Each year, the airline industry the world over anxiously awaits news on whether they have cracked the nod to win a Skytrax Award. This year, Mango Airlines is celebrating after being selected as Africa’s most affordable airline. Nic Vlok, Acting CEO of Mango Airlines said they are thrilled with the achievement, and attributed the success to continued hard work and dedication on delivering excellent customer service.
Other African airlines that scooped top awards include South African Airways (SAA) for ‘Best Airline Staff Service – by Global Region’, Royal Air Maroc for ‘Best Regional Airlines – Africa’, and Ethiopian Airlines for ‘Best Airline – Africa’.
Singapore Airlines claimed top prize, as well as awards for ‘Best First Class’, ‘Best Airline in Asia’ and ‘Best First Class Seat’.
Previously, Qatar Airlines claimed top honours in 2017, 2015, 2012 and 2011.
The rest of the top 10 list consisted of respected airlines from Asia and the Middle East.
Third place was awarded to ANA All Nippon Airways. Fourth place was awarded to Emirates, 5th place to EVA Air of Taiwan, and 6th place to Cathay Pacific.
Lufthansa earned the number seven spot, and is the only European airline to crack the top 10. China’s Hainan Airlines earned the 8th spot, while Guard Airlines of Indonesia and Thai Airways claimed the 9th and 10th spots respectively.
Although no airlines from the United States were featured, Air Canada was voted ‘Best Airline’ for North America. WestJet, another Canadian carrier, was voted as the region’s best low-cost flier.
Air France was awarded as the airline with the ‘Best First Class Onboard Catering’, ‘Best First Class Comfort Amenities’ and ‘Best First Class Lounge Dining’.
The top 10 world’s best airlines for 2018
1. Singapore Airlines
2. Qatar Airways
3. ANA All Nippon Airways
4. Emirates
5. EVA Air
6. Cathay Pacific
7. Lufthansa
8. Hainan Airlines
9. Garuda Indonesia
10. Thai Airways
Best airlines by global region
Northern Europe – Finnair
Western Europe – Lufthansa
Eastern Europe – Aeroflot Russian Airlines
Africa – Ethiopian Airlines
Australia / Pacific – Qantas Airlines
Central Asia / India – Air Astana
China – Hainan Airlines
Central America / Caribbean – Copa Airlines
South America – Avianca
North America – Air Canada
Asia – Singapore Airlines
Middle East – Qatar Airways
Europe – Lufthansa
Best low-cost airlines
Africa – Mango
Australia & Pacific – Jetstar Airways
Asia – AirAsia
Central Asia / India – Indigo
China – West Air
South America – Sky Airline
North America – WestJet
Middle East – Flynas
Europe – Norwegian
Best airline catering
Economy – Thai Airways
Premium economy – Aeroflot Russian Airlines
Business – Austrian Airlines
First class – Air France
Best airline seats
Economy – Japan Airlines
Premium economy – Air New Zealand
Business – Qatar Airways
First class – Singapore Airlines
Best regional airlines
Africa – Royal Air Maroc
Asia – Bangkok Airways
South America – Azul Brazilian Airlines
Central Asia / India – Azerbaijan Airlines
Europe – Aegean Airlines
Best airline lounges
First class – Qatar Airways
Airline alliance lounge – Star Alliance Los Angeles
Independent airport lounge – Plaza Premium Heathrow Terminal Two
First class lounge dining – Air France
Airline lounge spa facility – Thai Awards
Best airlines staff service by global region
Africa – South African Airways
Australia / Pacific – Qantas Airways
Central Asia / India – Vistara
China – Hainan Airlines
Central America / Caribbean – Copa Airlines
South America – Azul Brazilian Airlines
Asia – ANA All Nippon Airways
Middle East – Emirates
Europe – Austrian Airlines
Picture: Pixabay