Porter Airlines celebrates delivery of 20th Bombardier Q400 aircraft

TORONTO, April 22 /CNW/ - Porter Airlines marked acceptance of its 20th Bombardier Aerospace Q400 aircraft today. This delivery is also the 300th for the Q400 program. Both milestones were celebrated at Bombardier's Toronto assembly facility with Porter representatives, Bombardier employees and other guests.

Acceptance of this delivery represents the completion of Porter's original order from 2006, valued at more than $500 million USD.

"We came to Bombardier over four years ago with a business plan outlining everything we hoped to accomplish," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. "Now, we're back again, celebrating the delivery of the final aircraft from this order. We've evolved to become an airline with over 900 employees, many new routes and having redefined short-haul flying to emphasize the customer experience."

"The Bombardier Q400 turboprop is a great aircraft and modern Canadian success story. A big part of that story involves our valued customer Porter Airlines," said Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "Like the over 30 operators of Q400 turboprops around the world, Porter has benefitted from the aircraft's quieter, faster and fuel efficient operating characteristics. We look forward to playing a significant role in Porter's continued success."

"The Q400 allows Porter to deliver on our 'flying refined' brand promise," added Deluce. "It is the ideal aircraft for urban flying at our Toronto City Airport base."

Porter operates a fleet of 70-seat Q400 aircraft. Features include high cruise speed, revolutionary cabin noise-reduction technology and environmentally-friendly engines. The modern Q Series are the quietest turboprops flying today, due to the revolutionary Noise and Vibration Suppression (NVS) System.

The 20th aircraft is scheduled to enter regular passenger service May 1.

About Porter Airlines

Porter Airlines is Canada's third largest scheduled carrier, based at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Porter is committed to offering speed, convenience and service as part of a premium travel experience. A refined journey begins on the ground with comfortable airport lounges and service-oriented team members. The experience continues seamlessly in the air with spacious interiors and well-appointed crew. Passengers enjoy complimentary services, including free in-flight wine, beer and premium snacks, all aboard modern aircraft.

The airline currently serves Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax, St. John's, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, New York (Newark), Chicago (Midway), Boston (Logan), and has seasonal flights to Mt. Tremblant, Que. and Myrtle Beach, SC. Moncton service begins June 25.

Join VIPorter frequent flyer program to earn a free flight after as few as five one-way trips. Visit www.flyporter.com or call [phone] for more information.

For further information: Media contact: Brad Cicero, Porter Airlines, [phone]