Porter, the little airline that certain experts on this forum said could never survive.

[Guest]

Well many ears later, Porter still is ticking along.  I don't know about their coffee choice (would here in the west) but good to see them still flying and employing ....

Porter Airlines takes Balzac’s coffee and Sloane tea to new heights

 

‎Today, ‎November ‎25, ‎2019, ‏‎2 hours ago | Canadian Aviation News

Provided by Porter Airlines/CNW

TORONTO, Nov. 25, 2019 /CNW/ – Porter Airlines is brewing new relationships with local Ontario brands Balzac’s Coffee Roasters and Sloane Fine Tea Merchants. Beginning Dec. 1, Porter is serving a Balzac’s dark roast blend and an assortment of artisan Sloane teas across its network as part of its renowned complimentary in-flight service. These airline partnerships give passengers the ability to taste some of the best coffee and tea Canada has to offer.

Complimentary coffee and tea will be served onboard Porter Airlines flights in custom Balzac’s cups featuring Mr. Porter, the airline’s cheeky graphic raccoon brand mascot. (CNW Group/Porter Airlines) From left to right: Diana Olsen, Robert Deluce, and Hoda Paripoush, the respective founders of Balzac’s Coffee Roasters, Porter Airlines and Sloane Fine Tea Merchants, celebrate Porter’s new selection of hot beverages. (CNW Group/Porter Airlines)

Porter, Balzac’s and Sloane are the perfect blend of partners. Each has its roots in Ontario and successfully built loyal followings by providing premium products and customer-first experiences. Balzac’s and Sloane are iconic beverage brands with esteemed reputations for their commitment to quality. Coffee and tea are staples of the Porter experience, with approximately 1.2 million cups served onboard every year. Hot beverages will be provided in a custom Balzac’s cup featuring Mr. Porter, the airline’s cheeky graphic raccoon brand mascot.

“Balzac’s and Sloane are well-loved independent brands producing superior products that pair perfectly with Porter’s distinct guest experience,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer for Porter Airlines. “Both companies consider the smallest details, ensuring that our passengers always have the highest-quality hot beverages to choose from.”

Balzac’s Coffee Roasters roasts the finest selection of Arabica beans in small batches at their state-of-the-art roasting facility in Ancaster, Ontario, and serves some of Canada’s best coffee. Onboard, passengers will enjoy a full-bodied dark roast blend named A Dark Affair, boasting a rich and vibrant taste with notes of dark chocolate and roasted almond. 

“It is an honour to be named the official coffee supplier of Porter Airlines,” said Diana Olsen, president and founder, Balzac’s Coffee Roasters. “Since the beginning, Balzac’s has been dedicated to connecting people through great coffee across Ontario. Our team looks forward to this new journey connecting travellers near and far while contributing to Porter’s stellar reputation for offering one of the best flight experiences in the world.”

Sloane Fine Tea Merchants focuses on enhancing the nuances of each of their teas, which are 100 percent blended and packaged in Canada. Passengers may choose from a range of caffeinated and caffeine-free artisan teas onboard. Available flavours are Classic Black, Earl Grey, Classic Green, Calming Chamomile and Mint Medley.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the onboard guest experience for Porter Airlines,” said Hoda Paripoush, founder & creative director, Sloane Fine Tea Merchants. “What started out as a personal journey has transformed into a calling. Our family of tea farmers is our strength and we consider Sloane Tea a platform where we give voice to the story of each tea.”

Comments (0)

[QFE]

Its nice to see the airline serving Canadian products.

[Fido]

Where is the main 'expert'?

[Guest]

Porter Escapes vacation packages have new online home at flyporter.com

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NEWS PROVIDED BY

Porter Airlines 

Dec 02, 2019, 12:14 ET

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

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TORONTO, Dec. 2, 2019 /CNW/ - Porter Escapes vacation packages are now available on the Porter Airlines website, flyporter.com. This new integration provides a seamless approach to combining Porter flights with hotels and local attractions. A carefully-curated list of partners makes it easy for travellers to save when building custom getaways.

