Porter Aviation Holdings Inc. and the Ottawa International Airport Authority (OIAA) are investing over $65 million dollars in infrastructure at YOW.
The project will allow YOW to be a primary base for performing maintenance on Porter’s future E195-E2 and Dash 8-400 fleet.
The gradual introduction of the fleet at the end of 2022 will provide Porter the ability to operate throughout North America, including to the west coast, southern U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. Initial routes will be announced leading up to the first aircraft deliveries.
“Ottawa has been a critical location for Porter throughout our history and the multi-million dollar facilities we're building to maintain aircraft here is only the latest example of our desire to meaningfully invest in Canada's Capital Region," said Michael Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines. Ottawa was Porter’s first destination when the airline began in 2006.
Porter is in the two-phase process of building two aircraft hangars, over approximately 150,000 sq. ft., to maintain its growing fleet, while creating 160 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AMEs) positions. Additionally, 150 construction jobs will be supported during the building process.
Sustainability is prioritized, with a predominantly electric fleet of vehicles that will be used for towing and servicing aircraft, as well as ground support and design criteria that exceeds current energy efficiency standards.
OIAA is currently constructing Taxiway Romeo at YOW. The $15 million taxiway represents the first airside expansion project in 20 years. It will accommodate Porter's hangar development plans, as well as federal government needs, and possibly other commercial aviation-related development.
For more information, visit https://www.flyporter.com/en-ca/
