
by ADANE BIKILA
ADDIS ABABA, (CAJ News) – ETHIOPIAN Airlines has once again reinforced its position as a leader in African aviation after being named Best Airline in Africa at the 2026 APEX Passenger Choice Awards.
Announced on 4 May 2026 in Addis Ababa, the accolade reflects the continued trust and loyalty of passengers who rely on the airline across its extensive global network.
The recognition underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ consistent focus on delivering a seamless, comfortable and reliable travel experience, from booking through to arrival.
The APEX Passenger Choice Awards are based entirely on independently verified passenger feedback, making them a true reflection of customer satisfaction.
Drawing on ratings collected from travellers worldwide, the awards highlight airlines that consistently meet and exceed evolving expectations.
Ethiopian Airlines’ latest honour points to its sustained commitment to service excellence, operational efficiency and onboard comfort.
Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew welcomed the recognition, emphasising the role of the airline’s workforce.
He noted that the award holds particular significance as it is driven directly by passenger feedback, adding that it reflects the dedication and teamwork of staff across the airline’s network.
He added that being named Best Airline in Africa serves as motivation to continue raising standards and delivering a trusted, enjoyable travel experience.
APEX Group CEO Dr Joe Leader also praised the achievement, highlighting the scale and transparency of the awards process.
He explained that the recognition is based on more than one million verified flight ratings collected through TripIt across over 600 airlines globally.
According to Leader, Ethiopian Airlines continues to set the benchmark in African aviation through its strong operational performance, customer-focused service and consistent delivery of quality.
Looking ahead, Ethiopian Airlines remains firmly focused on growth and innovation.
The airline continues to invest in modern aircraft, digital solutions and service enhancements across its expanding network, positioning itself for long-term competitiveness on the global stage.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most successful aviation stories, Ethiopian Airlines has grown over nearly eight decades into a major international carrier.
It now serves more than 160 passenger and cargo destinations across five continents, playing a crucial role in connecting Africa to the rest of the world.
Its modern fleet includes aircraft such as the Boeing 737, 777 and 787, as well as the Airbus A350 and De Havilland Q400.
A member of the Star Alliance, Ethiopian Airlines has earned numerous accolades over the years, including multiple Skytrax awards for Best Airline in Africa.
The carrier is guided by its long-term Vision 2035 strategy, which aims to position it among the world’s top 20 leading aviation groups.
Driven by a strong Pan-African outlook, the airline is also expanding its footprint through a multi-hub strategy.
This includes partnerships and hubs in Lomé with ASKY Airlines, Lilongwe with Malawi Airlines, Lusaka with Zambia Airways, and Kinshasa with Air Congo—further strengthening connectivity across the continent.
With its latest APEX recognition, Ethiopian Airlines continues to demonstrate its leadership in African aviation, setting a high standard for service while connecting the continent to the world.
– CAJ News