquarters in Airways Park at OR Tambo International Airport. Previously, the airlines has been awarded the Best Airline Staff, Best Business Class Lounge, Best Cabin Crew and Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness.
3. Air Mauritius
Air Mauritius has retained the same position it had for 2017 and 2018. It has a fleet size of 15 and has 24 destinations. The airline recently added to its fleet the new Airbus A330-900neo jetliner, becoming the first airline in the Southern Hemisphere (and only the third in the world) to do so. For passengers flying direct from Heathrow to Mauritius, the A330900neo jetliner provides the perfect experience. The airlines also announced that it will be introducing a new direct flight to Seychelles commencing on July 2, 2019.
4. Air Seychelles
Responding to the direct flight launched by Air Mauritius, Air Seychelles upped their baggage allowance to 2 checked bags at 32 kg each on the route, beginning July 1. This applies to business class passengers. Economy class passengers have an allowance to to check in 2 suitcases at 20 kg each. The limit for most airlines is 23 kg. The airline is currently 40% owned by Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates.
5. Kenya Airways
Being the first carrier to successfully undergo privatization in 1996, there are now proposals from Kenyan lawmakers to nationalize Kenya Airways. The airline is Sub-Sahara's largest airline, but has been posting losses lately in the region of $59 million. Although saddled with debt, the airlines has plans to add up to twenty new destinations in Africa, Europe and Asia in the next five years.
6. Royal Air Maroc
This is Morocco's national carrier. It is fully owned by the government. From its base at Mohammed V International Airport, the carrier operates a domestic network in Morocco, scheduled international flights to Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America, and occasional charter flights that include Hajj services.
7. Fastjet
Fastjet has moved one place up from last year. It is an airline that is focused on low-cost services and it operates in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. t is a British/South African-based company. The company has been facing some financial struggles but it is determined to stay afloat.
8. Mango
Mango has dropped one place down from last year. Mango Airlines SOC Ltd, trading as Mango, is a state-owned South African low-cost airline based at OR Tambo International Airport near Johannesburg and a subsidiary of South African Airways. As a low cost airline, Mango features a uniform fleet of aircraft with high seating density. Mango also offers online ticketing. A standard booking does not include food and drinks. Mango offers a buy on board programme offering food and drinks for purchase.
9. Egyptair
This airline is a new entrant on the list of the best airlines in Africa. It is the flag carrier airline of Egypt. It has more than 75 destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Eurpoe, the Americas and Asia. It recently received its third Dreamliner aircraft, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
10. Kulula
kulula.com, sometimes simply known as kulula, (from the Nguni languages of Zulu and Xhosa, meaning It's easy) is a South African no-frills airline, operating on major domestic routes from OR Tambo International Airport and Lanseria International Airport, both just outside Johannesburg. The airline's headquarters are located at Bonaero Park, Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.
Header image credit - The National