South African regional carrier FlySafair has been awarded the title of Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards 2025. The airline was awarded first place in this competitive category, reflecting its performance in the region's low-cost travel sector.
Lift, another South African domestic airline and last year’s winner, secured the position of second-best low-cost airline in Africa in 2025. Zimbabwe-based Fastjet, which operates domestic flights in Zimbabwe and regional flights across southern Africa, claimed the third spot.
In addition, South African airline Airlink was recognized as the Cleanest Airline in Africa for 2025, reflecting its high standards in aircraft cleanliness and onboard hygiene.
The 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards were based on the results of a global passenger satisfaction survey conducted between September 2024 and May 2025. More than 100 nationalities participated, with responses carefully screened to remove duplicate or ineligible entries. Over 325 airlines were included in the final results, making the Skytrax Awards one of the most comprehensive airline rankings in the industry.
Showing posts with label airline. Show all posts
Showing posts with label airline. Show all posts
18 June 2025
Survey: FlySafair named best low-cost airline in Africa 2025!
24 June 2024
Survey: LIFT named best low-cost airline in Africa 2024!
South African domestic airline, LIFT, has been named Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa in the 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards. South African regional airline FlySafair, winner of the previous three years, was voted second best in Africa 2024. African airline Fastjet, which mainly operates flights in and from Zimbabwe, was named third best low-cost airline in Africa 2024.
South Africa's flag carrier airline, South African Airways (SAA), was named Cleanest Airline in Africa 2024 and its staff was rated second best in Africa 2024.
The Skytrax World Airline Awards 2024 are based on customer responses to an online survey which was operated from September 2023 to May 2024. Over 100 customer nationalities participated in the survey. All survey entries were screened to identify IP and user information, with duplicate, suspect or ineligible entries deleted. More than 350 airlines are featured in the final Award results.
31 December 2022
eSwatini: eSwatini Air has finally received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) [update]
update (01 February 2023): According to statements by Eswatini Air on Facebook, the airline still working on logistics that can only be resumed after the license (AOC) is received. We'll continue to keep you posted!
eSwatini Air, the new flag carrier of the Kingdom of eSwatini, has finally received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC). According to a posting on Facebook, the airline will revert with fares and a schedule for its routes.
If plans are not changing, eSwatini Air will initially offer direct nonstop flights between eSwatini's King Mswati III International Airport (SHO) in Sikhuphe and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg in South Africa as well as Robert G. Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare in Zimbabwe.
eSwatini Air initially targeted the end of March 2022 to conclude the Air Operator Certificate (AOC), but than postponed it to late May or early June 2022. It than announced that services would be launched in June 2022. In May 2022, eSwatini Air said that operations are set to launch in mid-2022. In August 2022, the Royal Eswatini National Airways Corporation (RENAC) posted on LinkedIn that "the wait will soon be over".
01 July 2021
Covid-19: LIFT Airline temporarily suspends operations!
South African domestic airline LIFT has announced the temporary suspension of flights. The airline, which is currently only operating flights between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, will cancel all flights from 05 July 2021 - 31 July 2021 and will resume scheduled services again from 01 August 2021. All affected LIFT travellers will be provided with an alternative flight. According to the airline, the impact of the new regulations in South Africa and the third Covid-19 wave has has led to the decision to temporarily suspend services. We'll keep you posted!
LIFT is a joint venture between Gidon Novick, the former CEO of Kulula.com, former Uber executive Jonathan Ayache and Global Airways, a South African-based aircraft leasing company. The airline was established in October 2020 and commenced operations on 10 December 2020.
09 November 2020
"Lift": South Africa's newest low-cost airline to launch operations in December 2020!
South Africa's newest low-cost airline, Lift, is set to launch operations on 10 December 2020. The airline's website will be open for online bookings from 10 November 2020. Lift, which will initially make use of Global Aviation's aircraft (three Airbus A320-200), maintenance facilities, cabin crew, pilots and its central flight control facility, will operate seven return flights a day between Cape Town, George and Johannesburg. The airline will offer fully flexible tickets and customers will be able to change their flight as many times as they want to without fees.
Lift is a partnership between established South African airline Global Aviation, which main strategy is to offer fully crewed, maintained and insured aircraft (ACMI) for established airlines, the founder of South African low-cost carrier Kulula, Gidon Novick, and former Uber executive Jonathan Ayache.
05 October 2012
South Africa: Mango's entire fleet is now online!
