South African airline LIFT has received two awards at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards, being named Best Cabin Crew in South Africa and Best Domestic Airline in Africa.
The airline said the awards recognise both its cabin crew and the wider team responsible for delivering its domestic passenger services.
About the World Luxury Travel Awards
Established in 2020, the World Luxury Travel Awards recognise businesses and experiences across the global travel industry.
According to the awards organiser, more than 100,000 international travellers participate in the voting process annually, with votes also coming from guests and industry participants.
The awards cover a range of travel categories, with recognition presented at country, regional, continental and global levels. Winners are determined through public voting.
Best Cabin Crew in South Africa
The Best Cabin Crew in South Africa award recognises LIFT's onboard personnel and their contribution to the passenger experience.
LIFT highlighted the role of its cabin crew in welcoming passengers, providing assistance throughout flights and helping maintain a safe and comfortable cabin environment.
The airline said professionalism, attention to detail and customer service are central to its onboard experience, from boarding through to arrival.
The recognition acknowledges the contribution of cabin crew to this aspect of the airline's operations.
Best Domestic Airline in Africa
The second award recognises LIFT in the domestic airline category at continental level.
LIFT attributed the recognition to its overall passenger offering, highlighting flexible booking options, onboard services and the work undertaken by employees behind the scenes.
The airline said the delivery of its domestic services depends on coordination between cabin crew, ground personnel and other teams responsible for planning and supporting daily operations.
The award recognises the airline's passenger offering within the World Luxury Travel Awards' public voting programme.
Five Years of LIFT Operations
The awards follow more than five years of operations for LIFT, which launched in South Africa in December 2020.
The airline marked its fifth anniversary in December 2025 and is approaching its sixth anniversary in December 2026.
Since entering the domestic aviation market, LIFT has continued developing its passenger offering, with an emphasis on booking flexibility, onboard services and customer experience.
The airline said its approach to passenger service has remained a central part of its operations as the business has developed.
Recognition for Employees and Passengers
In announcing the two awards, LIFT acknowledged the contribution of employees across its operations, including cabin crew, ground personnel and staff working behind the scenes.
The airline highlighted the planning, coordination and daily operational work required to transport passengers safely and comfortably.
LIFT also thanked its passengers for their continued support since the airline began operations in December 2020.
