Ethiopian Airlines has once again solidified its dominance in the skies, securing the prestigious 2026 Best Airline in Africa award at the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) Passenger Choice Awards. The recognition, announced recently at the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO, highlights the carrier’s commitment to excellence in cabin comfort, catering, and customer service.
The 2026 award was determined through an extensive, independent review process that certified nearly one million flights across 600 airlines globally. Based entirely on verified passenger feedback, the award underscores Ethiopian’s success in meeting the rising expectations of international travelers. In addition to the regional title, the airline was also honored as a 2026 Four-Star Global Airline, placing it among an elite group of international carriers.
Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, attributed the win to the relentless dedication of his team. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and professionalism of our entire staff,” Tasew stated. “Being named the best in Africa motivates us to continue raising the bar in innovation and operational excellence as we move toward our Vision 2035 goals.”
Industry analysts view this latest accolade as a clear indicator of Ethiopian’s market lead over continental rivals like Kenya Airways and South African Airways. With a current fleet of over 150 modern aircraft—including Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A350s—the airline carries over 20 million passengers annually. Its expansive network now connects more than 145 international destinations, providing a scale of connectivity that remains unmatched in the region.
Despite the celebration, the airline faces the complex challenge of maintaining service consistency while pursuing rapid growth. As part of its long-term strategy, Ethiopian aims to triple its passenger traffic to 60 million by 2040. Balancing this massive expansion with the “Five-Star” service quality demanded by premium global passengers will be the primary focus for the aviation group in the coming years.