Latest news with #WorldAirlineAwards
TimesLIVE
07-07-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
From turbulence to take-off: Transport minister reveals SAA is flying back into profit and expansion
Transport minister Barbara Creecy has painted an optimistic picture of the aviation sector's economic prospects, announcing that South African Airways (SAA) is on track to significantly boost its contribution to the country's GDP and employment. Delivering her department's budget vote speech in parliament, Creecy said a study by Oxford Economics Africa confirmed that SAA contributed R9.1bn to South Africa's GDP in 2023/2024, a figure projected to more than triple to R32.6bn by 2029/2030. 'Over the same period, the airline's operations are expected to support 86,700 jobs, up from the current 25,000, demonstrating its growing role as a national employer and economic catalyst,' said Creecy. Once plagued by allegations of corruption, mismanagement and state capture, the national carrier appears to be staging a dramatic turnaround. 'The airline has concluded three out of four outstanding audits and reported a profit of R252m for the 2022/2023 financial year, which is the first profit since 2012. Now operating independently and no longer reliant on government guarantees, SAA is self-funding its operations and fleet growth, while remaining open to a strategic equity partner as part of its long-term restructuring,' she said. Creecy said SAA is pursuing a 'bold route expansion strategy' to improve intra-African connectivity and global reach. 'New regional routes from Johannesburg and Cape Town aim to boost intra-African connectivity, supporting tourism and trade. The airline has begun a measured fleet expansion to meet growing demand, reinforcing its role as a connector of economies across the continent and beyond. 'SAA is well-positioned to drive economic value through expanded international services, job creation, and increased contributions to tourism and trade,' she said. The airline has also been internationally recognised, being ranked the fourth-best airline in Africa in the 2025 World Airline Awards. In the global rankings, it moved up two places from 69th in 2024 to 67th in 2025 out of more than 325 airlines evaluated. Looking ahead, Creecy said the department expects 42-million passengers and 1.2-million tons of air freight to move through the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) network by the end of the current political term. To prepare for this growth, she said Acsa has allocated R21.7bn for infrastructure development. 'This will improve facilities for passenger safety and comfort over the medium term and build a new freight terminal at OR Tambo International Airport,' she said. 'In addition, we are fast-tracking projects to ensure reliable availability of jet fuel to all airlines at all our airports, as well as the general upkeep and upgrading of the facilities and technologies at each of our airports to improve security of passengers and cargo, as well as the convenience of airport users.' Creecy also addressed concerns about the Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), following widespread operational challenges last December. 'I appointed a panel of experts to advise on the root causes of problems at the entity and necessary remedial measures,' said Creecy. In January, the expert team found 'acute shortages of critical staff,' outdated navigation and surveillance systems, and systemic weaknesses in safety management. 'Since February 2025, 37 successful recruitments have been made in key areas including air traffic controllers, investigation and safety specialists, engineering instructors and simulator programmers,' said Creecy. She added the aviation sector is on track to boost tourism, economic growth and job creation.
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Europe's best airline launches new flights to pretty city with rich history and £2.50 pints
Europe's best airline is set to launch new flights from London Stansted to one of the world's top city break destinations. Turkish Airlines, which was recently crowned the continent's best carrier in the World Airline Awards, has announced it will operate flights to Istanbul from Stansted in 2026. The service will launch on March 18 2026 and the airline will operate 14 weekly flights on the route. Mehmet Gurulkan, Turkish Airlines general manager, says: 'This new service increases our total weekly UK-Istanbul frequencies, providing passengers even more choice and greater connectivity to our global network.' Istanbul is one of the world's most-visited cities and welcomes around 17 million tourists a year. It's the ideal destination for history fans, being home to some of the globe's most incredible landmarks. The Hagia Sophia, which was finished in 537 AD, has served as a church, museum and mosque in its long history. The building's stunning architecture makes it a must-see. The city's Blue Mosque is one of the best examples of an Ottoman mosque in the whole of Turkey. As its name suggests, the interior of the mosque is decorated with intricate blue tiling. It's completely free to visit the mosque, making it one of the city's best attractions to add to your itinerary. Tourists can also explore the Basilica Cistern, an ancient cistern located beneath the streets of the city. Movie buffs will recognise the historic site from its feature in the James Bond film From Russia with Love. If history isn't your thing, the city is also one of the world's best destinations for shopping. Head to the Grand Bazaar to explore thousands of shops selling souvenirs, kitchenware, jewellery and more. Climb the Galata Tower for panoramic views of the city skyline or enjoy a slice of chocolate-coated burnt cheesecake underneath the tower. Food is a highlight of any trip to Istanbul and tourists should try to indulge in a traditional Turkish breakfast while they're there. The huge spread includes cheeses, eggs, jams, bread, meat and fruit. Other Istanbul delicacies include fish sandwiches, stuffed mussels and Turkish pizza. Tourists can also opt to unwind with a traditional Turkish hammam experience. The visit usually includes a full-body scrub, sauna and steam room. And a trip to Istanbul doesn't have to break the bank. According to Numbeo, a domestic beer costs just £2.50 in Istanbul, while a meal at an inexpensive restaurant comes to £7.33. The flight from London generally takes just under four hours, while Turkish Airlines also offers routes from Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. Speaking about the new route, London Stansted's managing director Gareth Powell says: 'We're delighted to welcome Turkish Airlines to London Stansted. 'This is a major milestone for the airport and a strong vote of confidence in both our operation and the vibrant, fast-growing region we serve.'
