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

[Guest2]

Porter Airlines announces Halifax as its latest destination between Toronto Pearson with the Embraer E195-E2 Français

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NEWS PROVIDED BY

Porter Airlines 

Dec 20, 2022, 09:17 ET

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Total Halifax flights increasing by 50%

TORONTO, Dec. 20, 2022 /CNW/ - Porter Airlines is introducing the newest route with its Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ).

Porter has been serving the Halifax community since 2007. Passengers can now choose to travel with Porter using two Toronto airports on this popular route, including the downtown convenience of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

 

Non-stop routes from Halifax now include Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto City, Toronto Pearson and St. John’s, N.L. (CNW Group/Porter Airlines)

 

Pearson service begins February 23, 2023, with multiple daily, non-stop roundtrip flights.

From Toronto Pearson to:	Flights begin:	Average daily, non-stop, round-trips:	Round-trip introductory fares, including all taxes and fees, start at:
Halifax (YHZ)	Feb. 23, 2023	2 as of Feb. 28, 2023	$262

"Halifax is a popular destination for business and leisure passengers. This new service from Pearson provides everyone with more choice," said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines. "We are growing our total number of Halifax flights across multiple routes by nearly 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels, averaging over 20 departures and arrivals per day."

Non-stop routes from Halifax now include Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto City, Toronto Pearson and St. John's, N.L. A number of connecting flights are also available at various airports on Porter and its partner airlines.

"Porter Airlines has been serving our community for 15 years, and we couldn't be more excited that they are choosing to grow their existing network here at Halifax Stanfield. Operating on the new Embraer E195-E2 jets, this route will be a wonderful addition, providing additional connectivity that benefits leisure and business travellers alike. We value our ongoing partnership with Porter and look forward to the inaugural flight in February 2023," says Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority.

Flights on the Halifax-Toronto Pearson route will operate on 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. Porter's onboard service offers every passenger an elevated economy experience that includes no middle seats, complimentary beer and wine served in real glassware, a selection of premium snacks, and free, fast WiFi. This is all provided at highly competitive fares.

Passengers can also choose the new all-inclusive PorterReserve fare option that includes features such as dedicated check-in, extra legroom, and checked baggage, included in one bundled price. For travellers who want to choose which features matter most to them, PorterClassic offers perks available for purchase à la carte.

Porter has up to 100 E195-E2 aircraft on order, providing the ability to operate throughout North America, including destinations across Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean. The airline also serves a regional network of more than 20 destinations on its De Havilland Dash 8-400 fleet, operating from a base at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

Flights are now available for booking at www.flyporter.com and with travel agents. Porter Escapes vacation packages will be available soon. New routes will be announced regularly.

[Guest2]

Porter Airlines Receives First Two Of 50 Embraer E195-E2 Jets On Order

Story by Gaurav Joshi • Yesterday 9:35 p.m.

521 Comment

 

 

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Porter Airlines has taken delivery of two Embraer E195-E2 aircraft in a ceremony at Embraer's HQ in Brazil. The carrier is the North American launch customer for the plane and has already planned several new routes around it. The E2 will enable the airline to launch flights to Western Canada for the first time in its 16-year history.

Porter Airlines Receives First Two Of 50 Embraer E195-E2 Jets On Order© Provided by SimpleFlying

 

Delivery

Porter Airlines received the first two of its 50 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft on order and will soon expand its reach by launching several new routes.

The airline has orders with Embraer for up to 100 E195-E2 aircraft – 50 firm commitments and 50 purchase rights. In 2021, Porter ordered 30 Embraer E195-E2 jets, with purchase rights for a further 50 aircraft, worth US$5.82 billion at list price, with all options exercised. A firm order for a further 20 aircraft followed in 2022, valued at US$1.56 billion.

Michael Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines, commented,

 

“… The E195-E2 enables us to reach across the continent, beyond our Eastern Canada roots, while introducing a level of service for economy air travellers that no other North American airline provides. It’s an enhanced experience that builds on our reputation for providing an elevated level of service to every passenger at reasonable prices in a single class of service. The first planes are ready to fly to Canada later this month before going into regular service in February.”

