South African Airways (SAA) said here on Sunday that it snatched the coveted Best Airline to Africa Award for the 15th consecutive time at the Travel Weekly Globe Awards.

The South African flag carrier came up against top airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways.

SAA said in a statement that the awards are voted for exclusively by travel agents based in the United Kingdom. Voters take into consideration service, convenience of the airline’s flight schedule and product.

Also, in the United States this week, SAA was awarded Best Airline in Africa from Global Traveler Magazine.

SAA is the leading airline on the African continent with an extensive route network. The expanding number of African destinations operated by SAA is an objective of its Africa Growth Strategy.

SAA said it takes pride in the fact that it is recognized for what it has to offer and continues to meet customer expectations.

Some of the awards collected by SAA in 2005 include: Best African Airline from Diners Club Asata (Association of South African Travel Agents), Best Airline to Africa for 14th year running from annual Travel Weekly Globe Awards, Africa’s Leading Airline at the 11th Annual World Travel Awards, 3.5 million passengers voted SAA’s Cabin Crew the Best in Africa and Best Airline Based in Africa from the Official Airline Guide (OAG).

Source: Xinhua