Many industry watchers have recently noted “Porter is the one to watch.” As the carrier beefs up its summer schedule, the once regional carrier will soon rank as the third-largest airline flying out of YYZ.
Porter says it will offer its most substantial summer schedule to date, featuring up to 176 daily flights to 27 destinations across North America taking off from Pearson.
By August, Porter will offer up to 74 daily flights to 16 destinations across Canada and the United States. All flights from Toronto-Pearson are flown by the new, 132-seat Embraer E195-E2.
Many of the routes are transborder to Florida, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Domestic routes include Halifax, Québec City, St. John’s, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Victoria, Winnipeg and Saskatoon.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport/YTZ remains an important gateway for Porter offering a network within Eastern Canada and to the Northeastern U.S., with up to 102 daily flights to 15 destinations.
Flights from YTZ are operated by the 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft. Exclusive non-stop routes from Billy Bishop include New York-Newark, Chicago-Midway, Boston, Halifax, Washington D.C.-Dulles and Thunder Bay.
“Porter is offering passengers a level of generous economy service they will not receive from any other carrier serving Toronto, and we’re continuing to provide passengers with more choice from both of the airports that serve the Greater Toronto community,” said Kevin Jackson, president, Porter Airlines.
“It was only last February that Porter started flying out of Toronto-Pearson, so to have grown to become the third-largest carrier this summer reinforces the fact that once passengers try our style of economy travel, we are seeing them choose to fly us again and to more destinations. We will continue to expand the number of destinations served as we take delivery of more of our Embraer E195 aircraft.”
Connecting flights within Porter’s own network, and globally through its partners are also available using Billy Bishop and Pearson.Through Toronto-Pearson, there is access to European cities such as London, Paris and Amsterdam through the airline’s partnership with Air Transat.
“Porter’s growth over the last two years has been incredible,” said Kurush Minocher, executive director, customer experience and airline relationships, Greater Toronto Airports Authority. “They have quickly established their hub in Toronto, offering robust domestic connectivity, and will be operating their first summer season on some US routes.”
“Porter Airlines’ commitment to elevating flight and ensuring the highest standards of service has created their space within Canadian aviation,” said Warren Askew, vice president, Airport, PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
“Porter offers an elevated economy experience on board, with a two-by-two configuration on every aircraft, ensuring no middle seats on any flight,” officials said. “Free premium snacks and free beer and wine, served in glassware, are included in every fare. Passengers flying on routes served by the Embraer E195-E2 enjoy free, fast WiFi and access to fresh, healthy meals.”
Full schedule details are available on www.flyporter.com.