The entire fleet, comprising six new-generation Boeing B737-800 aircraft, of South Africa's low cost airline Mango is now fitted with the G-Connect In-Flight Wi-Fi service. The service allows full on-board Internet connectivity, including web browsing, sending and receiving of e-mails as well as the use of all social networks.
G-Connect is compatible with most WiFi-enabled devices, including smartphones, tablets and laptops.
Mango and G-Connect are celebrating the completion of the fleet rollout by offering on-board connectivity at R1 for a day pass and R2 for a week’s access pass during October 2012 on all flights.
G-Connect is compatible with most WiFi-enabled devices, including smartphones, tablets and laptops.
Mango and G-Connect are celebrating the completion of the fleet rollout by offering on-board connectivity at R1 for a day pass and R2 for a week’s access pass during October 2012 on all flights.
16 May 2012
Virgin Atlantic to allow cellphone calls during flights
British Airline Virgin Atlantic teamed up with AeroMobile, a GSM service provider for the aviation industry, to bring an in-flight cell phone service for voice calls to its new Airbus A330-300 aircrafts and refitted Boeing 747s. AeroMobile’s technology creates a small cell network on the plane, which routes calls from the aircraft through a satellite network that relays the calls to the ground. During flights, six passengers at a time will also be able to use the service for sending and receiving text messages, emails and web access via GPRS. As U.S. regulations forbid cell phone usage on commercial flights, the service won’t be available on flights to New York or other destinations in the US Virgin Atlantic is operating flights to.
Initially, the service will only be available for customers of European cell phone providers O2 and Vodafone. International roaming costs will apply during fights.
Initially, the service will only be available for customers of European cell phone providers O2 and Vodafone. International roaming costs will apply during fights.
05 January 2012
South African Airways won two awards from two U.S. travel magazines
South Africa's flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA) , has won two awards from two prestigious U.S. travel magazines. Business Traveler magazine has awarded SAA with the "Best Airline to Africa" and "Best Business Class in Africa" awards, while Global Traveler magazine has named South African Airways as "Best Airline in Africa" and "Best Sparkling Wine in Business Class".
Global Traveler ’s award for "Best Sparkling Wine in Business Class" went to SAA for its Philip Jonker Entheos Brut NV.
South African Airways is flying daily nonstop from the U.S. to South Africa with morning departures from New York's JFK Airport and afternoon direct services from Washington Dulles (with a stop in Dakar, Senegal).
South African Airways' network is featuring seamless connections to nearly 20 destinations within South Africa and to more than 25 cities across the rest of the continent. As a Star Alliance member, South African Airways is able to offer its customers 1,290 destinations in 189 countries and more than 21,000 flights daily, including convenient connections from more than 25 cities in the U.S. through code share service with Star Alliance member United Airlines.
Global Traveler ’s award for "Best Sparkling Wine in Business Class" went to SAA for its Philip Jonker Entheos Brut NV.
South African Airways is flying daily nonstop from the U.S. to South Africa with morning departures from New York's JFK Airport and afternoon direct services from Washington Dulles (with a stop in Dakar, Senegal).
South African Airways' network is featuring seamless connections to nearly 20 destinations within South Africa and to more than 25 cities across the rest of the continent. As a Star Alliance member, South African Airways is able to offer its customers 1,290 destinations in 189 countries and more than 21,000 flights daily, including convenient connections from more than 25 cities in the U.S. through code share service with Star Alliance member United Airlines.
29 December 2011
Behind-The-Scenes: Your bag's journey after you've checked in (video)
To promote a free mobile app that allows you to track your luggage, Delta Air Lines made the following video that shows you where your bags go after they pass through those black rubber flaps at the airport.
Due to "security reasons", and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the probably most interesting part of the bag's journey from Atlanta to New York in the US could not be filmed, but it is still good to see that they handle your luggage with a certain care at the two aiports. Let's just imagine that this is how they do it everywhere in the world. Thx Delta!
Due to "security reasons", and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the probably most interesting part of the bag's journey from Atlanta to New York in the US could not be filmed, but it is still good to see that they handle your luggage with a certain care at the two aiports. Let's just imagine that this is how they do it everywhere in the world. Thx Delta!
23 December 2011
Brussels Airlines increases frequencies to Nairobi (Kenya) & four other African destinations
Belgium's largest airline, Brussels Airlines, will increase its international flight frequencies to five African destinations. From April 2012 the airline will enhance travel possibilities and seat capacities to/from Nairobi (Kenya) and Bujumbura (Burundi) in East Africa and to/from Yaoundé, Douala (Cameroon) and Abidjan (Ivory Coast) in West Africa as well as to/from Kinshasa in the DR Congo.
