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KQ bags top award at regional fete

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A Kenya Airways plane at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi. FILE PHOTO | NMG

Kenya Airways #ticker:KQ (KQ) has been feted as Africa’s leading airline at the 24th Annual World Travel Awards held yesterday in Kigali, Rwanda.

This is the second consecutive year the national carrier has won the coveted title, beating other nominees including South African Airways, RwandAir, EgyptAir and Royal Air Maroc.

KQ was also named the winner in the Business Class category for the fifth consecutive year, while Ethiopian Airlines bagged the award in the Economy Class category - winning it for the fifth year in a row.

“Winning these awards would not have been possible without the passion and dedication of the Kenya Airways team and the strong support from our guests. Our guests are at the heart of everything we do at the airline and these two awards confirm our undeterred commitment to them,” said KQ boss Sebastian Mikosz in a statement Wednesday.

Ethiopian Airlines was feted as Africa's leading airline brand, coming out tops in the category against Kenya Airways, South African Airways, RwandAir, EgyptAir, Tunisair and Royal Air Maroc.

Cape Town International Airport in South Africa was named the region's leading hub while Diani Beach in Kenya was named as Africa's leading beach destination.

The World Travel Awards serve to recognise, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry within each key geographical region.

Last year's ceremony was held in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

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Additional reporting by Lynette Mukami