RwandAir has reached another major milestone in its growth journey after being recognized as Africa’s leading airline for cabin service, earning the prestigious “Best Cabin Service in Africa” award at the 2026 APEX Awards held in Dublin, Ireland. The recognition places Rwanda’s national carrier among the continent’s top-performing airlines and highlights its continued commitment to delivering exceptional passenger experiences both in the air and on the ground.
The award was presented during the APEX Future Travel Experience (FTE) conference, one of the aviation industry’s leading events that brings together airlines, aviation experts, and industry stakeholders from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to discuss innovation and the future of air travel. Organized by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), a Washington, D.C.-based organization with more than four decades of experience in the aviation sector, the awards are widely regarded as some of the most respected honors in global air transportation.
For RwandAir, the achievement marks a significant moment in its history. It is the first time the airline has received the Best Cabin Service in Africa award, a distinction that recognizes excellence in customer service and passenger satisfaction throughout the travel experience. The recognition effectively positions RwandAir as the airline offering the highest-quality onboard service on the African continent, reflecting years of investment in customer care, employee training, and service innovation.
The selection process for the award was comprehensive and relied heavily on passenger feedback gathered from more than one million flights worldwide. Travelers evaluated airlines based on multiple aspects of the customer journey, including the professionalism and friendliness of cabin crew members, seat comfort, onboard entertainment, internet connectivity, quality of meals and beverages, responsiveness of staff, and overall hospitality from boarding to arrival. RwandAir’s strong performance across these categories helped secure its place at the top of the rankings.
Industry observers note that the award reflects the airline’s growing reputation for combining modern aviation standards with the warmth and hospitality that have become closely associated with Rwanda’s service culture. Over the years, RwandAir has consistently focused on improving the passenger experience through enhanced training programs for cabin crews, investments in modern aircraft, and efforts to ensure that customers receive attentive and personalized service throughout their journeys.
Speaking after receiving the award, RwandAir Chief Executive Officer Yvonne Manzi Makolo described the recognition as a meaningful endorsement of the airline’s customer-centered philosophy and the dedication demonstrated daily by its employees. She emphasized that the achievement belongs to the airline’s cabin crew and staff members who work tirelessly to ensure passengers enjoy safe, comfortable, and memorable travel experiences. Makolo also reaffirmed the airline’s ambition to strengthen its position as a major aviation hub connecting Africa with the rest of the world while maintaining world-class service standards.
The recognition from APEX comes as RwandAir continues expanding its footprint across international markets. Since its establishment in 2002 as Rwandair Express and its rebranding to RwandAir in 2009, the airline has transformed into one of Africa’s fastest-growing carriers. Today, it operates an extensive network linking destinations across Africa, Europe, and Asia, serving both business and leisure travelers while supporting Rwanda’s broader economic and tourism ambitions.
Dr. Joe Leader, Chief Executive Officer of APEX Group, praised RwandAir’s accomplishment, noting that the airline’s victory was driven directly by passenger votes. He said the award reflects the airline’s remarkable progress in customer service and its contribution to raising standards of hospitality across Africa. According to Leader, RwandAir has demonstrated how dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for travelers can help shape a positive reputation for African aviation on the global stage.
The latest accolade adds to a growing list of international recognitions earned by the airline in recent years. In 2025, RwandAir was named Africa’s Best Airline at the renowned World Airline Awards presented by Skytrax, one of the aviation industry’s most respected rating organizations. The carrier has also received the APEX Diamond Health Safety Status award, becoming the first African airline to earn the distinction for excellence in health protection, hygiene standards, and passenger safety.
RwandAir’s fleet currently includes Boeing 737-800NG and Boeing 737-700NG aircraft, Bombardier Q400 NextGen turboprops, and Airbus A330 wide-body jets, enabling the airline to serve a diverse range of regional and long-haul routes. The modern fleet, combined with ongoing investments in technology and customer service, has helped strengthen the airline’s competitive position within the rapidly evolving global aviation industry.
As international travel continues to recover and expand, the recognition received in Dublin serves as another indication that RwandAir is emerging as one of Africa’s most respected aviation brands. For Rwanda, the award represents not only a success for its national carrier but also a reflection of the country’s broader efforts to establish itself as a center for business, tourism, and connectivity on the continent. With continued expansion, a growing route network, and a strong focus on customer satisfaction, RwandAir appears well positioned to build on its recent achievements and further enhance Africa’s presence in the global aviation landscape.
