Canadian carrier crowned world's best leisure airline for the eighth time
Once again, Canadian airline Air Transat has been recognized as the best in the world.
At the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, the Montreal-based airline was named World’s Best Leisure Airline for the eighth time.
Air Transat first won the title in 2012, and then again in 2018, 2019, 2021, and between 2023 and 2026.
Held annually in London, England, the Skytrax World Airline Awards are often described as the “Oscars of the airline industry,” recognizing airlines across a range of categories based on feedback from millions of travellers around the world.
According to Skytrax, Air Transat’s recognition this year reflects its “continued commitment to delivering a welcoming and enjoyable travel experience, combining comfort, high-quality service, and a strong focus on meeting the needs of its customers.”
Air Transat President and Chief Executive Officer Annick Guérard was in London to accept the award and said that winning again was a “tremendous source of pride” for all of its 5,000 employees.
Air Transat has been in operation since 1987, flying passengers to many international destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, parts of the U.S., and North Africa.
Air Transat is one of three Canadian airlines receiving a combined $351-million government bailout aimed at offsetting skyrocketing aviation fuel costs. Major competitors like WestJet have strongly pushed back, criticizing the emergency aid as a market-distorting tactic.