SAA ranked among the world’s best airlines

Despite internal turmoil stemming from well-documented, long-running financial mismanagement, South African Airways (SAA) has managed to find a spot among the world’s best airlines.

The national carrier has, over the years, been plagued by debt and has constantly needed bailouts from the government to stay afloat, but according to the travel website, AirHelp, day-to-day operations outside the boardroom have run smoothly enough to earn it a top-five spot, leaving the likes of Qantas and Virgin Atlantic in its dust.

This is a sixth such survey, which is run annually and ranks airlines on punctuality, quality of service and quality of service – taken from online customer reviews – and handling of customer complaints.

“South African Airlines has a fantastic claims processing score,” AirHelp’s Ashley Ranieri says.

“Irregularities in flights are always going to happen. What is important is whether the airline has planned for that they can make the experience less hellish for the consumer.”

So, which are the best airlines in the world?

Heading the list is Qatar Airways followed by German airline, Lufthansa, with Etihad rounding off the top three. Singapore Airlines comes in at fourth place.

On the opposite end, Korean Air, Pakistan International Airlines and Air Mauritius are ranked among the very worst in the year.

South African Airways (SAA) has been ranked as the fifth best airline in the world by technological company, AirHelp.

— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) June 7, 2018

However, SAA is still ailing

Operations on the ground – or sky in this case – may be running smooth enough for the airline to receive some global recognition, but the national carrier continues to tax government coffers.

SAA has made R5.7 billion loss in the 2017/18 financial year, and according to its board chairperson, Johannes Magwaza, it will require R12.5 billion in funding to continue operating.

Also read: Cape Town International named best airport in Africa