MONTREAL — Readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted Air Canada the best airline in North America.

The award is based on responses from more than 36,000 readers of the magazine.

Global Traveler readers are frequent premium travellers who average 32 round-trip flights a year, with 78 per cent travelling in first or business class regularly.

Air Canada says winning the loyalty of premium customers is a priority for all carriers.

And the airline says it credits its focus on service and investments made improving the on-board experience for flyers.

Air Canada says it has renewed its international and North American fleets and refurbished its existing fleet to offer personal entertainment systems at each seat.

"We are pleased to receive this endorsement from our customers who travel most frequently," said Ben Smith, an Air Canada executive vice-president.

"Clearly our renewed focus on service and the investments we have made in on-board, airport and online improvements are appealing to travellers," Smith said.