The Montreal-based airline was the only Canadian carrier to make the top 20 list, placing it among international leaders committed to reducing aviation’s carbon footprint. The report, independently reviewed by PwC, evaluated airlines using a core metric: CO2 emissions per available seat kilometre (ASK)—a standard measurement of fuel efficiency.

Measuring Emissions by Seat and Distance

ASK, or grams of CO2 per available seat kilometre, offers a clear picture of how efficiently an airline operates. It factors in aircraft type, fuel usage, seat density, and route optimization—key elements in judging sustainable aviation practices.

Air Transat scored 61.5 grams of CO2 per ASK, outperforming dozens of major global carriers. The airline’s use of fuel-efficient aircraft and thoughtful route planning helped secure its position.

Global Leaders in Sustainable Flying

Topping the list was Hungary’s Wizz Air, reporting just 53.9 grams of CO2 per ASK. In second place came Frontier Airlines (U.S.) at 54.4 grams, followed by Pegasus Airlines (Türkiye) with 57.1 grams.

According to Cirium, the methodology naturally favours airlines using newer aircraft and high-density seating configurations, both of which maximize fuel efficiency per passenger.

The analytics firm reviewed the top 100 airlines globally, identifying those that consistently lead in emissions performance and operational best practices.

Canada’s Green Aviation Trailblazer

With this ranking, Air Transat reinforces its leadership in sustainable air travel within Canada and beyond. As pressure grows for the aviation industry to reduce its environmental impact, Air Transat’s efforts demonstrate that competitive service and climate responsibility can go hand in hand.

The recognition places a spotlight on Canadian aviation and signals growing momentum for eco-friendly innovations in the skies.

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more updates on Canadian sustainability milestones and travel innovations.

The post Air Transat Joins Top 20 Global Emissions-Efficient Airlines first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Air Traffic Staffing Shortage Disrupts Flights Across Canada

A shortage of air traffic controllers has led to ongoing delays and cancellations at major Canadian airports, including Vancouver International Airport (YVR), prompting growing concerns from airlines, pilots, and passengers alike.

Industry Voices Speak Out

Airline CEOs, union leaders, and frontline staff are calling on the federal government to address the staffing crisis impacting airport operations. On May 25, an Air Canada pilot flying from Vancouver to Montreal voiced his frustration during a 50-minute delay, encouraging passengers to write their Members of Parliament.

“It’s very annoying,” the pilot told passengers. “It costs the company money. It costs business people money. And it would be great to have this addressed.”

The pilot accused Nav Canada, the private company responsible for air traffic control, of failing to train enough new recruits and suggested the company was keeping staffing low to increase overtime hours.

Ongoing Impact at Major Airports

Air Canada confirmed that flight schedules have been impacted at YVR for several weeks. The airline attributed delays to restrictions imposed by Nav Canada due to limited personnel. Vancouver International Airport officials also cited air traffic controller shortages as the root cause of recent disruptions.

Teara Fraser, CEO of Indigenous-owned Iskwew Air, noted that even short regional flights are facing daily delays ranging from 20 minutes to two hours. “When you’re operating a 20-25 minute flight, that’s significant,” she said, urging the federal government to fund essential aviation infrastructure and services.

Nav Canada Responds to Allegations

In a statement, Nav Canada acknowledged the resource shortage and confirmed it had implemented temporary traffic management protocols on May 25. However, the organization rejected the pilot’s claim that it was deliberately limiting trainee intake to preserve overtime pay.

A spokesperson emphasized that trainee evaluations follow a structured process and that Nav Canada is investing heavily in training expansion. “We currently have close to 500 students in our training programs. By 2028, that number is expected to reach 1,500,” the spokesperson said.

Systemic Issues Behind Delays

Tim Perry, President of the Air Line Pilots Association, stressed that delays are not the fault of individual air traffic controllers, but reflect deeper systemic issues. “If we need more people at work, let’s direct our collective attention to doing that,” Perry said.

Airline representatives, union officials, and aviation stakeholders are united in their message: without federal action and long-term staffing solutions, Canada’s air travel industry will continue to face instability, financial loss, and declining public confidence.

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