Porter Escapes vacation packages are now available on the Porter Airlines website, flyporter.com. (CNW Group/Porter Airlines)

"Porter Escapes has always offered a unique range of travel options, including sophisticated urban getaways, seasonal ski trips and golf vacations," said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines. "Integrating Porter Escapes with the main airline site opens this product up to a much wider range of customers."

Created in 2012 to sell vacation packages paired exclusively with Porter Airlines flights, Porter Escapes offers a wide variety of flight and hotel combinations, carefully curated to provide a premium travel experience for exceptional value. Porter Escapes packages include hotels, city tours, ski packages, car rentals and more with one simple reservation.

Booking Porter Escapes packages also provides travellers with perks, including Hertz promo codes on car rentals and VIPorter points for loyalty program members. Travellers can book their escape starting from one night online at flyporter.com, directly through a Porter Escapes Travel Planner by calling (855) 372-1100, or with a travel age

[Guest1]

Porter Airlines’ tentative return to flying shifts to May 19

1 March 2021Canadian Aviation News

TORONTO, March 1, 2021 /CNW/ – The target date for Porter Airlines to resume flights is being pushed back to May 19.

“The implementation of more restrictive travel rules by governments since our last update makes an early spring restart unviable,” said Michael Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. “While there are signs of progress in containing the pandemic, it is necessary to reset our sights based on changing conditions. We remain optimistic that things are moving in the right direction, but it is possible that this tentative date may also need to be modified if vaccinations don’t accelerate to enable the easing of travel restrictions.”

Porter previously set March 29, as its tentative restart date. Updates will be provided in the coming weeks about the status of flights. Operations were temporarily suspended on March 21, 2020, due to COVID-19.

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®.

[Fido]

The little airline that could not fly for the past (nearly) a year

[Guest1]

2 hours ago, Fido said:

The little airline that could not fly for the past (nearly) a year

And with that they were in good company.  

[MCPSPEED]

I certainly hope Porter sticks around.  
 

I love them.  

[dagger]

Porter's challenge is a dependence on short haul traffic, including business traffic. It will be keenly watched for signs downtown business activities are rebounding or whether a significant portion of people will continue to work  remotely, at least for the balance of this year.

[Super 80]

I think Porter needs to get back in the air even if they're only flying a single plane empty.

A snap election could be fatal to a grounded Porter.

[Airband]

Porter Airlines pushes back target date for resuming flights to June 21

Mon Apr 12, 2021 - BNN Bloomberg
Kayla Goodfield

Porter Airlines Inc. has pushed back its target date for resuming flights yet again.

The Toronto-based airline now expects its planes to begin taking off again on June 21, roughly a month after the May 19 date it previously expected to resume flights. 

“In recent weeks, there has been open discussion by government officials about easing travel restrictions based on expectations that vaccination programs will be well advanced in the U.S. and Canada by early summer,” Michael Deluce, president and chief executive officer of Porter Airlines, said in a release on Monday.

“We are looking ahead to summer and preparing for the possibility of some travel restrictions unwinding.”

Deluce said the airline will begin the process of rebuilding operations “as soon as conditions allow based on government decisions.”

The airline, which is headquartered at Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport, first suspended operations back on March 21, 2020 in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, it has pushed back its scheduled return several times.

[MD2]

On 3/2/2021 at 9:46 PM, Super 80 said:

I think Porter needs to get back in the air even if they're only flying a single plane empty.

A snap election could be fatal to a grounded Porter.

Curious why you think that, even if somehow there is another miracle for Justin!

[Super 80]

13 hours ago, MD2 said:

Curious why you think that, even if somehow there is another miracle for Justin!

The NDP is going to go into any upcoming election with a whole slate of radical economic, housing and environmental policies and like 2016 the Liberals are going to have to throw a lot of red meat to their left fringe to keep them in line.

If Porter isn't flying shutting down YTZ is a lot easier.

Edited April 16, 2021 by Super 80

[MD2]

In other words people, pardon me “peoplekind” would vote the same way while expecting different results?!!

The more pertinent question is would Canadians want to have the liberals continue in office in light of their performance during the pandemic, more specifically managing the economy, vaccine acquisition, specific aid for industries most affected such as aviation?

It is quite peculiar that instead of an industry-wide aid package, the federal government has chosen an airline specific aid which makes it one of the largest shareholders in its previous crown corporation again! That makes fair regulation of the industry even more challenging.