 

The first two of 50 Embraer E195-E2 ordered by Porter Airlines have been delivered in a ceremony at Embraer’s headquarters in Brazil. (CNW Group/Porter Airlines)

 

Porter, the North American launch customer for Embraer's E195-E2, is opening up operations throughout North America, including to the west coast, southern U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. The aircraft will initially be deployed from Toronto Pearson International Airport, with Halifax, Montreal and Ottawa also seeing new services with the E195-E2. Porter has chosen to configure the 146-seat aircraft in a comfortable 132-seat all-economy configuration, with a variety of seat pitches on offer for their guests: 36, 34, and 30 inches.

"The official delivery of these aircraft is the beginning of a new era for Porter," said Michael Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines. "The E195-E2 enables us to reach across the continent, beyond our Eastern Canada roots, while introducing a level of service for economy air travellers that no other North American airline provides. It's an enhanced experience that builds on our reputation for providing an elevated level of service to every passenger at reasonable prices in a single class of service. The first planes are ready to fly to Canada later this month before going into regular service in February."

Arjan Meijer, president and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation, said, "Porter is focused on delivering what we all want – making the air travel experience a pleasure rather than a pain. Along with their exciting levels of service and generosity, Porter's entire fleet is also without the dreaded middle seat, and will also satisfy the sustainability needs of Porter's guests. The E195-E2 is the most environmentally-friendly single-aisle aircraft, at 65% quieter and up to 25% cleaner than previous-generation aircraft. It has the lowest fuel consumption per seat and per trip among 120- to 150-seat aircraft, and is the quietest single-aisle jet flying today."

In total, Porter has orders with Embraer for up to 100 E195-E2 aircraft; 50 firm commitments and 50 purchase rights. In 2021, Porter ordered 30 Embraer E195-E2 jets, with purchase rights for a further 50 aircraft, worth US$5.82 billion at list price, with all options exercised. A firm order for a further 20 aircraft followed in 2022, valued at US$1.56 billion.

About Porter

[Guest2]

 

Porter’s first E195-E2 at Toronto Pearson YYZ – Canadian Aviation News (wordpress.com)

CCAR Web - Aircraft Details (tc.gc.ca)

[GDR]

I think they'll do ok as they didn't try to do too much too quickly. I just find it annoying that they bought Embraer rather than the A220.

 

[Specs]

16 minutes ago, GDR said:

I think they'll do ok as they didn't try to do too much too quickly. I just find it annoying that they bought Embraer rather than the A220.

 

The backlog is pretty big and they're only building 4-5 per month.   I don't think Porter expansion plans, slow as they might be, could manage those logistics.

[conehead]

34 minutes ago, GDR said:

I think they'll do ok as they didn't try to do too much too quickly. I just find it annoying that they bought Embraer rather than the A220.

 

Well, money talks. I'm sure Embraer offered a better deal.

[J.O.]

Porter's plan to add jets started out with the C-Series in mind but the purchase was contingent on them getting approval to operate them out of YTZ.

[GDR]

On 1/4/2023 at 12:58 PM, J.O. said:

Porter's plan to add jets started out with the C-Series in mind but the purchase was contingent on them getting approval to operate them out of YTZ.

Didn't know that. I assume them the Emb can. I always assumed that the A220 was a good fit for YTZ.

[Specs]

5 minutes ago, GDR said:

Didn't know that. I assume them the Emb can. I always assumed that the A220 was a good fit for YTZ.

The noise may have been nominally acceptable but they needed 500 ft more at each end of the runway and that would interfere with the harbour (pleasure boaters). 

.

[boestar]

The porter Jets are operating out of Pearson

 

[Guest1]

Determination No. A-2023-7

January 20, 2023

 

APPLICATION by Porter Airlines (Canada) Limited (applicant) pursuant to subsection 73(1) of the Canada Transportation Act, SC 1996, c 10 (CTA).

 

Case number: 

22-10610

 

The applicant has applied to the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) for a licence to operate a non‑scheduled international service, large aircraft, to transport traffic on a charter basis between Canada and any other country.

The Agency is satisfied that the applicant meets all the applicable requirements of subsection 73(1) of the CTA.

Accordingly, the Agency issues the licence.

