Porter Airlines sees City of Toronto staff report as positive step

TORONTO, March 20, 2014 /CNW/ - Porter Airlines' president and CEO, Robert Deluce, provided the following statement in response to the City of Toronto's staff report regarding the request to introduce jet aircraft at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport:

"The city staff report is a solid step forward as it clearly identifies the airport's value and the potential positive impact of Porter's plans. Most of the requirements outlined are not unexpected, but need to be addressed in a timely manner. Flight and passenger caps recommended in the report are stringent. We support caps in principle, but believe they require further discussion. To proceed with our aircraft order, we need greater certainty regarding timelines and look forward to discussions at Executive Committee and City Council."

The report recommends significant restrictions on the airport's growth, including limitations on the number of flights per peak hour and the annual number of passengers using the airport. Porter has always been committed to a growth plan that fits the city's vision of a revitalized, mixed-use waterfront. Passenger and flight caps would ensure that the airport develops in balance with the surrounding area.

Porter would like to begin operating the Bombardier CS100 jet to longer-range destinations such as Vancouver, Miami and San Francisco in 2016. For more information and a complete list of proposed new destinations, visit www.porterplans.com.

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 second in the world in Condé Nast Traveler's Readers Choice Awards Top Small Airlines category. 

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]