 

[Guest1]

July 20 set as new tentative date for restarting flights by Porter Airlines Français

 

---

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Porter Airlines 

May 17, 2021, 09:30 ET

---

TORONTO, May 17, 2021 /CNW/ - Porter Airlines is resetting its tentative date for resuming flights to July 20.

"It's encouraging to see the recovery of the aviation industry in the U.S.," said Michael Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. "As vaccination rates in Canada increase, we are hopeful travel restrictions and public health measures will ease, so we can recall our team members, welcome back our passengers and begin to rebuild the airline."

Porter previously set June 21, as its tentative restart date. Operations were temporarily suspended on March 21, 2020, due to COVID-19.

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®.

Visit www.flyporter.com or follow @porterairlines on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Porter Airlines

For further information: Media contact: media@flyporter.com

Related Links

www.flyporter.com

[Specs]

Fantastic.  All the best.

[Maverick]

Interesting...

Report: Porter Airlines Orders Embraer E195-E2s, Expanding To Toronto Pearson Airport

MAY 20, 2021 BY BEN 9

OTHER AIRLINES

 

Porter is a popular airline in Canada — it’s based at Toronto Billy Bishop Airport, and operates De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprops to both domestic and transborder destinations. The airline is known for its great passenger experience, and primarily targets business travelers.

While the airline has been grounded for over a year, it looks like some major changes could be coming to Porter’s fleet and business model.

In this post:

• Porter allegedly orders 30 E195-E2s
• Porter would allegedly fly out of Toronto Pearson
• This isn’t totally out of left field
• Bottom line

Porter allegedly orders 30 E195-E2s

Leeham reports that Porter Airlines has placed an order for 30 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2022.

For those of you not familiar with the Embraer E195-E2, this is the latest generation jet of the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer’s lineup. The E195-E2 is the largest, longest range, and most fuel efficient Embraer E-jet. The plane can seat 120-146 people (depending on the configuration), and can fly up to 2,600 nautical miles.

Embraer E195-E2 jet

Now, it’s worth noting that Porter Airlines isn’t acknowledging that this order was placed:

• During an April 29 earnings release, Embraer disclosed an order for 30 E195-E2s, without naming the customer
• Airfinance Journal cited multiple sources in claiming the customer was in fact Porter, and Leeham News & Analysis (which I find to typically be accurate) has “confirmed” that this order is for Porter Airlines
• The airline denies that it placed this order, though realistically it could be that Porter’s parent company, Porter Aviation Holdings, placed the order, so that the statement is technically true
• This is a case where I can totally see the value in Porter wanting to keep the order private for as long as possible, given how competitors may respond

Porter would allegedly fly out of Toronto Pearson

If you’ve flown Porter before, you’re probably thinking “I love Billy Bishop Airport, and now I can fly Porter out of there on a nicer plane!” Not so fast, unfortunately, as the government doesn’t allow jets to operate out of Toronto’s beloved city airport.

Instead it’s believed that Porter’s plan is to begin operating out of Toronto Pearson Airport, which is the much larger and less convenient airport serving Toronto. We don’t have many details on what routes Porter would operate out of Pearson Airport, though the E195-E2 would be capable of flying everywhere from Los Angeles, to Vancouver, to Miami, to St. John’s.

Potential range of the Embraer E195-E2 from Toronto

 

While more competition out of Toronto Pearson would be good for consumers, this still seems extremely risky:

• Porter is known for offering a great passenger experience, though ultimately the biggest selling point of the airline is the convenient service it operates out of Billy Bishop Airport
• Porter would be at a significant disadvantage compared to Air Canada at Pearson Airport in terms of route network, frequency, etc.
• Even if Porter configures E195-E2s comfortably, the airline can’t compete with the wide bodies that Air Canada schedules on transcon flights

This isn’t totally out of left field

On the surface this might seem like a wild direction for Porter to take, especially during a pandemic when the airline has been grounded for over a year. However, Porter has been thinking about acquiring jets for years.

Back in 2013, Porter had placed an order for 30 Bombardier CS100 aircraft (now known as the Airbus A220-100). The order had been conditional on the government changing rules to allow jets at Billy Bishop Airport, but that never ended up happening.

