MONTREAL — Two of Canada’s leading airlines have just won big at the 2018 Skytrax World Airline Awards.

Bringing home the title of ‘Best Airline in North America’ for the second consecutive year is Air Canada. It is the seventh time in the past nine years that the carrier was selected as the best in North America by the World Airline Awards, which are based on passenger satisfaction surveys of approximately 20 million global travellers.

“This award shows that our customers, whom we thank for their continued loyalty, appreciate the investments Air Canada is making to deliver service that is the best in North American and increasingly recognized as industry-leading globally,” said Benjamin Smith, president, Airlines and Chief Operating Officer at Air Canada.

Smith went on to highlight the airline’s new growth initiatives, which include the current rollout of satellite Wi-Fi on its widebody fleet, the delivery of the new Airbus A220-300 aircraft next year, and the launch of a brand new loyalty program. Other initiatives launched as part of a $10 billion capital expenditure program include an expanded global network to more than 220 cities around the world, the recent introduction of wide-body Signature Class Service on select flights on prime North American routes, and new international, domestic and U.S. Maple Leaf Lounges.

Giving Canada a double win at the Skytrax Awards is Air Transat, which won ‘World’s Best Leisure Airline’. Jean-François Lemay, President-General Manager of Air Transat, was on hand in London to accept the award at the official ceremony.

Jean-François Lemay, President-General Manager of Air Transat (centre), accompanied by Air Transat crew members and a Skytrax representative, at the 2018 Skytrax World Airline Awards ceremony in London

“Being singled out as the World’s Best Leisure Airline is an honour we’re extremely proud of since it was awarded by our passengers,” he said. “This honour extends to all of our employees whose commitment, quality service and hard word ensure our passengers a pleasant, memorable experience, so their vacation truly begins the moment they set foot onboard.”

Air Transat flies to more than 60 destinations in 26 countries and is known for its Club Class featuring inflight privileges such as the Chef’s Menu by Daniel Vézina. Passengers in Economy Class can also treat themselves with Option Plus, featuring benefits like additional piece of checked baggage and seat selection.