Thanks to the timing of the flights, passengers will be able to connect seamlessly between these new flights and other Brussels Airlines' flights within Europe or to/from the United States.
As from April 2012, Brussels Airline will offer four weekly flights to Nairobi in Kenya and three weekly flights to Bujumbura in Burundi. Weekly frequencies to the capital of Cameroon, Yaoundé, will be increased from two to six, while Douala will be linked daily to Brussels Airport instead of the current 3 flights weekly. The airline will also increase its flight offer to Abidjan (Ivory Coast) to a daily service. Flights to Kinshasa will be operated non-stop from Brussels every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Direct non-stop flights from Kinshasa to Brussels will be offered six times a week.
Thanks to the timing of the flights, passengers will be able to connect seamlessly between these new flights and other Brussels Airlines' flights within Europe or to/from the United States.
As from April 2012, Brussels Airline will offer four weekly flights to Nairobi in Kenya and three weekly flights to Bujumbura in Burundi. Weekly frequencies to the capital of Cameroon, Yaoundé, will be increased from two to six, while Douala will be linked daily to Brussels Airport instead of the current 3 flights weekly. The airline will also increase its flight offer to Abidjan (Ivory Coast) to a daily service. Flights to Kinshasa will be operated non-stop from Brussels every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Direct non-stop flights from Kinshasa to Brussels will be offered six times a week.
06 December 2011
1Time to operate flights ex Lanseria Airport from March 2012
South African budget airline 1time will commence flights from Lanseria International Airport in Johannesburg in March 2012. The airline will operate two daily flights between Lanseria <> Cape Town & Lanseria <> Durban.
Privately owned Lanseria International Airport is situated north of Randburg and Sandton to the north west of Johannesburg.
Privately owned Lanseria International Airport is situated north of Randburg and Sandton to the north west of Johannesburg.
30 November 2011
South Africa: 1time to offer more flights in December
South Africa's budget airline 1time has increased the number of flights available during the festive season to meet the customer demand in December.
The airline is offering 52 additional flights on the George <> Johannesburg route, 32 more flights between Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth, 26 additional frequencies between Johannesburg and East London as well as 16 extra flights between Cape Town and East London.
The airline is offering 52 additional flights on the George <> Johannesburg route, 32 more flights between Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth, 26 additional frequencies between Johannesburg and East London as well as 16 extra flights between Cape Town and East London.
03 November 2011
Emirates is the "Favourite Long-Haul Airline" in the UK Telegraph 2011 Travel Awards
Emirates was named the Favourite Long-Haul Airline in the UK Telegraph 2011 Travel Awards. The international airline took the top spot in one of two airline categories covering Short-Haul and Long-Haul air travel.
The awards are based on the results of a poll of 23,000 UK Telegraph readers who were asked to select their favourite travel cplaces, experiences, and travel, tourism and hospitality service providers. The awards are viewed as a benchmark of quality and are highly sought after within the UK travel industry.
Emirates operates 15 daily flights from Dubai to the UK, arriving at Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow.
The flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates is in total operating over 2,400 passenger flights per week to 111 cities in 62 countries across six continents. Emirates also operates three of the world's ten longest non-stop commercial flights from Dubai to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston.
The awards are based on the results of a poll of 23,000 UK Telegraph readers who were asked to select their favourite travel cplaces, experiences, and travel, tourism and hospitality service providers. The awards are viewed as a benchmark of quality and are highly sought after within the UK travel industry.
Emirates operates 15 daily flights from Dubai to the UK, arriving at Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow.
The flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates is in total operating over 2,400 passenger flights per week to 111 cities in 62 countries across six continents. Emirates also operates three of the world's ten longest non-stop commercial flights from Dubai to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston.
27 September 2011
Etihad Airways wins "Airline of the Year" Award
Etihad Airways has been named Airline of the year in the 2011 TTG Travel Awards. The TTG Travel Awards are run by United Kingdom's industry leading trade newspaper, the Travel Trade Gazette.
The TTG Award is the latest in a series of honours to be bestowed on Etihad Airways in recent months. These include Etihad's Diamond First Class being judged the best in the world for the second year running by Skytrax, the aviation industry's pre-eminent global rankings system, determined by the votes of 19 million travellers from more than 100 different countries.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, began operations in 2003, and in 2010 carried more than seven million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad is currently operating flights to 72 cities in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, with a fleet of 61 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and 100 aircraft on order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world’s largest passenger aircraft.
