Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality (Aspire), Swissport International’s airport hospitality brand, has announced that its state-of-the-art lounge at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) has achieved the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
LEED certification offers a framework for healthy, efficient, and cost-effective green buildings, providing environmental and social benefits. It serves as a globally recognized symbol of sustainaility leadership, supported by a committed community of organizations and individuals driving market transformation.
As the airport’s first and only lounge and one of the highest-rated in Canada, the space was designed to deliver an exceptional guest experience and aesthetically pleasing space, while also prioritising sustainability and reducing, wherever possible, its environmental impact.
This dedication to green building includes practical initiatives during construction, including working with local suppliers to reduce delivery miles and the use of low-emitting materials. LED lighting was also installed throughout the lounge, coupled with occupancy sensors which automatically turn off when the area isn’t being used.
The focus on sustainability also extends to the lounge’s food & beverage strategy, with the installation of an on-site bakery enabling more efficient deliveries and the use of ENERGY STAR® rated ovens. Wine is provided on tap, an innovation removing the need for an estimated 9,000 glass bottles annually, and the ‘grab and go’ packaging was redesigned with environmentally conscious, recycled and compostable materials along with naturally sourced cutlery.
“At Air Canada, we look for opportunities to build sustainability considerations into our business and customer experience. We’re proud that the Aspire | Air Canada Café at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has achieved LEED certification. It reflects a shared commitment with our partners to more sustainable spaces, while delivering the premium hospitality our customers value,” said Scott O’Leary, vice president, loyalty and product at Air Canada.
As well as its sustainability credentials, Aspire curates a distinctive sense of place that celebrates Toronto’s gastronomy, design and culture by partnering with local food and beverage providers and displaying local artists’ work throughout the space.
“Our number one priority is making sure that guests feel comfortable and have an exceptional pre-flight experience. This includes knowing their experience is delivered with care for both people and planet. The LEED certification is a testament to our ongoing commitment to sustainability and ambition to drive the highest standards of quality across the airport hospitality industry,” said Nick Ames, Global Vice President Commercial and Product, Aspire Executive Lounges
Aspire is already an EcoVadis Platinum rated business, having integrated a range of sustainability measures across its lounge portfolio. This includes the replacement of single-use plastics with recyclable or reusable alternatives, prioritising local suppliers and materials whenever possible to reduce delivery miles, and the installation of high efficiency fixtures and equipment.
“We are proud to see the Aspire | Air Canada Café at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport earn LEED certification, recognizing the thoughtful design and sustainable operating practices that Aspire has embedded throughout the space. Through this certification, Aspire is helping demonstrate how sustainability, innovation, and hospitality can go hand in hand,” said Eve Wiggins, Chief Operating Officer of Nieuport Aviation.
“We congratulate Aspire on this achievement, which demonstrates that sustainability can be integrated into every aspect of airport operations, from the spaces where passengers relax and dine to the long-term stewardship of our facilities. The Toronto Port Authority is proud to partner with organizations that share our vision of building a cleaner, greener and quieter future for air travel,” said Warren Askew, vice president, Airport, Toronto Port Authority.
Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality, one of the world’s leading airport hospitality brands, welcomes around 6.4 million guests annually. The lounge portfolio includes not only the flagship Aspire Lounges but also partnerships with major airline lounges, alliance lounges, bank and credit card lounges, delivering a world-class experience to travellers around the globe. As of the end of 2025, Aspire has 110 lounges open, or scheduled to open in 2026 around the world and continues to invest in premium airport hospitality concepts across key markets. New openings in 2026 include lounges in Stockholm, Geneva. Calgary, Manchester and Vilnius.
