Global Traveler names South African Airways 'Airline of the Year'

SAA received the award at its annual awards gala that honours the best in travel. In naming the recipient of the award, the magazine cited SAA as a "perennial favourite" among its readers and the "perfect representative of South Africa's personality, promise and culture." It also added that SAA "is a standout in all aspects of the industry." At the 12 December awards ceremony held in Los Angeles, executive vice president of North America Todd Neuman was joined by fellow SAA executives, as well as a representative from the Consulate General of South Africa and key travel industry and corporate partners - each of whom were on hand to celebrate this prestigious win with South Africa's national airline.

Global Traveler's recognition of SAA as "Best White Wine International Business Class" was for the Driehoek Sauvignon Blanc 2011, chosen by SAA and a panel of international judges during the airline's annual comprehensive wine selection process, which is meant to showcase South African wines throughout the globe, while also complementing a carefully designed selection of on-board cuisine and its accompanying services.

South African Airways has introduced new service to cities such as Brazzaville (Republic of Congo), Abidjan (Ivory Coast) and Cotonou (Benin), among other cities that it has added to its already-extensive route network on the African continent. It is also featuring meal selections from South African star chefs, first with Chef Reuben Riffel, and now with Chef Benny Masekwameng, a judge on South Africa's Master Chef TV series.

SAA also won "Best Airline to Africa".