Faith Nyasuguta
Africa’s aviation sector is soaring to new heights, and the latest Skytrax World Airline Awards -the aviation industry’s equivalent of the Oscars – has spotlighted the continent’s top performers, based on a global passenger satisfaction survey held from September 2024 to May 2025.
At the summit stands Ethiopian Airlines, which has retained its crown as Best Airline in Africa, an extraordinary feat maintained for the seventh consecutive year. Praised not only for its vast pan-African and global route network but also for excellence across cabins, the airline earned top accolades in Economy Class, Business Class, and Onboard Business Class Catering. Groundbreaking growth under its Vision 2035 strategy, doubling its fleet to 271 aircraft and expanding destinations to over 200, is fueling its rise.
In second place is Air Mauritius, praised for its modern fleet and warm customer service, connecting the island nation seamlessly to Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. With 12 aircraft serving 14 destinations and membership in the Vanilla Alliance, it’s gaining traction among travelers and industry peers.
Third spot belongs to RwandAir, recently honored as Africa’s Best Regional Airline. Thanks to investments in fleet renewal, service quality, and a strong partnership with Qatar Airways, RwandAir continues building its reputation as a regional gateway.
Completing the top five are South African Airways (SAA), ranked 67th globally this year, up from 69th, Egyptair and Royal Air Maroc. SAA’s steady rebound includes financial recovery and sustained route expansion post-pandemic.
Highlights of Africa’s top 10, per Skytrax:
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Air Mauritius
- RwandAir
- South African Airways
- Egyptair
- Royal Air Maroc
- Kenya Airways
- FlySafair
- LIFT
- Fastjet
These rankings show Africa’s aviation industry is maturing: legacy carriers and innovative startups are investing heavily in new aircraft, elevated service, and broader connectivity. While infrastructure gaps and policy hurdles remain, inclusion in the Skytrax Top 100 highlights growing standards.
Ethiopian, Air Mauritius and RwandAir’s success sets a bold precedent for passenger satisfaction- a sign of Africa’s bright and ambitious aviation future.
RELATED:
