Global Traveler Readers Dub SAA 'Best Airline in Africa'

Fort Lauderdale, FL (December 13, 2017) – South African Airways (SAA), the national flag carrier of South Africa and Africa’s most awarded airline has been selected by the readers of Global Traveler in the U.S. as the “Best Airline to Africa” for the 14th consecutive year in their annual reader survey.

The publication presented the award to SAA at a ceremony held on December 12, 2017, at The Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The magazine, whose readership consists of discerning, high-frequency travelers, polls readers and reports on their preferences in its annual survey that recognizes the best in business travel. SAA’s Premium Business Class service, with its fully flatbed seats, on-demand audio-visual entertainment system in every seat, an exclusive collection of South African wines and warm African hospitality played a key role in SAA winning the award. These service attributes are complemented by SAA and its regional partners offering an extensive route network in Africa providing business travelers with many choices when traveling to, from and within the continent.

“We are grateful that the readers of Global Traveler, who are true road warriors and expect nothing short of premier experience every time they fly, recognized SAA as the Best Airline to Africa,” said Todd Neuman, Executive Vice President – North America for South African Airways. “This award, which we have received for 14 consecutive years, is proof that business travelers recognize our employee’s commitment to excellent service, both on the ground and in the air, our competitively priced fares, and our comprehensive route network throughout Africa.”

“"Congratulations to South African Airways for yet another GT Tested Reader Survey awards win. For 14 consecutive years, our readers have agreed the airline is best in Africa, a true nod to SAA's service and quality." said Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO of Global Traveler.

As the leading carrier from the U.S. to Africa, South African Airways offers the most flights with non-stop service from New York–JFK Airport to Johannesburg and daily non-stop service from Washington, DC-Dulles to Dakar, Senegal, or Accra, Ghana, with continued service to Johannesburg.

From its hub in Johannesburg, SAA together with its regional partners SA Express, Airlink and Mango offer easy, convenient connections to more than 75 destinations throughout Africa. SAA’s awarding – winning premium Business Class offers 180 fully lie-flat seating with duvet and full-size pillows, gourmet cuisine designed by renowned South African celebrity chefs, a wine cellar featuring some of South Africa’s finest vintages and extensive programming of on-demand audio and visual entertainment.

About South African Airways South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline serves over 75 destinations worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink and its low-cost carrier Mango. In North America, SAA operates daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana, and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has partnerships with United Airlines, Air Canada and JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, and Virgin America, which offer convenient connections from more than 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada to SAA’s flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-Star rating for 15 consecutive years.

South African Airways Extends Group Booking Promotion

South African Airways (SAA), the national flag carrier of South Africa and Africa’s most awarded airline, has extended its special group booking promotion of offering one free tour conductor ticket* (restrictions apply) for every 10 group passengers traveling on SAA. This offer is valid for new group bookings made and deposits received by October 31, 2017, for travel from October 26 through December 9, 2017, and January 11 through March 31, 2018. Travel is applicable on SAA-operated flights from New York-JFK Airport or Washington, DC-Dulles Airport to any SAA destination in Africa. “We invite families, friends, coworkers and travel clubs to take advantage of SAA’s low group fares and this special tour conductor offer to explore and experience the wonders of Africa,” said Todd Neuman, executive vice president, North America for South African Airways.

“With this tremendous value, your group can experience the vibe of Africa’s cosmopolitan cities, enjoy an exhilarating game safari to view the Big Five, indulge in amazing wine and culinary delights, or spend quality time together under the majestic African skies.”

South African Airways offers the most service from the U.S. to South Africa and an extensive route network throughout the African continent. SAA’s competitive group fares and its dedicated group sales specialists are available to assist with all your group’s travel needs, including complimentary seat assignments.

SAA invites groups big or small to experience its award-winning in-flight service designed for pure comfort for long-haul travel with a roomy economy class cabin, gourmet cuisine and a selection of complimentary spirits and award-winning South African wines and, generous checked baggage allowance. Also included are individual audio / visual entertainment systems that deliver an extensive menu of first-run movies and music choices.

Via the Johannesburg hub, SAA links the world to over 75 destinations across Southern Africa and Africa’s Indian Ocean islands. To request your group quote, email GroupsNA@flysaa.com, or contact your local professional travel consultant.

Visit www.flysaa.com to learn more about the exciting destinations we service. About South African Airways South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline serves over 75 destinations worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier Mango.

In North America, SAA operates daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana, and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has partnerships with United Airlines, Air Canada and JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, and Virgin America, which offer convenient connections from more than 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada to SAA’s flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-Star rating for 15 consecutive years.

*RESTRICTIONS: *Complimentary Tour Conductor tickets are subject to applicable taxes & surcharges. Complimentary Tour Conductor ticket is awarded after a group of 10 or more paying passengers. Special is valid for new bookings only. Valid for ad-hoc groups only (no series producers). Valid for travel 10/26/2017 - 12/9/2017 & 1/11/2018 – 3/31/2018. Valid for travel from New York (JFK) or Washington Dulles (IAD) to Africa. Entire group (including tour conductor) must travel together. Valid on SAA-operated flights only. Groups must be booked and deposited by 9/30/2017. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights. Change & cancellation penalties apply, per applicable group reservation and fare rules. Baggage and optional service fees may apply. Reservations made 7 days or more prior to scheduled departure may be canceled without penalty up to 24 hours after the reservation is made.

Skytrax Names SAA "Best Airline Staff In Africa'

Fort Lauderdale, FL (Jun. 21, 2017) – South African Airways (SAA), the national carrier of South Africa, was honored with the “Best Airline Staff in Africa” award at the 2017 World Airline Awards held at the Paris Air Show by British aviation experts SkytraxTM. This award signifies that South African Airways has excelled in achieving a high product standard across all travel categories, including staff service delivery in both the onboard and airport environment. Earlier this year, SkytraxTM, once again, awarded SAA with the 4-Star rating for the 15th year consecutive year, following detailed service audits of SAA Premium Business and Economy Class product and service across all customer-facing categories.

SkytraxTM is known worldwide as the leading, independent research authority on airline quality and service, and the World Airline Awards are often referred to as the “the Oscars of the airline industry.” The awards are based on a consumer satisfaction survey conducted each year by SkytraxTM, giving travelers an opportunity to rate their experiences in the air and on the ground with over 200 airlines worldwide and ultimately serve as a global benchmark of airline excellence.

“We are extremely proud that SAA has been recognized by global air travelers and SkytraxTM to receive this award,” said Todd Neuman, executive vice president-the Americas for South African Airways. “This is a true testament to the commitment and dedication of SAA employees throughout the world to ensure our customers enjoy a world-class experience and warm African hospitality.”

The SkytraxTM “Best Airline Staff in Africa” award takes its place among a host of other honorable recognitions which SAA has recently received including, “Best Airline in Africa” & “Best Business Class to Africa” by leading travel publications in North America, further solidifying SAA’s position as Africa’s most awarded airline.

For reservations and information, customers should visit www.flysaa.com or contact South African Airways at 1-(800) 722-9675.

About South African Airways

South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline, serves over 75 destinations worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier Mango. In North America, SAA operates daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has partnerships with United Airlines, Air Canada and JetBlue Airways, American Airlines and Virgin America, which offer convenient connections from more than 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada to SAA’s flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-Star rating for 15 consecutive years.