Canada flies high: Air Canada, Air Transat & Porter win at Skytrax Awards

Canadian airlines had plenty to celebrate at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, with Air Canada, Air Transat and Porter Airlines each taking home major honours.

Air Canada was named Best Airline in North America for the second consecutive year, while Air Transat secured the title of World’s Best Leisure Airline for the eighth time.

Porter, meanwhile, was crowned Best Regional Airline in North America for the third year running.

The awards, presented in London, are based on customer-satisfaction surveys completed by travellers worldwide.

Air Canada repeats as North America’s best

For Air Canada, the latest win marks the tenth time the carrier has been named Best Airline in North America since 2010.

The airline also received the World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining award for its Signature Suite at Toronto Pearson for the third consecutive year.

Additional honours included Best Cabin Crew in Canada, Best Economy On Board Catering in North America and Best Business Class Lounge in North America.

Air Canada also climbed two positions to rank 17th on Skytrax’s list of the World’s Top 100 Airlines for 2026, making it the only North American carrier to place in the top 20.

“We’re incredibly proud to be named Best Airline in North America. On behalf of 40,000 Air Canada coworkers around the world, we thank our customers for their trust, loyalty, and for choosing to fly with us. Their recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the views of the people who experience our products and services firsthand," said Mark Nasr, executive vice-president and chief operations officer at Air Canada, in a press release.

"This award belongs to our people, whose professionalism, dedication, and genuine care for our customers make moments of exceptional hospitality possible across our global network. I’m honoured to accept this recognition on their behalf and thank them for their commitment to elevating the customer experience."

Air Canada has introduced several updates to its passenger experience in recent years, including free Wi-Fi sponsored by Bell, expanded functionality in its mobile app and complimentary premium snacks, wine and beer on all flights.

It has also invested in new and renovated lounges, airport processes, its Aeroplan loyalty program and intermodal travel options, while expanding its in-flight entertainment offering.

Earlier this year, Air Canada introduced its next-generation cabin design with the entry into service of the Airbus A321XLR.

Air Transat takes global leisure title

Air Transat was named World’s Best Leisure Airline, marking the eighth time it has secured the title.

An Air Transat delegation led by president and CEO Annick Guérard accepted the award in London on Friday (Sept. 18).

“Being named the World's Best Leisure Airline for the eighth time is a tremendous source of pride for Air Transat and, above all, a well-deserved recognition of our teams,” said Guérard.

“Every day, they put their expertise, care, and hospitality at the service of our travellers. This distinction reflects their exceptional commitment and their ability to create travel experiences that set us apart, both here and around the world.”

Air Transat previously won the award in 2012, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025. It was named North America’s Best Leisure Airline in 2022.

Three-peat for Porter

Porter, meanwhile, was named Best Regional Airline in North America for the third consecutive year.

"Winning this award for a third consecutive year tells us our approach to economy travel continues to resonate with passengers," said Michael Deluce, CEO of Porter, in a press release.

"From day one, we set out to prove that flying economy doesn't mean compromising on comfort or care. No middle seats, complimentary beer and wine in glassware, premium snacks and free Wi-Fi are all part of the experience, but it's how our team delivers that service, with genuine care, that keeps travellers coming back. This recognition belongs to every Porter team member who makes this possible."

Porter currently serves 131 routes and 54 destinations, with a domestic network reaching every Canadian province. The carrier is also expanding across the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America.

Porter is also one of three North American carriers to hold Skytrax's Official 4-Star Rating.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.