Pursuant to subsection 74(1) of the CTA, the licence is subject to the conditions prescribed by the Air Transportation Regulations, SOR/88-58, and the following condition:

1. The Licensee is authorized to transport traffic on a charter basis between Canada and any other country.

 

Member(s)

Heather Smith

[Guest1]

Determination No. A-2023-6

January 20, 2023

 

APPLICATION by Porter Airlines (Canada) Limited (applicant) pursuant to section 61 of the Canada Transportation Act, SC 1996, c 10 (CTA).

 

Case number: 

22-10609

 

The applicant has applied to the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) for a licence to operate a domestic service, large aircraft.

The Agency is satisfied that the applicant meets all the applicable requirements of section 61 of the CTA.

Accordingly, the Agency issues the licence.

 

Member(s)

Heather Smith

[Airband]

Porter Airlines’ new Toronto hub brings more competition to Canadian airways

CEO of Porter Airlines Michael Deluce with the Embraer E195-E2 before its inaugural flight from Pearson Airport during a flight preview in Toronto, on Jan. 27.

Sat Jan 28, 2023 - The Globe and Mail
by Eric Atkins - Transportation Reporter

Quote

'Canada can support 2½ airlines – Air Canada, WestJet and one smaller carrier – not the number flying this year.'

Porter Airlines is aiming to shoulder its way out of the pandemic with a billion-dollar bet on dozens of bigger planes and new routes in a pivotal year for the Canadian air travel industry.

The first of Porter’s 132-seat Embraer jets begins flying customers to Ottawa and Montreal from the airline’s new hub at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Feb. 1.

Porter’s expanded fleet, and the shift to Canada’s busiest airport, marks a new strategy for the airline founded by pilot Robert Deluce 17 years ago, placing it in direct competition with Air Canada and WestJet Airlines. But it’s just one of several discount carriers offering cheap seats in an attempt to gain a toehold in the domestic market.

Chris Murray, an analyst at ATB Financial, says 2023 will be one of the most interesting years in Canadian aviation history. “Everyone’s got these big plans.”

Mr. Murray pointed to improved financial results at U.S. airlines, which are usually six months ahead of their Canadian counterparts, and strong demand for aircraft at Boeing and Airbus. “What we’ve seen in the airline industry is when travel comes back, it comes back viciously. There’s tremendous pent-up demand.”

While customers are eager to leave COVID-19 behind, airlines and airports have so far limped rather than soared out of the pandemic wreckage, bungling summer and Christmas restarts.

Mainstays Air Canada and WestJet will attempt to stabilize their businesses as they revamp routes and fleets amid new competition from cheaper rivals Lynx, Canada Jetlines and Flair Airlines. Air Transat hopes a rebound in vacation demand will stanch its losses and cut its dependence on government bailouts. Sunwing Airlines, whose holiday blunders drew the ire of politicians and stranded passengers, will attempt to sew up its takeover by WestJet and assuage regulators’ concerns.

And then there’s Porter, shifting its focus to bigger aircraft and new markets with its jet-powered expansion beyond Toronto’s smaller Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, the hub for its short-range 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8 turboprop planes.

“Talk about crowded skies,” said Barry Prentice, a professor at University of Manitoba.

Can the Canadian market support so many airlines? “The answer is no,” he said.

“Of course not,” said John Gradek, who teaches aviation leadership at McGill University. “My guess is we’ll probably lose a carrier by the end of the year. Not sure which one.”

Mr. Deluce, Porter’s founder, flew into Pearson from Brazil late December on the company’s first Embraer jet. “This is a significant milestone,” he said on Friday at a preview flight of the plane, painted in Porter’s familiar white with a blue logo-covered tail.

Robert’s son Michael Deluce, Porter’s chief executive officer, said the airline is targeting economy travellers, who constitute 90 per cent of the market.

Porter has been competing with Air Canada since Day 1, he said, and is marketing heavily on WestJet’s Western turf to boost business there. He said Porter’s prospects are helped by WestJet’s recent pullback from Eastern Canada.

Porter’s new fleet will initially work the routes between Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax, Montreal, Edmonton and Calgary before expanding to other North American and Caribbean destinations. Previously, the airline was limited to the 2,040-kilometre range of its Dash 8s.

Porter will fly from Toronto Pearson’s Terminal 3, which is also used by WestJet. “They’re going to be trying to steal WestJet’s business, more so than Air Canada’s,” said Mr. Gradek, predicting the two main carriers will slash prices in response.

