Kampala — THE South African Airways (SAA) has been named the Best African Airline in the Ultra Travel 100 Readers poll 2008.

The poll celebrates the top 100 airlines, hotels, travel companies, countries, cruise companies, spas and ski resorts as voted by the readers of the Ultra Luxury Travel Magazine.

"We are delighted to receive such a prestigious award from the UK's Daily Telegraph Luxury Travel Ultra Magazine," Yogi Biriggwa, the SAA country manager, said.

SAA, one of the dominant carriers on the continent beat Air Namibia, Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways to collect the award at a gala lunch at the Intercontinental London Park Lane.

"This accolade once again confirms our reputation as the leading carrier on the African continent.

"It is particularly pleasing as we have been identified by the travellers themselves who recognise our dedication to excellence in customer service," a visibly excited Biriggwa told reporters in Kampala over the weekend.

According to Biriggwa, the Ultra Travel Award is the latest in a string of awards collected by SAA over the past 12 months.