These African airlines scooped 2018 Skytrax awards

Saffers often choose their airline based on affordability and not always according to those voted tops in the 2018 Skytrax World Airline Awards.

This year South Africans can have their cake and eat it too, as the award for the best low-cost airline in Africa was scooped up by local carrier Mango.

Image credit: Emiel Molenaar

If you’re wanting to travel further than our bright orange sky canisters allow, you’ll find that Ethiopian Airlines was voted the best airline in Africa, while South African Airway’s friendly personnel took the award for best airlines staff service in Africa.

No African airlines (nor any American) made it onto the list of the top 10 world’s best airlines for 2018 – as usual, those from the Far and the Middle East jostled for prime position, with Singapore Airlines taking the top spot.

Besides taking the overall award, Singapore Airlines also claimed the prize for ‘Best First Class’, ‘Best Airline in Asia’ and ‘Best First Class Seat’. Lufthansa is Europe’s only airline to feature among the top 10.

If you’re wondering which airlines across the world have the best food, the most comfortable seats or the top airport lounges, you’ll find the answers below.

Image credit: John Mcarthur

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
Africa – Ethiopian Airlines
Australia / Pacific – Qantas Airlines
Asia – Singapore Airlines
Central Asia / India – Air Astana
China – Hainan Airlines
Europe – Lufthansa
Northern Europe – Finnair
Western Europe – Lufthansa
Eastern Europe – Aeroflot Russian Airlines
South America – Avianca
North America – Air Canada
Central America / Caribbean – Copa Airlines
Middle East – Qatar Airways

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 seats
Economy – Japan Airlines
Premium economy – Air New Zealand
Business – Qatar Airways
First class – Singapore Airlines

Best airline catering
Economy – Thai Airways
Premium economy – Aeroflot Russian Airlines
Business – Austrian Airlines
First class – Air France

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

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