This archive report was first published on 30 September 2021.
On September 30, 2021, Kenya Airways (KQ) made a significant leap in the global aviation ranking, rising 10 places to position 79.
The airline's improved ranking was announced in the latest Skytrax World Airline Awards, which ranks the world's best airlines.
Kenya Airways had previously been ranked 89th in the Skytrax report. Its regional rival, Ethiopian Airlines, rose nine places to position 37 and was the best African national carrier in the top 100 list.
South African Airways (67) was the second-best African national carrier, despite dropping 21 places from the 2019 ranking.
Other top African airlines included Air Maroc of Morocco, Air Mauritius, Air Seychelles, and RwandAir, as well as FlySafair of South Africa, Egyptair, and British/South African-based carrier Fastjet.
The 2021 Skytrax awards covered the period from September 2019 to July 2021, reflecting a mix of normal and pandemic travel.
Qatar Airways was named the best airline in the world, a title it has won six times since 2001, followed by Singapore Airlines and Japan's All Nippon Airways.
Emirates was fourth, followed by Japan Airlines, while Cathay Pacific Airways of Hong Kong was sixth.
“Having gone through one of the most challenging years in aviation history, this award is fitting recognition for all the hard work by the entire Qatar Airways family to take care of our passengers,” said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr Akbar Al Baker.