In 2013 Porter Airlines had conditionally ordered the CS100 

Clearly Porter still sees value in flying jets, even if the model will have to be a bit different than hoped for back in 2013.

Why would Porter order the E195-E2 over the A220-100, though? That probably comes down to the airline being able to secure E195-E2 delivery slots as early as next year, while more lead time would be needed for the A220-100. I imagine the airline also got a great deal, given the state of the airline industry.

Bottom line

Reports suggest that Porter Airlines has placed an order for 30 Embraer E195-E2 jets. The boutique Toronto-based airline would allegedly use these planes to launch operations out of Pearson Airport, in addition to the carrier’s current operations out of Billy Bishop Airport.

It’s going to be interesting to see how this unfolds. This all gets even more interesting when you consider that Connect Airlines is a new carrier that essentially intends to replicate Porter’s business model at Billy Bishop Airport.

What do you make of Porter Airlines’ alleged plans? Do you think the airline can compete out of Toronto Pearson Airport?

https://onemileatatime.com/porter-airlines-embraer-e195-e2/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=One Mile at a Time&utm_content=Report%3A Porter Airlines Orders Embraer E195-E2s%2C Expanding To Toronto Pearson Airport&fbclid=IwAR3CXntM0Bo7Xnz8_7Uzd-mIsEctc4uqO_8-dWtJOclRmzEKdYfrjbFLwCk

Edited May 20, 2021 by Maverick

[conehead]

4 minutes ago, Maverick said:

Interesting...

Report: Porter Airlines Orders Embraer E195-E2s, Expanding To Toronto Pearson Airport

MAY 20, 2021 BY BEN 9

OTHER AIRLINES

 

Porter is a popular airline in Canada — it’s based at Toronto Billy Bishop Airport, and operates De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprops to both domestic and transborder destinations. The airline is known for its great passenger experience, and primarily targets business travelers.

While the airline has been grounded for over a year, it looks like some major changes could be coming to Porter’s fleet and business model.

In this post:

• Porter allegedly orders 30 E195-E2s
• Porter would allegedly fly out of Toronto Pearson
• This isn’t totally out of left field
• Bottom line

Porter allegedly orders 30 E195-E2s

Leeham reports that Porter Airlines has placed an order for 30 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2022.

For those of you not familiar with the Embraer E195-E2, this is the latest generation jet of the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer’s lineup. The E195-E2 is the largest, longest range, and most fuel efficient Embraer E-jet. The plane can seat 120-146 people (depending on the configuration), and can fly up to 2,600 nautical miles.

Embraer E195-E2 jet

Now, it’s worth noting that Porter Airlines isn’t acknowledging that this order was placed:

• During an April 29 earnings release, Embraer disclosed an order for 30 E195-E2s, without naming the customer
• Airfinance Journal cited multiple sources in claiming the customer was in fact Porter, and Leeham News & Analysis (which I find to typically be accurate) has “confirmed” that this order is for Porter Airlines
• The airline denies that it placed this order, though realistically it could be that Porter’s parent company, Porter Aviation Holdings, placed the order, so that the statement is technically true
• This is a case where I can totally see the value in Porter wanting to keep the order private for as long as possible, given how competitors may respond

Porter would allegedly fly out of Toronto Pearson

If you’ve flown Porter before, you’re probably thinking “I love Billy Bishop Airport, and now I can fly Porter out of there on a nicer plane!” Not so fast, unfortunately, as the government doesn’t allow jets to operate out of Toronto’s beloved city airport.

Instead it’s believed that Porter’s plan is to begin operating out of Toronto Pearson Airport, which is the much larger and less convenient airport serving Toronto. We don’t have many details on what routes Porter would operate out of Pearson Airport, though the E195-E2 would be capable of flying everywhere from Los Angeles, to Vancouver, to Miami, to St. John’s.

