A Canadian Airline Ranks #2 in the World and It’s Not Air Canada

In a surprising turn of events, a Canadian airline has claimed the prestigious number two spot in AirlineRatings.com’s ranking of the best hybrid airlines for 2025— and it wasn’t Air Canada. While Canada’s largest airline did make the cut, it was WestJet, another homegrown carrier, that stole the spotlight.

Hybrid airlines have been reshaping the air travel experience, combining the budget-friendly perks of low-cost carriers with some of the more luxurious features of full-service airlines. These hybrid carriers have been gaining significant popularity as more travelers seek a middle ground between low-cost options and high-end experiences. And it seems that WestJet has mastered the balance between affordability and premium service.

The global ranking, unveiled on February 8, assessed airlines based on various features such as seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, and the quality of service. To qualify as a hybrid airline, an airline must offer at least 30 inches of seat pitch in economy class and provide complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, a combination of factors that sets them apart from typical budget airlines.

While American and European airlines dominated the rankings, one Canadian airline edged past major industry players, securing the number two spot worldwide. This achievement is particularly impressive given that it surpassed renowned carriers such as Virgin Australia, British Airways, United Airlines, and Delta.

So, which airline made Canada proud? It was WestJet, the Calgary-based airline that has been evolving rapidly over the past few years. While it initially started as a budget carrier, WestJet has increasingly embraced a more premium offering, particularly on international flights. While its shorter flights still retain that budget-friendly charm, longer-haul routes now come with extra comforts, such as reclining seats and better in-flight entertainment options, positioning WestJet as a top contender in the hybrid airline space.

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While WestJet was the star of the show, Air Canada also earned recognition in the rankings as one of the world’s best hybrid airlines. Though it didn’t surpass WestJet in this particular list, Air Canada’s thoughtful balance of low-cost services and premium offerings has earned it a spot on the global leaderboard for hybrid carriers.

Here is the complete ranking of the best hybrid airlines for 2025:

1. JetBlue
2. WestJet
3. Virgin Australia
4. Delta Airlines
5. United Airlines
6. American Airlines
7. Lufthansa
8. Air Canada
9. LOT Polish Airlines
10. TAP Portugal
11. Alaska Airlines
12. SWISS
13. Avianca
14. Iberia
15. British Airways
16. Finnair
17. Austrian Airlines
18. Hawaiian Airlines
19. ITA Airways
20. SAS

While Air Canada has long been the face of Canadian aviation, WestJet’s impressive rise in global rankings proves that the Calgary-based carrier is more than capable of holding its own—and even outshining the competition on the international stage.