Porter says its single-aisle planes will appeal to customers because there are no middle seats, and passengers get free drinks and snacks. The airline’s E195 orders total 100, including 50 firm orders and 50 purchase rights for a value that exceeds US$7-billion at list prices. It has five of the new planes already and expects another 25 by the end of 2023.

Mr. Murray said Porter has built a “great brand” at Billy Bishop, the island airport at which it controls the majority of slots. But the tiny airport is not big enough for much growth, is of little use as a transfer hub and has a ban on jets, all of which limits Porter’s prospects there, he added.

A legal battle at the island also raises questions about Porter’s future. In October, an Ontario judge ordered Porter and a related company to pay $130-million in damages to the airport’s terminal owner for withholding fees over the past few years. Court filings in the case showed Porter was losing money at Billy Bishop and threatening to leave before the pandemic began. Michael Deluce said privately owned Porter will continue to fly from the island.

The challenge at Pearson for Porter, Mr. Murray said, will be to withstand the intense competition and higher costs while maintaining its unique identity.

By his calculations, the Canadian market can support two big airlines and another 50 aircraft divided among the others. That means the low-cost airlines will have to compete with cars for the travel budget of those who are not regular flyers if they are to succeed. Porter will have to expand its well-liked but niche brand, and tap its broader network to draw connecting passengers, who account for 40 per cent of the Canadian market.

Even Michael Deluce agrees that Canada has too many airlines. Porter will not compete with the discounters on price, he said, but will offer service at an economy fare coupled with better flight frequency and reliability. The discount airlines “have one thing to sell and that’s price. I can change the price at the click of a button,” Mr. Deluce said.

Mr. Prentice says Canada can support 2½ airlines – Air Canada, WestJet and one smaller carrier – not the number flying this year.

Moves by Air Canada and WestJet to reduce services in each other’s main region – Eastern and Western Canada, respectively – could make room for the smaller airlines, he said. And the new discount carriers are not burdened by the debt and accumulated losses the established airlines took on in the pandemic, which allows them to grab market share, he added. However, the newcomers offer fewer flights, which reduces convenience and can pose hurdles if flights are cancelled.

“We are getting a lot of choices,” Mr. Prentice said. “But in some cases it looks better than it is.”

[Guest1]

Determination No. A-2023-14

January 27, 2023

 

APPLICATION by Porter Airlines (Canada) Limited (applicant) pursuant to subsection 69(1) of the Canada Transportation Act, SC 1996, c 10 (CTA).

 

Case number: 

22-10611

 

The applicant has applied to the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) for a licence to operate a scheduled international service, large aircraft in accordance with the Air Transport Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America signed on March 12, 2007 (Agreement).

The Agency is satisfied that the applicant meets all the applicable requirements of subsection 69(1) of the CTA. The Agency also finds that the pertinent terms and conditions of the Agreement have been complied with.

Accordingly, the Agency issues the licence.

Pursuant to subsection 71(1) of the CTA, the licence is subject to the conditions prescribed by the Air Transportation Regulations, SOR/88-58, and the following conditions:

1. The Licensee is authorized to operate a scheduled international service on the route set out in the Agreement.
2. The scheduled international service is to be conducted in accordance with the Agreement and any applicable arrangements agreed to between Canada and the United States of America.

 

Member(s)

Mark MacKeigan

 

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[Guest1]

“We are challenging the definition of economy travel”: Porter Airlines previews its E195-E2 experience

Date: Jan 30 2023

 

By: Kathryn Folliott

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TORONTO — With the launch of its new E195-E2 aircraft, Porter Airlines is ready to shake up the Canadian airline industry – again.

The carrier’s first jet flights start this week, and continue throughout February with a flurry of launch dates: Ottawa and Montreal on Feb. 1 (4x daily); Vancouver on Feb. 7 (3x daily); Edmonton on Feb. 14 (2x daily); Calgary on Feb. 22 (2x daily); and Halifax on Feb. 23 (2x daily).

All of these flights are out of Toronto Pearson, mind you. When Porter first launched back in 2006, the carrier set up shop at the underused Toronto Islands airport. And it was Porter’s expanding network that became the driving factor in making Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport what it is today: an indispensible gateway for Toronto’s leisure and corporate travellers alike, to regional destinations in Canada and the U.S. (Porter also flies to destinations from Ottawa, Halifax and Montreal).