The TTG Award is the latest in a series of honours to be bestowed on Etihad Airways in recent months. These include Etihad's Diamond First Class being judged the best in the world for the second year running by Skytrax, the aviation industry's pre-eminent global rankings system, determined by the votes of 19 million travellers from more than 100 different countries.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, began operations in 2003, and in 2010 carried more than seven million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad is currently operating flights to 72 cities in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, with a fleet of 61 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and 100 aircraft on order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world’s largest passenger aircraft.
14 September 2011
2011 Passenger Choice Awards: South African Airways voted best in Africa
The 2011 Passenger Choice Awards were announced on 12 September 2011. The awards, created by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and voted on by the travelling public, was designed to recognise the airlines for their service, products and innovations. The awards program is entirely independent of any commercial influence, ensuring its neutrality. Since its launch in 2010, the Passenger Choice Awards survey has become increasingly popular with air travellers; participation has increased more than 100 percent over 2010.
The winners of the 2011 Passenger Choice Awards are:
Best Overall Passenger Experience (Over 50 IFE EQUIPPED IN FLEET) – Emirates
Best Overall Passenger Experience (Up to 50 IFE EQUIPPED IN FLEET) – Virgin America
Best in Region: Africa – South African Airways
Best in Region: Americas – Virgin America
Best in Region: Asia and Australasia – V Australia
Best in Region: Europe – Virgin Atlantic
Best in Region: Middle East – Emirates
Best Inflight Publication – Avianca
Best IFE User Interface – V Australia
Best Inflight Connectivity & Communications – Oman Air
Best Inflight Video – Virgin America
Best Cabin Ambiance – JetBlue
Best Food & Beverage in conjunction with IFSA – V Australia
Best Ground Experience – Virgin America
Another winner at the Passenger Choice Awards was Air New Zealand, which won the Avion Award for Best Single Achievement in Passenger Experience for the Skycouch Family Experience.
The winners of the 2011 Passenger Choice Awards are:
Best Overall Passenger Experience (Over 50 IFE EQUIPPED IN FLEET) – Emirates
Best Overall Passenger Experience (Up to 50 IFE EQUIPPED IN FLEET) – Virgin America
Best in Region: Africa – South African Airways
Best in Region: Americas – Virgin America
Best in Region: Asia and Australasia – V Australia
Best in Region: Europe – Virgin Atlantic
Best in Region: Middle East – Emirates
Best Inflight Publication – Avianca
Best IFE User Interface – V Australia
Best Inflight Connectivity & Communications – Oman Air
Best Inflight Video – Virgin America
Best Cabin Ambiance – JetBlue
Best Food & Beverage in conjunction with IFSA – V Australia
Best Ground Experience – Virgin America
Another winner at the Passenger Choice Awards was Air New Zealand, which won the Avion Award for Best Single Achievement in Passenger Experience for the Skycouch Family Experience.
25 July 2011
Velvet Sky increases frequencies
South Africa's latest budget airline Velvet Sky will increase frequencies on its existing routes from August 2011. With the introduction of a second Boeing 737 aircraft to its fleet the airline will be able to expand operations on its existing Johannesburg <> Cape Town and Johannesburg <> Durban routes.
Velvet Sky saw its inaugural flight take off from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Durban on 22 March 2011. The airline is currently operating a Boeing 737, which it sourced from international aircraft leasing company Aergo.
Velvet Sky saw its inaugural flight take off from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Durban on 22 March 2011. The airline is currently operating a Boeing 737, which it sourced from international aircraft leasing company Aergo.
29 June 2011
South Africa: SA National Taxi Council to launch low-cost airline "Santaco Express"
South Africa's news website news24.com is reporting that the SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) will be launching a low-cost airline in September 2011 as one of many initiatives planned by the council to reform the taxi industry. The new budget airline will be named Santaco Express and will initially operate one or two flights a day between Lanseria in Gauteng to Bhisho in the Eastern Cape, and then on to Cape Town International Airport. The first official take off is planned for November 2011.
Flights with Santaco Express will be operated by Air Aquarius (AirQuarius Aviation?), which works with SA Express and SA Airlink. Air Aquarius (AirQuarius Aviation?) will also supply the 100-seater aircraft, crew and the necessary aviation licences. Santaco is expecting to take over the aviation operation from Air Aquarius within 18 to 24 months.
