Ethiopian Airlines Named Africa’s Best at 2026 APEX Awards

Ethiopian Airlines has once again affirmed its leadership in African aviation after being named Best Airline in Africa at the APEX Passenger Choice Awards. The 2026 awards were announced on 4 May in Addis Ababa, recognising the airline’s continued commitment to customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

The accolade is particularly significant as it is based entirely on independently verified passenger feedback, offering a direct measure of traveller experience. Drawing on ratings submitted by passengers worldwide, the APEX awards highlight airlines that consistently meet and exceed evolving expectations in areas such as comfort, service, and reliability.

The recognition for Ethiopian Airlines underscores a sustained focus on delivering a seamless end-to-end journey, from booking through to arrival. The carrier has built a reputation for dependable operations and a high standard of onboard service, supported by ongoing investments in fleet modernisation and digital innovation.

Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew welcomed the award, noting its importance as a reflection of passenger trust. He emphasised that the recognition highlights the collective efforts of the airline’s workforce across its extensive network, adding that it serves as motivation to continue raising service standards and enhancing the customer experience.

Joe Leader, Chief Executive Officer of Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), praised the achievement and pointed to the scale and transparency of the awards process. He noted that the results are based on more than one million verified flight ratings collected through the TripIt platform, covering over 600 airlines globally. According to Leader, Ethiopian Airlines continues to set a benchmark in African aviation through its consistent delivery of quality service and strong operational performance.

Looking ahead, Ethiopian Airlines remains focused on growth and long-term competitiveness. The airline continues to invest in modern aircraft, digital solutions, and service enhancements as it expands its global footprint. Its fleet includes a mix of Boeing and Airbus aircraft, notably the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350, alongside narrowbody and regional platforms that support its diverse route network.

Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most successful aviation stories, Ethiopian Airlines has grown over nearly eight decades into a major international carrier. The airline now serves more than 160 passenger and cargo destinations across five continents, playing a vital role in connecting Africa with global markets.

As a member of the Star Alliance, Ethiopian Airlines has earned multiple international accolades, including repeated recognition in Skytrax rankings as Africa’s leading airline. Its long-term Vision 2035 strategy aims to position the group among the world’s top 20 aviation organisations. Central to this ambition is a multi-hub growth strategy that strengthens intra-African connectivity. This includes partnerships with ASKY Airlines in Lomé, Malawi Airlines in Lilongwe, Zambia Airways in Lusaka and Air Congo in Kinshasa.

With its latest APEX recognition, Ethiopian Airlines continues to set a high benchmark for service excellence on the continent, reinforcing its position as a key player in global aviation while advancing connectivity within Africa and beyond.