Potential range of the Embraer E195-E2 from Toronto

 

While more competition out of Toronto Pearson would be good for consumers, this still seems extremely risky:

• Porter is known for offering a great passenger experience, though ultimately the biggest selling point of the airline is the convenient service it operates out of Billy Bishop Airport
• Porter would be at a significant disadvantage compared to Air Canada at Pearson Airport in terms of route network, frequency, etc.
• Even if Porter configures E195-E2s comfortably, the airline can’t compete with the wide bodies that Air Canada schedules on transcon flights

This isn’t totally out of left field

On the surface this might seem like a wild direction for Porter to take, especially during a pandemic when the airline has been grounded for over a year. However, Porter has been thinking about acquiring jets for years.

Back in 2013, Porter had placed an order for 30 Bombardier CS100 aircraft (now known as the Airbus A220-100). The order had been conditional on the government changing rules to allow jets at Billy Bishop Airport, but that never ended up happening.

In 2013 Porter Airlines had conditionally ordered the CS100 

Clearly Porter still sees value in flying jets, even if the model will have to be a bit different than hoped for back in 2013.

Why would Porter order the E195-E2 over the A220-100, though? That probably comes down to the airline being able to secure E195-E2 delivery slots as early as next year, while more lead time would be needed for the A220-100. I imagine the airline also got a great deal, given the state of the airline industry.

Bottom line

Reports suggest that Porter Airlines has placed an order for 30 Embraer E195-E2 jets. The boutique Toronto-based airline would allegedly use these planes to launch operations out of Pearson Airport, in addition to the carrier’s current operations out of Billy Bishop Airport.

It’s going to be interesting to see how this unfolds. This all gets even more interesting when you consider that Connect Airlines is a new carrier that essentially intends to replicate Porter’s business model at Billy Bishop Airport.

What do you make of Porter Airlines’ alleged plans? Do you think the airline can compete out of Toronto Pearson Airport?

https://onemileatatime.com/porter-airlines-embraer-e195-e2/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=One Mile at a Time&utm_content=Report%3A Porter Airlines Orders Embraer E195-E2s%2C Expanding To Toronto Pearson Airport&fbclid=IwAR3CXntM0Bo7Xnz8_7Uzd-mIsEctc4uqO_8-dWtJOclRmzEKdYfrjbFLwCk

That is interesting...

[Guest1]

26 minutes ago, conehead said:

That is interesting...

Maybe until you consider the credentials of the author of the article.     However Porter maybe looking to spread it's wings. I guess only time will tell if so and with what aircraft.

HOTR: Porter confirmed as customer in E195-E2 deal - Leeham News and Analysis

[Guest1]

8 hours ago, Kargokings said:

Maybe until you consider the credentials of the author of the article.     However Porter maybe looking to spread it's wings. I guess only time will tell if so and with what aircraft.

Porter in talks with Pearson, other airports for passenger jet service

20 May 2021Canadian Aviation News

From The Globe and Mail – link to source story

By ERIC ATKINS, TRANSPORTATION REPORTER & ANDREW WILLIS & NICOLAS VAN PRAET | MAY 20, 2021

A Porter Airlines flight makes its final approach as it lands at the airport on July 2, 2019 in Ottawa. ADRIAN WYLD/THE CANADIAN PRESS

Porter Airlines has approached Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and other airports in southern Ontario about establishing a passenger jet service postpandemic, sources say, a shift in strategy for the carrier that is blocked from flying jets at its base on the Toronto Islands.

Porter’s move comes as the carrier is reportedly buying 30 passenger jets from Embraer of Brazil.

Porter has long sought to fly jets out of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, but those plans have been prevented by the federal government owing to concerns that include noise, pollution and the impact of the longer runway that would be required.

“We’re not relocating from Billy Bishop to any airport,” said Brad Cicero, a Porter spokesman, who declined to address a question about seeking slots at Toronto Pearson.

Porter’s founder and executive chairman Robert Deluce did not respond to interview requests. Porter declined to make Michael Deluce, the founder’s son and current chief executive, available for an interview.

Porter’s talks with the airport authorities are preliminary, according to two people familiar with the matter whom the Globe and Mail agreed not to name because they are not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

In addition to Toronto Pearson, Porter has approached airports including Ottawa, Hamilton, Kitchener and London, one of the sources said. The airports declined to comment or did not respond to interview requests.

