Vancouver voted #1 proposed new Porter destination

Western Canada's largest city beat out Miami, San Francisco as most popular destination for jet service

TORONTO, March 17, 2014 /CNW/ - Porter Airlines supporters have voted Vancouver the top new destination they want to connect with Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Over six days, more than 14,000 people visited www.porterplans.com to vote for their favourite North American destination that Porter has proposed as part of its growth plan. Vancouver beat out runners-up Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

"We are constantly hearing requests from our customers to fly to more destinations, and Vancouver is one that is mentioned often," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. "It would be a great addition to Porter's network and I sincerely hope that everyone who voted Vancouver as their favourite destination will be able to fly there with us starting in 2016."

Toronto-Vancouver is one of Canada's most popular routes. By increasing competition on the routes Porter currently serves, base airfares have decreased an average of 60 per cent. There is expected to be a similar fare decrease for new markets that Porter enters.

Porter is seeking approval for its proposal to introduce quiet jet aircraft meeting strict noise standards and extend the runway at Billy Bishop Airport in order to serve longer-range destinations in locations such as Western Canada, Florida, California and the Caribbean. Toronto City Council will decide on this request as early as April.

Since 2006, Porter has set itself apart from the competition by creating a "flying refined" travel experience for all passengers, including pre-flight lounge access, snacks and refreshments, as well as in-flight complimentary beer and wine. Porter was voted 'Best Small Airline' in the world by Condé Nast Traveler readers.

"This insight from current and future passengers will help us when deciding which cities to add first if the necessary approvals are granted," said Deluce. "Our plan is to remain a small airline with a distinct approach to service, while flying to more of the places our customers are asking us to take them."

A complete map of potential destinations and details on Porter's proposal are available at www.porterplans.com. Supporters can continue voting for their favourite destinations on the site.

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 Best Small Airline in the world by Condé Nast Traveler's Readers Choice Awards. 

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
[phone]
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