Now Porter is set to galvanize the industry again with its new E195-E2 service out of Toronto Pearson, to cities already in its network plus Western Canada, and soon the western U.S., Caribbean and Mexico. It’s all part of the company’s massive expansion, first announced in 2021 and now with orders for up to 100 aircraft.

Naysayers may question whether travellers will want to make the trek to Pearson. They already do, for every other airline. Plus, say Porter’s executives, the carrier’s laser-focus on the flight experience for economy travellers – yes, economy – will be a big differentiator when it comes to the competition. Porter wants to revolutionize economy class service, building on the customer service strengths and passenger loyalty Porter has been cultivating since 2006.

Porter’s E195-E2 aircraft, preparing for take-off from Pearson Airport

“For the past two decades airlines have chipped away at the economy class experience, to the point that flying economy has become painful, stressful and in many ways, dehumanizing. We are challenging the definition of economy travel,” said Michael Deluce, President & CEO, Porter Airlines, at the Jan. 27 media preview of the new E195-E2s.

“EMBRACING ECONOMY CLASS PASSENGERS”

As Deluce noted, “economy is a segment many wouldn’t associate with Porter Airlines. And it’s a segment that other airlines shy away from.”

But the vast majority of air travellers fly economy, and while other airlines court the big-ticket business and first class passengers, Porter is championing economy. “Porter is going to be embracing economy class passengers going forward,” says Deluce.

Trade and consumer media had a chance to experience Porter’s E195-E2 offering at Friday’s preview, on a two-hour flight to nowhere out of Pearson.

Anyone already familiar with Porter’s service onboard its Dash 8-400 turboprop aircraft out of YTZ knows this is an airline that prioritizes customer service and attention to detail. Complimentary premium snacks are offered on every flight. There’s also a choice of beverages including free beer and wine served in real glassware. On the preview flight, which showcased PorterReserve, the meal box came with seven-layer Mexican dip and olive puffs, plus a choice of three entrees: soba noodle bowl; tropical salmon poke; or croissant sandwich with chicken salad.

NO MIDDLE SEATS

All Porter flights also offer a 2×2 configuration, with no middle seats, and that’s true not just for the YTZ flights but also the E195-E2 flights out of Pearson too.

The airline’s introduction of the E195-E2 aircraft also brings passengers on those flights free, fast WiFi plus in-seat power outlets.

Passengers on both the Dash 8-400s and E195-E2s will soon be familiar with Porter’s two fare classes, introduced in December 2022.

Porter’s traditional economy experience is now referred to as PorterClassic. Passengers travelling with a PorterClassic fare get 30” of seat pitch on every Porter aircraft. On the E195-E2, they may also purchase one of 20 PorterStretch seats, offering a minimum of 34” of seat pitch.

Porter’s new, all-inclusive economy experience is called PorterReserve, and comes with “all of the perks economy travellers may want for one reasonable price that is significantly lower than business class.” PorterReserve fares include dedicated airport check-in, early boarding, enhanced legroom, fresh meals on longer flights, Porter’s signature beer, wine and premium snacks, cocktails, two checked bags and the ability to change flights without a fee. PorterReserve is available on every Porter flight. On the Dash 8-400s, PorterReserve is in the first two rows with 32” of seat pitch. On the E195-E2s, PorterReserve is in the first four rows of the cabin with 36” of seat pitch. The 36” pitch is truly a revelation.

Porter’s economy class offering adds up to a product “unlike anything you will find with other airlines,” said Deluce. The E195-E2 is the best narrow-body aircraft available, he added. Porter is going all-in with the E195-E2s, in a big way. The airline has a confirmed order for 50 of the 132-passenger twin-engine aircraft, with options for more.

PLAYING THE LONG GAME

Some in the industry may remember that Porter tried to get Toronto and various levels of government onboard with jet flights from Billy Bishop Airport a few years back. When that didn’t work out, Porter continued with its Dash 8-400 service from YTZ, building its network and customer loyalty.

Now with jet service set to start from Pearson on Feb. 1, a day before the airline’s 17th anniversary, it’s clear Porter has played the long game beautifully. At Friday’s preview event, we asked Porter’s Executive Chairman, Robert Deluce, if he ever had doubts this day would come. “No, never,” he said with a smile. “As they say, timing is everything.”

