- Air Canada received the 2024 APEX Best in Entertainment Award in North America at Tuesday night’s ceremony in Lisbon
- The airline’s in-flight entertainment programming includes more than 1,400 hours of movies, 1,900 hours of TV and more than 600 hours of music and podcasts, as well as live TV
- Air Canada, Canada’s largest airline, provides service to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and internationally across six continents
- Air Canada stock has added 6.03 per cent year-over-year, but has lost 39.43 per cent over the past five years
Air Canada (TSX:AC) received the 2024 APEX Best in Entertainment Award in North America at Tuesday night’s ceremony in Lisbon.
It’s the first time the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) has recognized the airline with the award, which focuses on in-flight entertainment offerings.
The 2024 APEX Awards selected recipients based on passenger ratings for more than 1 million flights operated by more than 600 airlines across seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, entertainment and Wi-Fi.
Air Canada’s award-winning entertainment offering
Air Canada’s complimentary in-flight entertainment programming includes more than 1,400 hours of movies, 1,900 hours of TV and more than 600 hours of music and podcasts, as well as a curated selection of live TV channels. Key collaborators include Apple TV+, Audible, Disney+ and Hayu.
Passengers on the airline’s Airbus A321 fleet can also enjoy a bird’s-eye view from exterior cameras on the tail or belly of the aircraft, a global first for the narrow-body aircraft category. Three of Air Canada’s Airbus A321s have been retrofitted with the cameras, with all 15 expected to be updated by the end of 2025.
A stellar 2023
The news follows Air Canada’s value-accretive 2023, including record operating revenue of C$21.8 billion (up 32 per cent from 2022), a doubling of adjusted EBITDA to nearly C$4 billion, and a significant reduction in leverage ratio to 1.1 times adjusted EBITDA from 5.1 times adjusted EBITDA as of December 2022.
The airline expects modest growth in 2024 backed by strong travel demand, 14 new route launches in 2023 serving 188 direct destinations, and C$10.3 billion in liquidity to pursue growth opportunities.
Management insights
“I am extremely proud of the recognition as best in entertainment in North America, reflecting the unparalleled entertainment offering onboard our aircraft,” John Moody, Air Canada’s managing director of onboard product, said in a statement. “With thousands of hours of movies, TV shows and audio podcasts available, our customers clearly are appreciative of the wide variety of options during their flights. I thank our customers for their loyalty. We’re continuing to add content to our on-demand and live in-flight entertainment offerings, so stay tuned as more exciting products will be rolled out soon!”
About the Airline Passenger Experience Association
APEX is a global nonprofit and one of the world’s largest international airline associations, including the backing of nearly every major airline and valued supplier. Its mission is to strengthen the airline industry by advancing thought leadership, generating business opportunities, setting airline standards, and recognizing leading lights across the industry.
About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline. It provides service to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and internationally across six continents.
Air Canada stock (TSX:AC) is up by 0.21 per cent trading at C$19.51 per share as of 10:05 am ET. The stock has added 6.03 per cent year-over-year, but has lost 39.43 per cent over the past five years.
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