Porter Airlines warms up for winter with Myrtle Beach

Only non-stop service from Canada

TORONTO, Nov. 4 /CNW/ - For the second year, Porter Airlines is providing seasonal service to sun-soaked Myrtle Beach, S.C. Passengers can maximize time on gorgeous beaches or award-winning championship golf courses by flying with Porter - offering the only non-stop flights from Canada.

Porter is providing four weekly roundtrips, increased from two last year, between Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Myrtle Beach International Airport, beginning Feb. 17, through May 23. With flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, the schedule is ideal for taking advantage of the winter/spring golf season. The initial week of service features flights on Monday and Thursday.

Connecting flights are available in Toronto for Thunder Bay, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City and Halifax. Reservations can be made immediately at www.flyporter.com or through travel agents, with one-way fares from Toronto starting at $179, plus fees and taxes.

"Myrtle Beach proved to be a highly-desirable destination for our passengers last season. Adding flights to this year's schedule gives them more options when planning a getaway," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. "Passengers enjoy our relaxing in-flight experience, but they also appreciate the speed and convenience of non-stop flights on this route. They spend less time travelling, and more time at their destination."

The Myrtle Beach area welcomes 14.7 million visitors annually, boasting over 100 championship golf courses and nearly 100 kilometres of beautiful white sandy beaches along the Grand Strand. Rediscover a relaxing and fun family vacation by visiting this affordable vacation destination. Myrtle Beach complements Porter's winter schedule, which includes increased flights to Mont Tremblant, providing passengers a convenient escape to top destinations for sun and snow.

"Porter Airlines' return to Myrtle Beach and the announcement that it will double its capacity for 2011 proves the growth potential of air service to Canadian visitors," said Brad Dean, president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB. "This convenient and frequent service will not only open up more travel from Toronto but will provide hassle free connecting service to many other Canadian markets."

"Canadian golfers can once again look to Porter Airlines to provide direct and affordable access to their favourite golf destination. We are excited and proud to have Porter back for a second year and look forward to helping support their service in what is a very important market for the Myrtle Beach golf industry," said Bill Golden, president of Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday.

"We could not be more excited to have Porter Airlines continue and expand their service to Myrtle Beach," said Michael La Pier, A.A.E., Director of Airports, Myrtle Beach International Airport. "Providing international access, especially from the Canadian market, is a critical component to the future of not only the airport, but the Myrtle Beach community as a whole. We welcome the Canadian travelers and hope that our residents will take advantage of the service as well."

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 contacts:

Brad Cicero					Lauren Morris
Porter Airlines					Myrtle Beach International Airport
[phone]					[phone]