Porter Reserve pre-meal snack

INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL DELUCE

We also got a chance to talk to President & CEO, Michael Deluce, while onboard Friday’s preview flight.

Our first question: when might travel agents get word about Porter’s sun flights to the Caribbean and Mexico?

Not surprisingly, the timing for Porter’s destination announcements are still under wraps, said Deluce. “But we have 50 new E195-E2s coming in the next two years, so it’s going to happen very fast,” he told us. “Sooner rather than later.”

Meanwhile the company’s map of potential Porter destinations in the U.S. includes L.A., San Francisco, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, Nashville, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Charlotte, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Fort Myers and Miami.

We also asked Deluce about Porter Escapes, long a part of the Porter product offering but not overtly highlighted in marketing messaging. Could the industry see more of a push for Porter Escapes once more sun destinations are confirmed on the map? “Up until now, we’ve seen Porter Escapes as complimentary to our regional network,” he said. “But looking at destinations like Las Vegas, Florida, and Mexico and the Caribbean, you’ll see a strong focus on Porter Escapes.”

As Porter expands in size and network, it also continues to work with travel advisors, an important distribution channel for the airline. The volume of bookings coming through travel agents is “a meaningful amount,” said Deluce. It’s a mix too, of corporate and leisure.

“We’re fully committed to the travel trade,” he added.

Porter Airlines’ E195-E2 interior.

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Main pic at top of article: Johan van ’t Hof, Board of Directors, GTAA; Doug Allingham, Chairman of the Board, GTAA; Deborah Flint, President & CEO, GTAA; Michael Deluce, President & CEO, Porter Airlines at the media preview of the new E195-E2, Jan. 27, 2023

[Guest1]

Porter Airlines cancels flight service between Toronto and Muskoka

Story by Cottage Life • 1h ago

It’s back to driving if you want to head up to Muskoka. On January 11, Porter Airlines announced that it’s discontinuing flight service between Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport and Muskoka Airport, north of Gravenhurst, Ont.

Porter Airlines cancels flight service between Toronto and Muskoka© Photo by Shutterstock/The Bold Bureau

“Porter has appreciated working with local tourism and airport partners to promote Muskoka over the years,” said Brad Cicero, the director of communications and public affairs for Porter Airlines, in a statement. “Our joint efforts have contributed to generating broader interest in the region that we hope will have long-term benefits for the community.”

 

James Murphy, the CEO of RTO 12, a regional tourism organization that has been advocating for commercial flights to Muskoka since 2016 and was responsible for attracting Porter to the area, said that Porter’s cancellation of the flight service was a business decision.

While Jeff Lehman, the district chair for Muskoka, said: “The service was cancelled due to changes made by the terminal operator at the Island Airport in Toronto.” He added that the cancellation will impact Muskoka tourist operators who used the service as a way to bring people to the region from the city. “It’s disappointing to be sure, given the service was successful.”

Porter would not specify what factors led to the decision. Although, the airline has shifted its focus to its 100 new aircraft, which will be flying out of Toronto’s Pearson Airport to Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary starting in February.

Despite the cancelled service, Murphy stressed that RTO 12 had no hard feelings towards Porter. “At the time, we partnered with Porter, we were an untested airport and destination for the aviation industry, and our business case was built on projections,” he said. “Now, we have solid data and experience for building scheduled service at the airport, including successfully increasing the number of international visitors in 2022 over the inaugural season.”

Porter partnered with RTO 12 and the Muskoka Airport in 2019, offering flights between the two airports twice a week. The average cost of a roundtrip flight was around $200 with the trip taking approximately 20 minutes one way.

 

 

Related video: Billy Bishop Airport key 

[Rich Pulman]

1 hour ago, Kargokings said:

Porter Airlines cancels flight service between Toronto and Muskoka

Story by Cottage Life • 1h ago

It’s back to driving if you want to head up to Muskoka. On January 11, Porter Airlines announced that it’s discontinuing flight service between Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport and Muskoka Airport, north of Gravenhurst, Ont.

Porter Airlines cancels flight service between Toronto and Muskoka© Photo by Shutterstock/The Bold Bureau

“Porter has appreciated working with local tourism and airport partners to promote Muskoka over the years,” said Brad Cicero, the director of communications and public affairs for Porter Airlines, in a statement. “Our joint efforts have contributed to generating broader interest in the region that we hope will have long-term benefits for the community.”

