Porter Airlines September load factor improves 8.2 points

Revenue Passenger Miles up 79.9%

TORONTO, Oct 5 /CNW/ - Porter Airlines released traffic statistics for September 2010, indicating a year-over-year load factor improvement of 8.2 points to 55.8% from 47.6%.

The September load factor is based on 96.4 million ASMs (Available Seat Miles) and 53.8 million RPMs.  ASMs grew 53.5% per cent from 62.8 million and RPMs increased 79.9% from 29.9 million year-over-year. 

The airline also flew approximately 56,000 more passengers in September compared to last year.

"Porter continues posting traffic figures with excellent gains across the board," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines.  "We are especially pleased with numbers from recent months and anticipate a similarly strong conclusion to the calendar year."

Porter had an industry-leading break-even load factor of 49% in 2009.

Traffic report

	September			Q3 (July-Sept)			Year-to-date
	2010	2009	Change	2010	2009	Change	2010	2009	Change
RPMs (millions)	53.8	29.9	79.9%	178.9	90.9	96.8%	423.3	195.8	116.2%
ASMs (millions)	96.4	62.8	53.5%	295.2	182.9	61.4%	799.3	419.6	90.5%
Load factor	55.8%	47.6%	+8.2 pts	60.6%	49.7%	+10.9 pts	53.0%	46.7%	+6.3 pts

About Porter Airlines

Porter Airlines is Canada's third largest scheduled carrier, based at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.  Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating® by Skytrax, 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, Moncton, 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. 

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]