South African Airways named airline of the year

SOUTH African Airways (SAA) has been named the Airline of the Year at the annual CBC African Business Awards 2008.

The award goes to the best business operating in the airline industry within Africa. The criteria for the category included financial performance, distinctive customer service, punctuality, development of innovative products and services for customers and, most importantly, the establishment of new routes in Africa.

"Africa is SAA's key focus and we consistently build on what we offer on the continent because we realise and appreciate its potential to contribute towards our success.

"It is a great privilege for our small role towards the development of Africa to be acknowledged by such a prestigious event. It is uplifting to see that Africa's potential is being given the recognition it deserves," SAA CEO Khaya Ngqula was cited as saying by African Business magazine.

SAA operates to over 20 destinations within Africa and is geared towards expanding its route network on the continent. A new route will be launched to Maun in Botswana later this year and capacity is being increased on a number of its present destinations in Africa.