Latest news with #EdwardPlaisted
Hamilton Spectator
5 hours ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Saudia Named 'Best Airline Staff Service' at the 2025 Skytrax Awards
PARIS, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has been named 'Best Airline Staff Service' at the prestigious 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held today at the 56th edition of the Paris Air Show 2025 in the iconic Air and Space Museum. The airline also climbed three spots in the global Skytrax rankings, securing 17th place among the world's best airlines following a comprehensive voting process involving millions of travelers worldwide. This recognition reflects the outstanding dedication and performance of Saudia's team across all the touch points of the guest journey. From seamless ground services to onboard experiences rooted in authentic Saudi hospitality, Saudia staff have played a pivotal role in enhancing guest satisfaction, strengthening brand loyalty, and elevating service standards. H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: 'This award reflects the dedication of our incredible frontline team and the trust of our guests. Rising from 82nd to 17th in the Skytrax World Airline Rankings is a proud milestone—but it's just the beginning. With bold investments and a clear vision, we're on a journey to become one of the world's leading airlines.' Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, said: 'We are pleased to present Saudia with the award for Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East at the 2025 World Airline Awards. The airline's cabin and ground staff maintain a service style that is both composed and welcoming, and this is delivered consistently by a multi-national team that brings a range of cultural strengths to the customer experience. It is this blend of professionalism and warmth that continues to leave a lasting impression on passengers.' Saudia has demonstrated remarkable progress in recent years, rising from 82nd place in 2017 to 20th in 2024, and now securing 17th place in 2025. This trajectory aligns with the airline's recognition as the 'World's Most Improved Airline' for four consecutive years by Skytrax. The award also reflects Saudia's alignment with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the National Aviation Strategy, both of which aim to position the Kingdom as a global hub by enhancing connectivity, tourism, entertainment, sports, and the Hajj and Umrah sectors. As part of its long-term vision, Saudia is undertaking the most significant investment program in its history to elevate the guest experience. Key initiatives include expanding its global network, doubling the size of its aircraft fleet, and introducing fully redesigned cabin interiors featuring advanced seating, state-of-the-art inflight entertainment, and high-speed connectivity, delivering a service that surpasses guest expectations and reinforces the Kingdom's position in global aviation. About Saudia: Saudia (Saudia Airlines) is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company has grown to become one of the Middle East's largest airlines. Saudia has invested significantly in upgrading its aircraft and currently operates one of the youngest fleets, with 144 aircraft. The airline serves an extensive global route network covering around 100 destinations across four continents, including all 28 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia. A member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), Saudia has also been a member airline in SkyTeam, the second largest alliance, since 2012. Saudia was recently awarded the 'World Class Airline 2025' for the fourth consecutive year at The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ awards. Saudia has also advanced 11 places in the Skytrax airlines ranking of the World Best Airlines 2023. The Airline also ranked top among global airlines for best on-time performance (OTP) according to a report by Cirium. For more information on Saudia, please visit Media Center Saudi Arabian Airlines Headquarters Jeddah 21231, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Email: mediacenter@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Best airlines in Africa in 2025 according to latest ranking
In recent years, Africa's aviation scene has taken flight in a whole new way. Airlines across the continent are modernizing their fleets, expanding their networks, and delivering service that rivals global giants. This progress hasn't gone unnoticed. The prestigious World Airline Awards, often dubbed the 'Oscars of the Aviation Industry', recently revealed their 2025 rankings, showcasing the best airlines based on passenger satisfaction. Organized by Skytrax, the awards are determined through the largest airline passenger survey in the world, with travellers from over 100 nationalities voting between September 2024 and May 2025. Ethiopian Airlines remains the gold standard, once again named Best Airline in Africa, a title it has now held for seven consecutive years. The airline, known for its vast global network and efficient operations, also earned top honours for Best Economy Class, Best Business Class, and Best Business Class Onboard Catering in Africa. Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, noted that the consistency of returning winners shows how much passengers value dependable, high-quality service. DON'T MISS THIS: Top 10 largest airlines in Africa by available seat miles (ASMs) in 2024 Right behind Ethiopian Air is Air Mauritius, which has steadily climbed the rankings to become one of the continent's most respected airlines. In 2025, it claimed second place in the Skytrax rankings. Renowned for its warm hospitality and sleek service, the national carrier of Mauritius connects the island to major destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Below are the best airlines in Africa in 2025: Rank Airline 1 Ethiopian Airlines 2 Air Mauritius 3 RwandAir 4 South African Airways 5 Egyptair 6 Royal Air Maroc 7 Kenya Airways 8 FlySafair 9 LIFT 10 Fastjet
