Porter Airlines celebrates third anniversary

Over 32,000 flights operated

TORONTO , Oct. 23 /CNW/ - Porter Airlines is celebrating its third anniversary today, having operated over 32,000 flights and set new standards for regional air travel.

Highlights of the airline's success over the past year include the introduction of service in Chicago , Thunder Bay, Boston and St. John's , as well as flight increases for Ottawa , Montreal , New York, Halifax and Quebec City. A new $45 million passenger terminal is also currently under construction at Toronto City Centre Airport (TCCA), Porter's main base airport.

"Porter has focused on expansion and increasing brand recognition this year, with new destinations and service increases contributing to our growing presence in Canadian and American markets," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. "I would like to thank our passengers for their ongoing support, and I'd like to congratulate our entire team for making Porter the leading regional airline in North America . We will be dedicating the coming years to making the Porter experience even better."

Porter is committed to reintroducing convenience, speed and seamless service to air travel. With its upscale amenities and refreshing approach to customer service, the airline is changing the way people fly. Passengers enjoy complimentary in-flight service, including wine, beer and premium snacks, all served aboard comfortable, modern aircraft.

In the past year, the airline expanded its fleet and is now flying 15 Bombardier Q400 aircraft, up from six. Porter now serves 11 destinations across Canada and the United States , a considerable increase from the airline's single route between TCCA and Ottawa when the airline launched in October 2006 . Additionally, the employee roster doubled to over 800, up from 400 in October 2008 .

TCCA is one of the most convenient urban airports in the world, situated just minutes from downtown Toronto . All Porter passengers have access to a modern, comfortable and stylish lounge, including wireless Internet access, refreshments, and computer workstations.

About Porter Airlines

Porter Airlines is a regional passenger carrier based at Toronto City Centre Airport. The airline currently serves Toronto , Ottawa , Montreal , Quebec City, Halifax , St. John's , Thunder Bay, New York ( Newark ), Chicago (Midway), Boston (Logan), and has seasonal flights to Mt. Tremblant, Que. Visit www.flyporter.com or call [phone] for more information.

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