Time Out
26-06-2025
- Business
- Time Out
Huge news: Airlines will no longer be allowed to charge for hand luggage in Europe
We've all been there – you think you've found a decently priced budget flight to a European destination, only to be hit with a huge fee for your hand luggage. Well, it looks like those days are numbered, as lawmakers have just voted to scrap hand luggage fees on airlines across the European Union. The proposal will allow holidaymakers to travel with carry-on luggage up to 7 kilograms with no extra fee – and that's on top of your under-the-seat backpack, too. According to the European Parliament's press release, vice-president of the EU Committee on Transport and Tourism Matteo Ricci said the move 'marks an important step toward fairer and more transparent travel' and will 'introduce concrete measures such as the clear definition of free hand luggage up to a maximum size of 100cm, a fundamental right to avoid unjustified extra costs.' Obviously, this is a massive win for travellers, but not everyone's happy about it. It's expected to hit low-cost airlines particularly hard – Ryanair, for example, made €4.7 billion last year from charging extra fees like seat selection and baggage costs. While airline lobbies have warned that the ruling could mean carriers will end up increasing their ticket prices to make up for the costs, the ruling is part of wider reforms proposed by the European Parliament on passenger rights. Further measures include allowing children under 12 to sit with their accompanying passenger free of charge, granting free seats to carers of people with reduced mobility, and forcing airlines to disclose the full cost of flights upfront. All in all, this is very good news for passengers. It's not clear when the ruling will kick in, as the proposals still need to get the final green light in a parliamentary vote. Keep an eye on this page for further details. Our travel news hub has all the latest on air travel news, from the Qatar airspace closure this week to airline and airport strikes across Europe and the winners of the latest World Airline Awards.
TimesLIVE
26-06-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
SAA ranked 4th-best airline in Africa as it works to overcome turbulent past
South African Airways (SAA) has been ranked the fourth-best airline in Africa in the 2025 World Airline Awards, marking a significant achievement for the national carrier amid a challenging history. In the global rankings SAA moved up two spots from 69th in 2024 to 67th in 2025 out of more than 325 airlines evaluated. In recent years, SAA has grappled with allegations of corruption, mismanagement and state capture. The prestigious awards, often dubbed the 'Oscars of the aviation industry', were announced during a gala ceremony on June 17 at the Paris Air Show, held at the iconic Hall of Eight Columns at Le Bourget Airport's Air and Space Museum. Ethiopian Airlines took the top spot as Africa's best airline, followed by Air Mauritius and RwandAir. Other South African carriers making the continent's top ten included Flysafair in eighth place and LIFT in ninth. Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, which organises the awards, commented on the strength of returning and emerging contenders. 'We welcomed back a large number of previous winners and were also delighted to see new faces and airlines represented. As is indicated by so many former winning airlines being present, quality and consistency is clearly well recognised by customers when they vote for these airlines.' said Plaisted. Qatar Airways group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer beamed with pride after Qatar Airway was crowned the World's Best Airline for the ninth time. 'This is an extraordinary honour. This recognition is far more than an award it is a celebration of the passion, precision and purpose that defines who we are as an airline.' Al-Meer said the recognition reflects the airline's leadership across multiple categories, including the World's Best Business Class, Best Business Class Airline Lounge and Best Airline in the Middle East. Singapore Airlines took second place, Cathay Pacific third, Emirates fourth and ANA All Nippon Airways secured the fifth spot. Additional accolades from the 2025 awards included:
Time Out
24-06-2025
- Business
- Time Out
Cathay Pacific has been named the third best airline in the world
The 2025 World Airline Awards recently took place at the Paris Air Show, and Hong Kong's air carriers have done us proud. Out of more than 325 global airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways has been ranked third in the world's top airlines of 2025. This year, our city's flag carrier has risen up the ranks from fifth spot in 2024 – and was also crowned first place for the World's Best Airline Inflight Entertainment and the World's Best Economy Class. Additionally, Cathay also won third place for the World's Best Cabin Crew, the World's Best Business Class, and the World's Cleanest Airlines. Basically, we have an amazing economy class and entertainment for the everyman, as well as a top-notch business class, all tended by friendly and attentive crew members, within some of the world's cleanest planes. Sounds like a great deal. Apart from Cathay, some of our other flight carriers also did well at the awards. Hong Kong Airlines ranks at number eight for the World's Best Regional Airlines, while HK Express ranks at number three on the list of the World's Most Improved Airlines. On the World's Top 20 Airlines in 2025 list, Qatar Airways was crowned number one, followed by Singapore Airlines, a carrier which had previously won the top slot five times – these two airlines have been consistently jostling for number one and two on this list since 2017. Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and ANA All Nippon Airways round off the top five airlines of this year. Widely regarded as the 'Oscars of the aviation industry', the World Airline Awards is an independent and impartial ranking organised by airline and travel research consultancy Skytrax, and has been running since 1999. View the full rankings and categories on the official website.