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Why Qantas deserves to miss out on top 10 airlines list
It will probably be difficult for Qantas to move much further up the rankings until its international fleet upgrade moves up a gear, beginning next year. Some of its older fleet of A380s, for example, are looking tired and can't compete against the most decorated airlines. A newer fleet will help it to nibble at the heels of current fifth- to 11th-ranked airlines, among which are ANA All Nippon Airways, Turkish Airlines, Korean Air, Air France and British Airways. The bigger challenge for Qantas is the long memories of its customers – which are the group that vote in the Skytrax awards. Loading The depth of anger and frustration felt by Qantas customers who only a few years ago were given the runaround trying to redeem COVID credits, or had their bags lost, flights cancelled or sat on the phone for hours waiting for a customer service representative, can't be underestimated. The airline's reputation was then dumped by a second wave when it was pinged by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for selling tickets on cancelled flights – colloquially known as 'ghost flight-gate'. Chief executive Vanessa Hudson has been climbing the reputation wall since she took the job in September 2023, and while most post-COVID issues have been rectified, customers have long memories. It was telling that when Edward Plaisted, Skytrax chief executive, announced the awards for 2025, he pointed out: 'As is indicated by so many former winning airlines being awarded again, quality consistency is clearly well recognised by customers when they vote for these airlines.' Loading While Qantas didn't make the top 10 in the Skytrax rankings, it did hit the top spot for airline safety last week by ranking platform That is an accolade not to be scoffed at. It was also named the best carrier in the Australia-Pacific region, toppling Fiji Airways, while it made the global top 10 for best premium economy cabin and best in-flight entertainment.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Emirates named world's 4th best airline for 2025
Emirates Airline was named the world's fourth-best airline and the second-best airline in the Middle East at the 2025 World Airline Awards, held by the International Skytrax Organization. The awards were announced at a gala ceremony held during the Paris Air Show on Tuesday, according to a press release issued by Skytrax. Qatar Airways came in first place for the ninth time followed by Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways. Qatar was also named Best Airline in the Middle East, World's Best Business Class, and Best Business Class Airline Lounge. Qatar signs $200bn deal to buy jets from Boeing during Trump visit Skytrax is the International air transport rating organisation based in London, United Kingdom, and rated over 325 airlines for the survey. Emirates was also named the third-most family-friendly airline, as well as the World's Best First Class. Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said: 'We are delighted to be holding the World Airline Awards at the 2025 Paris Air Show,' according to the press release. 'It is the world's premier air show event, and holding our awards event here in Paris Show is always a very popular choice for the airlines attending. The Salle des Huit Colonnes is at the heart of the historic Paris-Le Bourget Airport, and this provides a most unique and fabulous venue at the centre of the Air Show.' The Paris Air Show will wrap on June 22.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Emirates named 4th World's Best Airline for 2025
Emirates Airline was named the world's fourth-best airline and the second-best airline in the Middle East at the 2025 World Airline Awards, held by the International Skytrax Organization. The awards were announced at a gala ceremony held during the Paris Air Show on Tuesday, according to a press release issued by Skytrax. Qatar Airways came in first place for the ninth time followed by Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways. Qatar was also named Best Airline in the Middle East, World's Best Business Class, and Best Business Class Airline Lounge. Qatar signs $200bn deal to buy jets from Boeing during Trump visit Skytrax is the International air transport rating organisation based in London, United Kingdom, and rated over 325 airlines for the survey. Emirates was also named the third-most family-friendly airline, as well as the World's Best First Class. Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said: 'We are delighted to be holding the World Airline Awards at the 2025 Paris Air Show,' according to the press release. 'It is the world's premier air show event, and holding our awards event here in Paris Show is always a very popular choice for the airlines attending. The Salle des Huit Colonnes is at the heart of the historic Paris-Le Bourget Airport, and this provides a most unique and fabulous venue at the centre of the Air Show.' The Paris Air Show will wrap on June 22.
