RwandAir won the 2025 World Airline of the Year award for the best airline in Africa at the World Airline Awards.
The airline company was named the best airline in Africa at the World Airline Awards on Tuesday, June 17. It was presented by Skytrax, a company that awards airlines and airports. The 2025 awards ceremony was held in Paris, France. It was attended by airline executives from around the world.
RwandAir was represented by its Acting Chief Operating Officer, Ernest Mushi.
“We are honored to receive this award and thank our customers for their continued trust in us. Thank you for flying with us. This award is also yours.” Said the statement released by the airline.
At the ceremony, Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted said RwandAir won the award for its outstanding performance.
“RwandAir continues to differentiate itself through its focus on service, and we are delighted to have been named the Best Airline in Africa for 2025 at the World Airline Awards. The airline has established a reputation for excellence in its category.” He said.
The Arabic airline company that is in partnership with RwandaAir, Qatar Airways, beat out other airlines in the world. It was followed by Singapore Airlines, with Cathay Pacific in third place. Fourth place went to Emirates, fifth to ANA All Nippon Airways, while Turkish Airlines came in sixth.
On the African continent, Ethiopian Airlines was named the best airline, marking the seventh consecutive time it has received this prestigious award.
The recognition given to Ethiopian Airlines differs from the one awarded to RwandAir. While Ethiopian Airlines was honored as an African carrier operating international flights, RwandAir was recognized as the best airline in Africa specifically for its excellence in intra-African travel.
This is not the first time RwandAir has been acknowledged for its service. Most recently, in 2024, the Rwanda-based airline ranked third among African air carriers, known for providing high-quality service.
RwandAir is a national airline that began operations on December 1, 2002, under the name Rwandair Express. In 2009, it changed its name to RwandAir, which it still uses today.
RwandAir is currently considered one of the fastest-growing airlines. It operates flights throughout Africa, Asia, and Europe. Its fleet includes Boeing 737-800NG, Boeing 737-700NG, Bombardier Q-400NG, and Airbus A330.
