Air Canada becomes the only international four-star airline in North America

Industry quality ranking recognises carrier's airport and onboard product and service improvements

Air Canada has become the only international network carrier in North America to receive a  Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax.  The much-coveted rating is considered an airline industry benchmark and is based on detailed, independently conducted quality analysis by Skytrax across more than 800 different areas of airport and onboard product and service delivery.

"I am very pleased that Air Canada has become the only international network carrier to have achieved this significant industry benchmark," said Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer.  "This coveted Four-Star ranking reflects the professionalism and skill of Air Canada's employees in taking care of our customers and delivering an award winning product that continues to set industry standards. This is a proud achievement for Air Canada's airport and onboard product and service delivery teams that we will strive to improve upon as we continue to build one of the world's best airlines."

In 2012, Air Canada was ranked for a third consecutive year "Best International Airline in North America" in a worldwide survey of more than 18 million airline passengers conducted by independent research firm Skytrax.  According to the 2012 Canadian Business Travel Survey conducted by Ipsos Reid, Air Canada was the preferred airline for more than 79 percent of frequent business travellers in Canada.  In 2012, readers of Global Traveler magazine voted Air Canada "Best Airline in North America," the readers of Business Traveler voted Air Canada "Best North American Airline for International Travel" and "Best In-Flight Services in North America," and the readers of Premier Traveler voted Air Canada "Best North American Airline for Business Class Service," "Best North American Airline for International Travel" and "Best Flight Attendants in North America."

Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline serving more than 175 destinations on five continents.  Canada's flag carrier is the 15th largest commercial airline in the world and in 2012 served close to 35 million customers.  Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 59 Canadian cities, 56 destinations in the United States and 63 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,329 destinations in 194 countries.  Air Canada customers can collect Aeroplan miles for future rewards through Canada's leading loyalty program, and Top Tier members enjoy reciprocal frequent flyer benefits including lounge and priority services.  For more information on Air Canada visit aircanada.com. Follow @AirCanada on Twitter and join Air Canada on Facebook.