On May 13, trade publication Airfinance Journal reported Porter is the buyer of 30 Embraer E195 E2 jets, a narrow-body medium-range jet that seats as many as 150 people. Embraer declined by e-mail to name the buyer of the jets.

Porter flies a fleet of 29 Bombardier Q400 turboprop planes that hold about 65 to 78 people.

Mr. Cicero would not answer questions about the reported purchase of the Embraer planes. “This isn’t our order,” he said. “We have no plans to switch our fleet. Our focus continues to be on relaunching operations in 2021 with the existing Dash 8-400 fleet.”

John Gradek, who teaches aviation leadership at McGill University, said Porter has no room to grow at its Toronto island airport base, and is forced to fly planes at less-than capacity owing to the short, 3,900-foot runway. He speculated the airline is relaunching itself with a new fleet prior to a sale. (Porter’s public offering in 2010 failed.)

“It’s a radical departure from the airline that we know,” said Addison Schonland of boutique aerospace consultancy AirInsight. “The business model looks like it is changing.”

Porter in 2013 placed a $2-billion conditional order for as many as 30 Bombardier CSeries jets, now known as the Airbus A220. The airline sought to extend the island airport runway by 200 metres to accommodate the larger aircraft but faced stiff local opposition.

In 2015, then transport minister Marc Garneau blocked Porter’s plans to fly jets from the island.

That decision stands, a spokeswoman for current Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said. “Our government has no plans to amend the tripartite agreement between the federal government, the City of Toronto and PortsToronto to allow jet aircraft to use Billy Bishop Airport,” Allison St-Jean said.

“There are no plans or negotiations to discuss jets at Billy Bishop Airport with either of our tripartite partners,” said Deborah Wilson, a spokeswoman for PortsToronto, the government agency that owns and operates the airport.

An Airbus spokeswoman said: “While we of course would welcome more Canadian carriers to select the Canadian designed and built A220, we do not comment on discussion we may or may not be having with airlines.”

Porter’s 2013 order is not part of Airbus’s backlog list, which had 494 planes ordered but not yet built at the end of April, 2021. Airbus is building A220 jets at a rate of five a month in factories in Mirabel, Que. and Mobile, Ala., with plans to expand output when appropriate to a maximum of 14 planes a month.

Porter, which has not flown since March 21, 2020, owing to the pandemic, recently pushed back its relaunch date to July 20.

Privately-owned Porter, which employed 1,500 before the pandemic, flies to several Canadian, U.S. and holiday destinations, but is perhaps best known for business travel given its proximity to downtown Toronto. Business travel is expected to recover from the pandemic last, after family-related flights and tourism.

In good times, Porter accounts for 85 per cent of plane traffic at the island airport, while Air Canada makes up the rest. Porter sold the airport terminal to Nieuport Aviation, controlled by New York-based J.P. Morgan Asset Management Inc., in 2015 for more than $700-million.

Neil Pakey, CEO of Nieuport, declined to comment on Porter’s plan for jets at other airports. Mr. Pakey said he and the airline are focused on Porter’s restart in July.

Porter’s talks come as it continues discussions with the federal government over financial aid to blunt the effects of the pandemic on the business. In March, 2020, the airline received a $135-million loan through Export Development Canada and indicated earlier in May that it is in negotiations for more aid. The government has said any help from the taxpayer comes with conditions that include “protecting jobs across the air sector.”

[Airband]

Porter Airlines warned of losses, threatened to leave Toronto’s island airport in dispute with terminal owner

Quote

"Over the past year Porter has completed extensive analysis to consider alternative business and capital deployment strategies in order to preserve shareholder value.  Alternatives under consideration include redeployment of our assets into the regional aircraft leasing market and/or the disposition of assets and return of shareholder capital.”

Thu Jun 03, 2021 - The Globe and Mail
Eric Atkins - Transportation Reporter

Porter Airlines Inc. warned it was losing millions of dollars and threatened to leave Toronto’s island airport in a dispute with the owner of the terminal more than a year before the pandemic sent the air travel industry into crisis.