News24.com is quoting Santaco business development officer Nkululeko Buthelezi saying "I can see some of you rolling your eyes because of how our taxi drivers drive... I can assure you we won’t allow our taxi drivers to drive [the planes]". Fair enough...
Flights with Santaco Express will be operated by Air Aquarius (AirQuarius Aviation?), which works with SA Express and SA Airlink. Air Aquarius (AirQuarius Aviation?) will also supply the 100-seater aircraft, crew and the necessary aviation licences. Santaco is expecting to take over the aviation operation from Air Aquarius within 18 to 24 months.
News24.com is quoting Santaco business development officer Nkululeko Buthelezi saying "I can see some of you rolling your eyes because of how our taxi drivers drive... I can assure you we won’t allow our taxi drivers to drive [the planes]". Fair enough...
Lufthansa names Airbus A380 “Johannesburg”
In a festive ceremony held at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport, Germany's flag carrier Lufthansa named one their Airbus A380s "Johannesburg". Following the naming ceremony, the aircraft departed for a scenic flight to the Western Cape, performing a low overflight of Cape Town and the Table Mountain.
Johannesburg became Lufthansa's third A380 destination in September 2010, right after Tokyo and Beijing. Meanwhile, New York, San Francisco and Miami have been added as further destinations served by Lufthansa's new flagship. As of 30 October, when the winter timetable goes into effect, Lufthansa will operate a daily A380 service on its Frankfurt-Singapore route as well, bringing the number of A380 destinations to seven.
Johannesburg became Lufthansa's third A380 destination in September 2010, right after Tokyo and Beijing. Meanwhile, New York, San Francisco and Miami have been added as further destinations served by Lufthansa's new flagship. As of 30 October, when the winter timetable goes into effect, Lufthansa will operate a daily A380 service on its Frankfurt-Singapore route as well, bringing the number of A380 destinations to seven.
08 June 2011
Zambezi Airlines and Kenya Airways signed commercial partnership agreement
Zambian airline Zambezi Airlines and Kenya's flag carrier Kenya Airways have signed a new commercial partnership agreement. Passengers of Zambezi Airlines can now purchase tickets to travel to any of the Kenya Airways 50 destinations in Africa, the Middle East, the Far East, Asia, Europe and America via the airline's hub in Nairobi. Zambezi Airlines operates flights from Lusaka to the Kenyan capital every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.
26 May 2011
Lufthansa's biofuel plans
update (18 July 2011): Lufthansa launched a six-month biofuel trial on regular scheduled flights on Friday (15 July 2011). A Lufthansa Airbus A321 will fly the Hamburg-Frankfurt-Hamburg route four times daily. One of its engines will run on a 50/50 mix of regular fuel and biosynthetic kerosene.
Germany's flag carrier Lufthansa was quite optimistic back in November 2010 when Lufthansa Chairman and CEO Wolfgang Mayrhuber presented a biofuel project named "burnFAIR" aimed at underpinning the sustainability of air traffic. The airline's plan was to start using biofuel from April 2011, for a six month trial period, in a 50/50 mix with kerosene on its Hamburg to Frankfurt run.
Back in February 2011, Lufthansa had to postpone the project by at least a month because the biofuel was not certified in time by certifying body ASTM International.
Lufthansa, which is aiming to become the first airline to operate scheduled passenger flights powered partly by renewable fuel, will now hopefully continue the project anytime from late May 2011.
The good news is that the airline has already signed an agreement with Neste Oil, a Finnish oil refining company, for the supply of jet fuel derived from vegetable oil. No it is only up to certifying body ASTM International to let the project start!
Germany's flag carrier Lufthansa was quite optimistic back in November 2010 when Lufthansa Chairman and CEO Wolfgang Mayrhuber presented a biofuel project named "burnFAIR" aimed at underpinning the sustainability of air traffic. The airline's plan was to start using biofuel from April 2011, for a six month trial period, in a 50/50 mix with kerosene on its Hamburg to Frankfurt run.
Back in February 2011, Lufthansa had to postpone the project by at least a month because the biofuel was not certified in time by certifying body ASTM International.
Lufthansa, which is aiming to become the first airline to operate scheduled passenger flights powered partly by renewable fuel, will now hopefully continue the project anytime from late May 2011.
The good news is that the airline has already signed an agreement with Neste Oil, a Finnish oil refining company, for the supply of jet fuel derived from vegetable oil. No it is only up to certifying body ASTM International to let the project start!
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