Pretoria – South African Airways (SAA) has scooped two major endorsements from respected industry experts - FlightStats and a leading travel trade magazine in Europe.
The airline topped the list of the most on-time airlines in the world in a report produced by an independent entity, FlightStats Inc.
FlightStats is a leading provider of day-of-travel data services and applications to the travel industry and traveling public.
According to the FlightStats March 2013 On-Time Airline & Airport Performance Report, SAA was one of the only two major international carriers that delivered over 90% of their flights on time in March.
SAA took the number one spot with 92.26%. Gulf Air came in second at 92.11%.
The report further said that major international airlines had on average delivered 78.76% of their flights to the arrival gate within 15 minutes of schedule in March - up slightly from February’s 77.64%. Cancellations for the same group in March were 1.35%, down from 1.57% last month.
“SAA’s above average operational showing among global competitors is the result of the skill and efforts of highly trained teams across all functions, working in tandem to ensure safe, efficient and value for money operations,” SAA’s General Manager of Operations, ZuksRamasia, said.
SAA’s business class was also voted as the Best Business Class product amongst Star Alliance carriers, by FVW magazine.
FVW is Germany’s leading travel trade magazine for tourism and business travel and provides independent and objective information about the latest trends and current developments in the market.
It ran a project where a mystery shopper tested the Business Class products and services of Star Alliance carriers on long-haul flights out of Germany.
SAA topped the list with 94 points out of 100, eclipsing three other renowned European airlines.
According to the airline, SAA ranked the highest for its comfortable fully lie-flat seats, while its class-leading comfortable duvet, extra-large pillow and padded bedding also got the nod from the magazine’s mystery shopper.
It also scored 24 points out of 25 for its check-in and lounge facilities while the cuisine was rated 18 out of 20 points and service 19 out of 20.
“It is very humbling to note that those that we serve daily with our renowned South African hospitality recognise the effort that we put into making their travelling experience convenient, safe and comfortable.
“Every South African should take pride in the fact that their national carrier is Africa’s most awarded airline and held in high esteem by travellers from across the world,” said Ramasia.
Ramasia added that SAA would continue to put concerted effort in improving thier product offering and service levels. – SAnews.gov.za