The battle with Nieuport Aviation is at the centre of a legal action between the two companies over at least $49-million in fees levied by Nieuport, which owns the terminal at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

The Globe reported in May that Porter was in talks with Toronto Pearson International Airport about obtaining landing rights at the large suburban airport, in addition to slots at other Southern Ontario airports as it prepared to launch a regional jet service. The news came as an airline industry publication reported Porter had bought 30 Embraer passenger jets. Jets are not allowed at the island airport. Porter denied it was moving or that it had placed an order with Embraer.

The revelations of privately held Porter’s financial position and warning it might abandon its home base at Billy Bishop are contained in court filings made by both parties in support of their respective lawsuits.

The dispute began in 2018, when Porter notified Nieuport it would begin to reduce its flights at the airport on certain days. Nieuport refused to reduce Porter’s fees or slot allocations, and said the airline was required to pay for 172 of 202 available daily slots according to the agreement the two sides reached in 2015 when Porter sold the terminal to Nieuport for more than $700-million.

In late 2020, Porter sued Nieuport in Ontario Superior Court of Justice for $21-million for breach of contract, seeking forgiveness of as much as $45-million in fees 
for unused slots. Nieuport filed a defence and counterclaim in March, 2021, against Porter and Porter Aircraft Leasing Corp., which owns Porter’s planes, seeking $10-million in punitive damages and payment of the disputed fees, which total about $49-million for the 12 months ending in March, 2020. Nieuport is also demanding Porter replenish its security deposit with Nieuport with a letter of credit worth $11-million.

Porter alleges in court documents that Nieuport charges slot fees that are three or four times as expensive as those of Pearson, and that it refused to stop levying the fees during Porter’s shutdown in the pandemic. Porter says it cannot operate profitably at the island airport.

“Porter Airlines repeatedly threatened to cease operating at the airport altogether,” Nieuport said in a court document.

Porter pointed to factors that hurt the competitiveness of its operations at the airport: the launch of the UP Express train between downtown Toronto and Pearson, which reduced Porter’s advantage of being close to downtown; the refusal by the federal government to allow jets to land at the airport, undercutting a main part of Porter’s expansion strategy; a limit on the size of aircraft that can use the airport to no larger than Porter’s Q400 aircraft, limiting Porter’s geographic reach; and delays to the terminal’s expansion and the “overall declines in service,” including the loss of free cappuccino, cookies and newspapers for passengers.

Robert Deluce, Porter’s founder, told Nieuport chief executive officer Neil Pakey in a letter dated Dec. 21, 2018, that the airline was forecast to lose almost $40-million in 2018. Mr. Deluce said Pearson’s yearly fees would amount to $50-million less than those of Nieuport.

“Based on today’s market realities, the terminal fees charged by Nieuport are neither economically viable nor sustainable and must be reduced for carriers to operate profitably from [the island airport],” Mr. Deluce wrote. “Without Nieuport’s agreement in the coming months to significantly reduce the terminal fees from 2018 levels, Porter will take any and all additional steps required to protect its shareholders’ investment. Over the past year Porter has completed extensive analysis to consider alternative business and capital deployment strategies in order to preserve shareholder value. … [A]lternatives under consideration include redeployment of our assets into the regional aircraft leasing market and/or the disposition of assets and return of shareholder capital.”

Porter’s forecast net loss in 2019 was $35-million, Michael Deluce, who replaced his father as Porter CEO, wrote to Mr. Pakey on May 3, 2019. Porter planned a “complete cessation” of flights at the airport by April, 2020, Michael Deluce told Mr. Pakey. He later reversed this plan and continued to request terminal slots.

“This is the first time we have seen cracks in Porter’s determination to impose their will on the island and waterfront community,” said Brian Iler, a lawyer and chair of Community Air, an advocacy group, who for 18 years has worked with groups trying to shut down the airport and turn it into parkland. “For Porter to have threatened to leave the island airport altogether, for Porter to demonstrate financial problems, all says to us that their days at the island airport are numbered.”

Porter halted all flights in March, 2020, because of the pandemic. The airline pointed to government travel restrictions, unsafe pandemic conditions at the terminal and the withdrawal of the Canadian Border Services Agency from the airport.

Nieuport, in court filings, said the terminal remained open for business, and continued to charge Porter for its 172 daily slots at about $1,000 each, which amounts to about $5-million a month.

