7 wonderful years at Porter Airlines

Ambitious plans on the horizon

TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2013 /CNW/ - Porter Airlines, one of North America's airline success stories, turns seven today.

After beginning service in 2006 with two Bombardier Q400 aircraft and one route between Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Ottawa, Porter is now clearly recognized around the world for providing a leading airline experience. Today, this includes an all-Canadian Q400 fleet of 26 aircraft and 19 destinations in Canada and the U.S.

"Aviation is not an easy business to succeed in," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. "We've been able to grow and prosper over the years by focusing on a distinct approach to customer service that sets us apart from competitors. This is largely the result of a team that cares about what they do and wants to make travel better for our passengers."

Porter established its reputation by returning amenities to travelers that had largely disappeared over the years, particularly for shorter flights. This includes access to airport lounges for all passengers, beer and wine onboard, and food service - all complimentary.

The airline has now set its sights on destinations that would attract passengers from across North America using its base at Toronto City Airport and new Bombardier CS100 aircraft. Destinations such as Western Canada, California, Florida and the Caribbean are all within reach using this revolutionary technology that is tailor-made for urban airports.

"The CS100 opens up a new world of possibility for our passengers, allowing Porter to start new routes and help lower the cost of travel by introducing competition," said Deluce. "This is the quietest commercial jet in production with 20 per cent lower fuel burn than similar aircraft, making it possible for us to consider these growth plans in a responsible manner."

Porter is pursuing government and regulatory approval to begin operating the CS100 in 2016. More details and information on how passengers can show support is available at www.porterplans.com.

Seventh birthday celebrations include an ongoing travel sale with one-way fares starting at $117, and social media activities on the airline's Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

About Porter Airlines

Porter Airlines has revolutionized short-haul flying with a warm and effortless approach to hospitality, restoring glamour and refinement to air travel. Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating® by Skytrax, and rated Best Small Airline in the world by Condé Nast Traveler's Readers Choice Awards. 

The airline currently offers flights to Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Moncton, Halifax, St. John's, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Timmins, Windsor, New York (Newark), Chicago (Midway), Boston, Washington (Dulles) and has seasonal flights to Mt. Tremblant, Que., Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Burlington, Vt. Vacation packages are available from Porter Escapes at www.porterescapes.com.

Visit www.flyporter.com or call [phone] for more information.

SOURCE: Porter Airlines Inc.

Media contact:

Brad Cicero
Porter Airlines
[phone]