Top 10 Largest Airlines in Canada: A Comprehensive Overview
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| Largest Airlines in Canada |
There are about 128 operational passenger airports in Canada. North America is where Canada is located. There are approximately 39.5 million people living there. In terms of both revenue and passengers, Air Canada is the largest airline in Canada. In 2023, it carried 37 million passengers on its more than 245 aircraft.
With over 49.5 million passengers, Ontario Airport is the busiest in Canada. In 2022, the major Canadian airlines carried more than 63.7 million passengers. The largest factor in a nation's development is its airline industry.
Learn more: Top 10 Largest Airlines in the U.S: A Comprehensive Overview
1. Air Canada
- Website: www.aircanada.com
- Year Founded: 1937
- Fleet Size: 180+ aircraft
- Number of Flights: 1,500+ daily flights
- Revenue: CAD 19.1 billion (2023)
- Overview: Air Canada is the country’s largest and most established airline, offering both domestic and international services across five continents. It is renowned for its extensive network and premium services.
- Punctuality: Ranked 4th in on-time performance.
- Affordability: Mid-range to premium pricing.
The Airline Passenger Experience Association 2024 awards presented Air Canada with a Five Star Global Airline Award.
Air Canada has a sizable fleet of more than 245 aircraft of various sizes as of 2023.
37 million passengers were transported by Air Canada to both domestic and international locations in 2022. They offer flights to more than 220 locations across six continents, including Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America, and North America.
2. WestJet
- Website: www.westjet.com
- Year Founded: 1996
- Fleet Size: 170+ aircraft
- Number of Flights: 700+ daily flights
- Revenue: CAD 5.7 billion (2023)
- Overview: Known for its friendly service and competitive prices, WestJet operates primarily within North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. It is Canada’s second-largest airline by fleet size.
- Punctuality: Ranked 3rd in on-time performance.
- Affordability: Low to mid-range pricing.
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3. Air Transat
- Website: www.airtransat.com
- Year Founded: 1986
- Fleet Size: 35+ aircraft
- Number of Flights: 200+ weekly flights
- Revenue: CAD 2.4 billion (2023)
- Overview: Specializing in vacation destinations, Air Transat focuses on Europe, the Caribbean, and Mexico. It’s a top choice for travelers seeking affordable leisure trips.
- Punctuality: Ranked 6th in on-time performance.
- Affordability: One of the most affordable airlines for international leisure travel.
4. Porter Airlines
- Website: www.flyporter.com
- Year Founded: 2006
- Fleet Size: 40+ aircraft
- Number of Flights: 100+ daily flights
- Revenue: CAD 1 billion (2023)
- Overview: Headquartered in Toronto, Porter Airlines is known for its efficient services in the eastern region of Canada, with a focus on premium economy.
- Punctuality: Ranked 1st in on-time performance.
- Affordability: Mid-range pricing with premium amenities.
5. Flair Airlines
- Website: www.flyflair.com
- Year Founded: 2005
- Fleet Size: 22+ aircraft
- Number of Flights: 150+ weekly flights
- Revenue: CAD 300 million (2023)
- Overview: As one of Canada’s fastest-growing ultra-low-cost carriers, Flair Airlines offers budget-friendly travel across domestic and select international routes.
- Punctuality: Ranked 9th in on-time performance.
- Affordability: One of the cheapest airlines in Canada.
6. Sunwing Airlines
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| Sunwing Airlines |
- Website: www.sunwing.ca
- Year Founded: 2005
- Fleet Size: 20+ aircraft
- Number of Flights: 100+ weekly flights
- Revenue: CAD 700 million (2023)
- Overview: Sunwing specializes in vacation packages to sunny destinations like Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. It's popular for affordable vacation deals.
- Punctuality: Ranked 7th in on-time performance.
- Affordability: Affordable holiday travel packages.
7. WestJet or Swoop
Swoop and WestJet merged on October 29, 2023, to provide even more affordable airfares to more cities across the WestJet network, while maintaining the WestJet guest experience you've come to expect. We can't wait to see you aboard.
- Website: https://www.westjet.com/
- Year Founded: 2018
- Fleet Size: 16+ aircraft
- Number of Flights: 120+ weekly flights
- Revenue: CAD 500 million (2023)
- Overview: A subsidiary of WestJet, Swoop is an ultra-low-cost carrier focused on delivering the lowest fares for domestic and U.S. travel.
- Punctuality: Ranked 5th in on-time performance.
- Affordability: Among the cheapest airlines in Canada.
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8. Lynx Air
Tragically, Lynx Air joins an extensive list of Canadian low-cost airlines that have met their demise. The airline announced its entry into creditor protection on February 22 and ceased operations four days later, on February 26.
- Website: www.flylynx.com
- Year Founded: 2022
- Fleet Size: 10+ aircraft
- Number of Flights: 50+ weekly flights
- Revenue: CAD 100 million (2023)
- Overview: Canada’s newest ultra-low-cost airline, Lynx Air focuses on providing affordable domestic travel options with a simple, no-frills approach.
- Punctuality: Ranked 8th in on-time performance.
- Affordability: One of the cheapest airlines for domestic routes.
9. Canadian North
- Website: www.canadiannorth.com
- Year Founded: 1989
- Fleet Size: 30+ aircraft
- Number of Flights: 90+ weekly flights
- Revenue: CAD 350 million (2023)
- Overview: Canadian North serves the northern regions of Canada, offering vital connections to remote communities and operating in challenging arctic conditions.
- Punctuality: Ranked 2nd in on-time performance.
- Affordability: Prices tend to be higher due to remote operations.
10. Pascan Aviation
- Website: www.pascan.com
- Year Founded: 1999
- Fleet Size: 14+ aircraft
- Number of Flights: 60+ weekly flights
- Revenue: CAD 150 million (2023)
- Overview: Pascan Aviation is a regional carrier that connects Quebec with several smaller communities, focusing on essential regional travel.
- Punctuality: Ranked 10th in on-time performance.
- Affordability: Mid-range pricing for regional travel.
Conclusion
Air Canada and WestJet are the two largest airlines in Canada's aviation sector, and low-cost carriers like Flair Airlines and Swoop are widely available for travelers on a tight budget. Porter Airlines shines in punctuality, while ultra-low-cost options such as Lynx Air and Flair make domestic travel more affordable.
FAQs
1. Which airline is the most affordable in Canada?
Flair Airlines and Swoop are recognized as the cheapest airlines in Canada.
2. Which Canadian airline has the best on-time performance?
Porter Airlines ranks as the most punctual airline in Canada.
3. What is the largest airline in Canada by fleet size?
Air Canada is the largest airline in Canada by fleet size and overall market share.
4. Which airlines offer the most vacation destination flights?
Air Transat and Sunwing Airlines specialize in vacation destinations, primarily to Europe, the Caribbean, and Mexico.
5. How many low-cost airlines operate in Canada?
Canada has several low-cost airlines, including Flair Airlines, Swoop, and Lynx Air.
6. How many airports are in Canada?
Canada has around 128 functional passenger airport.
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