A Porter Airlines spokesman, Brad Cicero, said Wednesday the airline was profitable in 2019 and the losses cited by the executives were merely forecasts, but declined to provide further information because Porter is a private company. He did not address questions about the reported Embraer jet purchase and Porter’s possible move to Pearson. In May, Mr. Cicero said Porter is “not relocating from Billy Bishop.”

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has combined the two cases and set Nov. 29 as the date on which the trial will begin in Toronto.

[Fido]

On 6/4/2021 at 5:41 AM, Airband said:

in addition to slots at other Southern Ontario airports

YYZ is he only airport in Ontario that has 'Slots'

[FA@AC]

https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/porter-airlines-gets-federal-loan-up-to-270-5-million-including-money-for-refunds-1.5492682

[Guest1]

Porter Airlines confirms restart of service to select Canadian destinations beginning Sept. 8

5 July 2021Canadian Aviation News

U.S. flights start on Sept. 17

TORONTO, July 5, 2021 /CNW/ – Porter Airlines is officially returning to the skies on Sept. 8, nearly 18 months after suspending flights due to COVID-19 public health and travel restrictions.

The flight schedule is returning in phases, with the initial group of Canadian destinations being Halifax, Moncton, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, St. John’s, NL, Thunder Bay and Toronto. U.S. destinations in Boston, Chicago, New York and Washington follow on Sept. 17.

U.S. flights start on September 17 (CNW Group/Porter Airlines) Porter Airlines confirms restart of service to select Canadian destinations beginning Sept. 8 (CNW Group/Porter Airlines)

“This is the moment our team members, passengers and the communities we serve have been waiting for,” said Michael Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines. “The pandemic has progressed to the point that we can now begin restoring service across our network, focused around our main base at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Being grounded for more than a year has been incredibly difficult for everyone involved. In true Porter fashion, our team members have displayed remarkable levels of commitment, engagement and optimism over this uncertain period of time, despite the vast majority being unable to work. While deciding to suspend our service was the most difficult business decision we’ve made, announcing a restart of flights is the first step in a recovery process that includes recalling hundreds of team members and welcoming back passengers. We are looking forward to once again delivering Porter’s unique style of service.”

Approximately 500 team members will be recalled to active status as the first phase of flights are introduced. More staff will be added in subsequent months as flights and destinations return to the schedule.

The initial flight schedule is as follows:

Canadian Routes*	Peak daily roundtrips	Service start date
Ottawa – Toronto	6 flights	Sept. 8
Montreal – Toronto	6 flights	Sept. 8
Thunder Bay – Toronto	3 flights	Sept. 8
Ottawa – Halifax	2 flights	Sept. 13
Montreal – Halifax	1 flight	Sept. 13
Quebec City – Toronto	1 flight	Sept. 13
Halifax – St. John’s	1 flight	Sept. 17
Moncton – Ottawa	1 flight	Sept. 17
U.S. Routes*
New York (Newark) – Toronto	6 fights	Sept. 17
Boston – Toronto	3 flights	Sept. 17
Chicago (Midway) – Toronto	2 flights	Sept. 17
Washington (Dulles) – Toronto	1 flight	Sept. 17

* All Toronto routes operate at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Schedules vary by day of week.

Flights to other year-round destinations normally operated by Porter are currently available for booking and set to resume as of Oct. 6. Service is returning based on anticipated passenger demand, with frequency and markets increasing over time.

To provide flexibility and give travellers peace of mind when purchasing for future travel, Porter is making all fares purchased by July 20, for travel through December 15, 2021, fully refundable, with no fees. This also applies to Porter Escapes vacation packages.

In preparation for its resumption of service, Porter is introducing a comprehensive program to protect the health of its passengers and team members. Healthy Flights strengthens existing standards focusing on high levels of sanitization.

“Our safety team developed Healthy Flights as more than a checklist of rules and procedures,” said Deluce. “They carefully considered how to provide a safe experience for our passengers and team members, while being true to our distinct brand and approach to service.”

Detailed information about Healthy Flights is available online.

About Porter Airlines

[rudder]

https://www.flyporter.com/en-ca/about-us/news-details?title=Porter+Airlines+expanding+service+across+North+America+by+acquiring+up+to+80+Embraer+E195-E2s+2021+07