For the sixth year running, Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) has cemented its status as the gold standard in sky-high hospitality, securing the prestigious title of ‘World’s Leading Cabin Crew 2025.’

The accolade, announced by the World Travel Awards (WTA) on Sunday, is not merely a trophy; it represents a consistent vote of confidence from both industry heavyweights and ordinary travelers who continue to prioritize service quality over mere transit. For aviation markets globally—including here in East Africa where service differentiation is key—RB’s dominance offers a masterclass in consistency.

A Legacy of ‘Bruneian Hospitality’

The airline’s achievement underscores a specific brand of service rooted in cultural identity. In a press release, RB emphasized that the win reflects the trust placed in their signature “Bruneian hospitality.” Unlike technical awards based solely on on-time performance or fleet age, this category relies heavily on the human element—the soft skills that define the passenger experience.

The selection process for the WTA is rigorous. Winners are chosen by a blend of travel industry professionals and the public, suggesting that RB’s service resonates just as well with seasoned travel agents as it does with holidaymakers.

• Award: World’s Leading Cabin Crew 2025
• Organization: World Travel Awards (WTA)
• Streak: 6th Consecutive Win (2020–2025)
• Criteria: Votes from industry professionals and global travelers

The Human Touch in an Automated Era

Colonel Norsuriati Haji Sharbini, RB’s interim Chief Executive Officer, noted that the award validates the airline's internal culture. She described the crew's approach as “warm, personalized service given sincerely from the heart.”

“For six consecutive years, the airline’s cabin crew have demonstrated unwavering commitment,” Sharbini stated, highlighting that in an era where airlines are increasingly automating customer interactions, the physical crew remains the most potent brand ambassador.

While Royal Brunei does not operate direct flights to Nairobi, their consistent performance sets a global benchmark that competitors, including African carriers like Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines, must measure against. As the aviation sector fully recovers from the disruptions of the early 2020s, the battle for passengers is shifting back to cabin comfort and crew attentiveness.

As global travel demands evolve, RB’s streak sends a clear message to the industry: consistency is the ultimate luxury, and the human connection remains the most valuable currency at 35,000 feet.