This Canadian airline just beat out every American competitor in new ranking
Move over, Delta. Step aside, JetBlue. A Toronto-based carrier just clinched the top spot as North America's best regional airline—and it's not even American.
Porter Airlines, the cheeky, upscale carrier known for its free wine and lack of middle seats, was crowned Best Regional Airline in North America at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, marking its second consecutive win. The honor places Porter ahead of major U.S. players like Alaska and JetBlue in what's considered the 'Oscars of the aviation industry.'
How did a Canadian airline that flies out of a teeny island airport take top honors on an international stage? According to Skytrax, it all comes down to passenger experience. Porter has carved out a niche by offering something increasingly rare in economy: dignity. Think complimentary wine and beer served in real glassware, premium snacks, roomy seating with 32- to 34-inch pitch and free high-speed Wi-Fi—for everyone.
'We treat our passengers with dignity and respect, because that is how they deserve to be treated,' said Porter's CEO, Michael Deluce, crediting the airline's distinct hospitality-driven culture for the win.
The award wasn't just a fluke. Porter's been on a growth streak, expanding from a scrappy regional carrier into a serious North American contender. In the past two years, it's hired over 2,500 new employees, added 44 Embraer E195-E2 jets to its fleet and launched dozens of new routes stretching from St. John's to Victoria and into key U.S. markets like New York and Florida.
Porter also holds Skytrax's coveted 4-Star Airline rating, one of only three North American carriers to do so, earning high marks for staff friendliness, efficient boarding and spotless aircraft.
The Skytrax Awards are based on a global passenger satisfaction survey with input from travelers in over 100 countries. While Qatar Airways took the global crown as World's Best Airline, Porter's regional win proves you don't always have to hop continents to get great service.
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