Air is one of the fastest means of transport in the world. Its ability to connect and navigate to many places worldwide with feasibility and flexibility also makes it one of the priciest modes of transportation available. African airlines have edged the global community closer than ever before.
The African continent receives millions of tourists from around the world, with most of them opting to travel aboard airlines. One of the biggest advantages of air transport is it’s ability to cut time spent. Air travel is not for everyone, though, as its high cost prevents many local travelers—especially those from Africa—from taking advantage of it.
The transportation system employs millions of people, scattered throughout numerous corridors, including pilots and cabin crew. It is the biggest economic driver for most countries, including the landlocked ones. Since agriculture is the backbone of African economies, it has taken advantage of the air transportation network to get goods to their destinations as quickly as possible, particularly perishable goods.
Table of Contents
According to Skytrax, a global airline rating system, Ethiopian Airlines is the greatest airline in Africa. Ethipopian Airlines has bagged the title for seven consecutive years. Because of the exceptional service provided to passengers, it is one of only five aviation companies in Africa with a four-star rating on Skytrax.
Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines is the biggest facet of African aviation technology in Africa, with over 150 passenger destinations. Founded in 1945, Ethiopian Airlines made its first operation in Africa with C-47 aircraft in its debut in 1946. It’s the first aviation airline in Africa to have introduced a cutting-edge modern technology system in the transport industry in Africa. Ethiopian Airlines has taken a seven-consecutive lead in its service to passengers and freight operations in Africa.
Royal Air Maroc
Founded in 1953, Royal Air Maroc is the second-best aviation company in Africa. It’s major operational routes are located in the North African city of Casablanca, Morocco. The company boasts of 80 destinations with a dozen networks in the European Union. The Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is cherished for its exceptional passenger service by users across different continental destinations. It’s among the top four-star-rated aviation systems on Skytrax, according to its users.
South African Airways
Founded in 1934, it’s among the earliest carriers in Africa, with major destinations currently served in Africa. South African Airways (SAA) is the largest aviation hub in the Southern Mediterranean hemisphere and the third-most preferred airline on the continent. It is among the fewest four-star-rated airlines in the aviation industry on Skytrax due to its top-notch service delivery.
Kenya Airways
Kenya Airways, dubbed the Pride of Africa, is the leading aviation powerhouse in East and Central Africa. It’s the third-best airline company on Skytrax, with a three-star rating. In Africa, it was named the best by the World Travel Award in 2016 and 2017.
It’s amazing staff, and excellent service has always put it on top of the table. Founded in 1977 by the independent government after the collapse of East African Airways, the aviation icon currently serves over 50 destinations in Africa and a dozen more in the global air industry.
RwandaAir
RwandaAir is the 2nd-best flight carrier in the East African region and 5th on the entire African continent. Having been in operation less than three decades ago, the airline company has stood out from the stiff competition to be the iconic and preferably desired one in Africa. RwandaAir boasts 13 cutting-edge fleets and a staggering 25 destinations across the world. It’s undoubtedly one of the youngest aviation operators in Africa.
Air Mauritius
Located on the southeast coast of East Africa, the island is among the biggest tourist destinations in Africa, attracting travelers from all over the world. Air Mauritius serves extraordinarily and has established itself as the best island airline in Africa and the 6th best overall on the continent.
Air Mauritius holds an award from the World Travel Awards as the leading flight operator in 2021. The company made its debut in 1972, with tens of destinations currently on the list. Air Mauritius is also a four-star-rated airline on Skytrax.
Egyptair
Founded in 1932, Egyptair is among the earliest and biggest aviation companies in Africa. Ranked 7th by Skytrax, the airline company has over a hundred destination networks across the world. Egyptair is a three-star-rated and full-service airline, according to Skytrax’s website.
Airlink
Airlink is a South African, Johannesburg-based airline company with expansive route networks across Africa. Founded in 1992, the flight carrier has been recognized as among the most extraordinarily skilled aviation drivers on the continent. Airlink is currently serving over 100 destinations, with major routes destined for South Africa and other African cities.
LIFT
LIFT Airlines is the youngest aviation company in Africa on the list of the best airlines. Founded in 2020, the airline is only three years old and serves only less than 10 destinations in the home country, South Africa. LIFT Airline was ranked the best low-cost airline and the 9th overall in Africa by Skytrax.
FlySafair
Launched in 1965, FlySafair took its first flight to the air in 2014 after resiliently waiting for 49 years on a lease basis in operations. The South African-based airline company has established expansive routes across the African continent and a few international destinations.
Having been in full operation for the last 10 years, the company has steadily kept a low-cost profile, making it one of the most preferred local and international passenger and cargo carriers. Skytrax has ranked FlySafair as the 10th-best airline in Africa.
