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Travel Agents Association of Malawi (Taam) has voted South African Airways (SAA) as the best airline in Malawi based on the airline’s overall performance, staff attitude and choice of fares, among other yard sticks.
Taam chairman Ken Banda said in Mangochi at the weekend that SAA outclassed other international carriers operating in Malawi like British Airways, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Zimbabwe and Air Malawi to become the first winner of the newly introduced award.
“The award was based on the response received from Taam members ranging from overall performance of the airline, on time performance, in-flight entertainment, choice of fares and staff attitude,” said Banda, who is also managing director for Bon Voyage Tours Limited.
Malawi’s Deputy Tourism, Parks and Wildlife Minister Fidson Chisesele, who officially opened the day-long Taam annual general meeting, presented the Certificate of Recognition to SAA Regional Manager—Malawi Gokul Nath.
Banda said Taam has made history by presenting an award to an airline because the tradition in the industry has been the other way round—airlines awarding travel agents that had been very supportive.
“It is hoped that the introduction of this award to the airline from the travel agents will now, in our opinion, improve relations between our members and airlines by being supportive and offering a product that is market oriented,” he said, adding that Taam intends to extend similar awards to other categories of service providers such as hotels and car rental firms.
Receiving the award, Nath said he did not expect his airline to win but, he said, he felt honoured and values the award.
“We have always worked positively. We have built an excellent relationship with both agents and passengers and we value your support,” he said.
And in his presentation to the Taam AGM on SAA’s products, Nath said the company has embarked on a major fleet expansion programme which will see SAA buying 41 new aircraft from Europe’s Airbus Industries. He said SAA has made a decision to have an Airbus fleet.
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