RwandAir has been named Best Cabin Service in Africa at the 2026 APEX Awards, marking the first time the airline has received this recognition for its onboard customer experience.
The award was presented during the APEX Future Travel Experience (FTE) EMEA event in Dublin and is based exclusively on independently verified passenger feedback from more than one million flights worldwide. The recognition is therefore a direct reflection of the experience delivered to customers onboard RwandAir flights.
This recognition highlights RwandAir’s continued investment in service excellence, cabin crew training, and the delivery of a warm, attentive, and distinctly Rwandan onboard experience. It also adds to the airline’s growing record of international recognition, including its Skytrax Best Regional
Airline in Africa title in 2025 and its APEX Diamond Health Safety Status, which made RwandAir the first African airline to receive that designation.
Yvonne Manzi Makolo, CEO of RwandAir, said: “This award is a powerful recognition of the service our customers experience through the dedication of our cabin crew. As RwandAir positions itself as Africa’s gateway to the world, we are proud to showcase Rwanda’s warmth, professionalism, and hospitality across every journey. We remain committed to raising the standard of African aviation and delivering a world-class experience for our passengers.”
“RwandAir winning the 2026 APEX Best Cabin Service in Africa award based on the votes of verified passengers honors one of the most inspiring service ascents in aviation today, led by a national carrier that has elevated African hospitality with remarkable intention, discipline, and pride,” said Dr. Joe Leader, APEX Group CEO.
The APEX Awards, established by the Airline Passenger Experience Association, are among the aviation industry’s leading passenger experience benchmarks, assessing key areas including cabin service, entertainment, Wi-Fi, seat comfort, and food and beverage across airlines globally.
This recognition comes as RwandAir continues to strengthen its network, enhance its customer experience, and position itself as Africa’s gateway to the world, with service excellence remaining central to its brand promise.
About RwandAir
RwandAir, Rwanda’s national carrier, connects Africa to the world from its Kigali hub, strategically located in the heart of Africa. Founded in 2002, the airline operates a modern fleet of Airbus A330s, Boeing 737-800NGs, Bombardier Q400s and a dedicated freighter, serving 22 destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, with codeshare and interline partnerships extending connectivity to an additional 150 destinations worldwide. Awarded Best Cabin Service in Africa at the 2026 APEX Awards and Best Regional Airline in Africa at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, RwandAir serves as a catalyst for trade, tourism and economic growth across Africa and beyond. Follow Us: Instagram | X | LinkedIn | Facebook
About the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX)
As a global non-profit and one of the world’s largest international airline associations, APEX accelerates the industry with the backing of nearly every major airline and valued supplier. APEX reinvests all its resources to serving its members, strengthening the worldwide airline industry, advancing thought-leadership, fostering business opportunities via events, developing global initiatives, setting key airline standards, and highlighting well-deserved recognition across our industry. In conjunction with both the International Flight Services Association (IFSA) and Future Travel Experience (FTE), APEX serves the full spectrum of the end-to-end travel experience.