Air Canada, Westjet and Porter Airlines recognized at 2026 APEX Awards

Three Canadian carriers have been recognized by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) at the 2026 APEX Awards.

Air Canada received a Five Star Global Airline Award for the sixth consecutive year. 

The airline was also recognized for inflight connectivity, with its complimentary Wi-Fi for Aeroplan Members — provided in partnership with Bell — ranked as Best Inflight Connectivity.

"On behalf of Air Canada's 40,000 global employees, I thank APEX for confirming our status as a leading global carrier by conferring this award and our customers for their demonstrated loyalty in choosing to fly with us," said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.Michael Rousseau, president and chief Executive Officer of Air Canada. 

"I am also pleased to see our investments to become an industry leader in inflight connectivity recognized with an award for Best Inflight Connectivity, which is complimentary for our Aeroplan Members." 

Air Canada’s recognition builds on a series of awards in 2025, including Best Airline in North America from Skytrax, Best Cabin Crew in Canada and North America, and Most Family Friendly Airline in North America.

WestJet accepted the 2026 APEX Four Star Major Airline award at the APEX Global Expo in Long Beach, California.

"This recognition is a direct reflection of the passion, dedication, and excellence our frontline teams brought to life this year," said Alex Mitchell, vice president, guest experience, WestJet. 

"It's a huge win for our entire WestJet team—and I couldn't be prouder."

The airline also presented its uniform during the Expo’s PCIAW® Fashion Show.

"Guest experience is built on global partnerships, and one of the most recognizable parts of that experience comes from WestJet's uniformed employees," said Elise Featherstone, manager, uniforms. 

"The uniform represents more than just attire — it's a symbol of safety, comfort, and trust for every person who travels with us."

Meanwhile, Porter Airlines was named a Four Star Regional Airline and ranked among the top three regional carriers globally, according to passenger ratings.

“Porter has been elevating economy air service for almost 19 years and we’re extremely proud of our best-in-class onboard product. Combined with the genuine care provided by our team members - which cannot be replicated - we see consistently high passenger ratings,” said Kevin Jackson, president of Porter Airlines. 

“As we further expand our network across the continent, more passengers will have the option to experience Porter’s renowned service that is available equally to everyone onboard."

Porter’s recognition follows its expansion into new markets, with recent service launches to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, as well as new routes from Hamilton International Airport.

The APEX Five Star and Four Star Airline Awards are the only global awards based entirely on third-party passenger feedback. 

Ratings are based on more than one million flights across nearly 600 airlines worldwide, gathered in partnership with TripIt from Concur and independently certified by an external auditor.

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