MONTREAL — Following last week’s milestone merger agreement between Air Canada and Transat SA, key stakeholders have extended their congratulations to both carriers for their big wins at the 2019 Skytrax World Airline Awards.

Held at the 53rd International Paris Air Show Le Bourget in France, the annual awards are vote on by travellers around the world and include more than 300 airlines. This year, Air Canada took home ‘Best Airline in North America’ while Transat was named ‘Best Leisure Airline in the World’.

Aéroprts de Montréal, Tourisme Montréal, the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, the Conseil du patronat du Québec, and the Fédération des chambres de commerce due Québec praised each airline for their accomplishments and also congratulated them for having reached a merger agreement to combine their respective businesses.

“We are proud to see two Montreal-based carriers recognized as amongst the very best in the world. Over the last five years, the number of passengers at Montreal-Trudeau has increased by nearly 40%, and with this combination of two home-grown champions, we expect that growth to even accelerate to reinforce the position of Montreal as a world-class hub,” said Phillippe Rainville, President, Aéroports de Montréal.

Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal, added: “That Air Canada and Transat have both won these awards several years running is a testament to the attractive product offerings and commitment to customer service excellence from these Montreal champions. We are pleased to see that the combination of Air Canada and Transat will create a Montreal-based global leader in leisure, tourism and travel distribution, offering choices to more destinations than ever from Montréal, more connecting traffic and promoting two-way tourism to and from the city.”

Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, said that Air Canada’s acquisition of Transat would strengthen one of Montreal’s flagship companies. “The commitment to maintaining decision-making power regarding Transat’s activities in Montreal also bodes well for job creation in the city. This is good news for our economy.”

Yves-Thomas Dorval, President and CEO of the Conseil du patronat du Québec (CPQ), agreed, saying: “The merger of these two Quebec companies will support job creation and Quebec’s economic development. In addition to increasing tourism, which is very important for many of our regions, the merger of Air Canada and Transat will create new business opportunities for the innovation and aerospace strategic sectors.”

Finally, Stéphane Forget, President and CEO of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, said the federation welcomes the agreement between the two airline and the growth potential it represents. “The possible synergies between the two airlines should ensure a greater access to more international destinations and connection options to passengers coming from or going to regional airports throughout Québec.”