





Ethiopian Airlines has been named Africa’s best airline for 2019 at the annual World Airline Awards, announced at the Paris Air Show on Tuesday.

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.

According to the list, these are the top 10 best airlines in Africa 2019

1. Ethiopian Airlines (World Rank: 44)

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.

Ethiopia’s flag carrier is wholly owned by the government and was launched in December 1945 and commenced operations on 8 April 1946, expanding to international flights in 1951. The firm became a share company in 1965, and changed its name from Ethiopian Air Lines to Ethiopian Airlines. Its hub and headquarters are at Bole International Airport from where it serves a network of 113 passenger destinations —19 of them domestic— and 35 freighter destinations. Ethiopian flies to more destinations in Africa than any other carrier. It is one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry. It is one of the most profitable airlines in Africa.

2. South African Airways (World Rank: 46)

The largest airline in South Africa, and the second best airline in Africa, South African Airways has its headquarters in Airways Park at OR Tambo International Airport. The airline flies to 56 destinations worldwide, in partnership with SA Express, SA Airlink and its low cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub at OR Tambo International Airport, using a fleet of 54 aircraft.

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 (World Rank: 61)

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.

The airline is headquartered at the Air Mauritius Centre in Port Louis, Mauritius. Its main hub is Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. The company is the fourth largest carrier in Sub-Saharan Africa, and has an important standing in the European, African, and Indian Ocean region markets; the airline won the “2011 Indian Ocean Leading Airline Prize”, making it the seventh year in a row for it to win the award.

4. Air Seychelles (World Rank: 88)

Air Seychelles is the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, with its head office located at Seychelles International Airport on the island of Mahé. It operates inter-island services, charter services and international flights. Its main base is Seychelles International Airport. As the main driver of tourism in Seychelles, it is one of the core pillars of the national economy.

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 (World Rank: 90)

Kenya Airways Ltd., more commonly known as Kenya Airways, is the flag carrier of Kenya. The company was founded in 1977, after the dissolution of East African Airways. The carrier’s head office is located in Embakasi, Nairobi, with its hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.The airline was wholly owned by the Government of Kenya until April 1995, and it was privatised in 1996, becoming the first African flag carrier to successfully do so. Kenya Airways is currently a public-private partnership.

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 (World Rank: 93)

More commonly known as RAM, Royal Air Maroc is the Moroccan national carrier as well as the country’s largest airline. RAM is fully owned by the government of Morocco, and has its headquarters on the grounds of Casablanca-Anfa Airport.

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 Plc is a British-based holding company for a group of low-cost carriers that are, or are expected to be, operating in Africa. The company’s stated aim is to become the continent’s first low-cost, pan-African airline.

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 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.

The airline dropped one place down from last year.

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 t hird 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.

Methodology

The methodology used for determining the best airlines was based on cabin service, ground/airport services and onboard conduct. You can read more about it here