 

James Murphy, the CEO of RTO 12, a regional tourism organization that has been advocating for commercial flights to Muskoka since 2016 and was responsible for attracting Porter to the area, said that Porter’s cancellation of the flight service was a business decision.

While Jeff Lehman, the district chair for Muskoka, said: “The service was cancelled due to changes made by the terminal operator at the Island Airport in Toronto.” He added that the cancellation will impact Muskoka tourist operators who used the service as a way to bring people to the region from the city. “It’s disappointing to be sure, given the service was successful.”

Porter would not specify what factors led to the decision. Although, the airline has shifted its focus to its 100 new aircraft, which will be flying out of Toronto’s Pearson Airport to Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary starting in February.

Despite the cancelled service, Murphy stressed that RTO 12 had no hard feelings towards Porter. “At the time, we partnered with Porter, we were an untested airport and destination for the aviation industry, and our business case was built on projections,” he said. “Now, we have solid data and experience for building scheduled service at the airport, including successfully increasing the number of international visitors in 2022 over the inaugural season.”

Porter partnered with RTO 12 and the Muskoka Airport in 2019, offering flights between the two airports twice a week. The average cost of a roundtrip flight was around $200 with the trip taking approximately 20 minutes one way.

 

 

Related video: Billy Bishop Airport key 

As a tenant at CYQA, this doesn't come as a surprise. The airport spent BIG bucks to install check-in equipment and a CATSA trailer for security screening and was quite guidy about having scheduled service to our little airport. When I asked the airport CEO how much Porter paid for each turn around, he was excited to tell me it was $75. Porter never spent a nickle in fuel here. To quote Clint Eastwood... what a clusterf*%k. 

[Guest1]

was / is Porter their only scheduled airline ?  

[Rich Pulman]

12 hours ago, Kargokings said:

was / is Porter their only scheduled airline ?  

There have been some other companies with light twins claiming to offer “scheduled” flights over the years, but none have lasted very long and none required the upgraded infrastructure that was needed for Porter’s flights. Rumour has it that $750,000 was spent on the upgrades (hard to believe until you hear the magic words “government contract”). $75 per turnaround wouldn’t even cover the cost of the staff needed to do it, let alone cover the cost of the upgrades. But being able to claim we had a major airline providing scheduled service was certainly a feather in somebody’s cap.

[Guest1]

Reason I asked is there used to be and still be a requirement for a carrier operating the only air service between 2 points in Canada to be required to apply for permission to abandon the route.  

[Airband]

Permission not required, only notice of discontinuance.  30-120 days depending on circumstance.

[Guest1]

Link to the Chapter and Verse.

Notice: Requirements for discontinuance of air services | Canadian Transportation Agency (otc-cta.gc.ca)

[Guest1]

Porter Airlines launching non-stop Ottawa-Charlottetown flights

13 February 2023Canadian Aviation News

Now serving every Atlantic Canada province

TORONTO, Feb. 13, 2023 /CNW/ – Porter Airlines is launching direct service between Ottawa International Airport and Charlottetown Airport, with flights taking off on May 17.

The new daily, non-stop route is to be served by 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft. Porter’s genuine hospitality and elevated onboard service, including premium snacks, and free beer and wine in glassware will be experienced by all passengers. PorterReserve, a new, all-inclusive fare, also provides dedicated airport check-in, early boarding, enhanced legroom, two checked bags and the ability to change flights without a fee.

“Porter is continuing to invest in regional flying across Eastern Canada,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines. “Charlottetown is an entirely new destination for us and the addition of Prince Edward Island means that Porter is serving every Atlantic Canada province for the first time.”

Porter currently serves Moncton, Fredericton, Halifax and St. John’s, N.L., in the region.

Porter will be the only airline offering daily non-stop service between Ottawa and Charlottetown, with flights initially available until the last week of October. Introductory roundtrip fares start at $297, including taxes and fees. Connections are currently available from Charlottetown to Thunder Bay, Toronto City, and Toronto Pearson.

“Historic Charlottetown is one of the few provincial capitals with limited air capacity to Ottawa-Gatineau. Porter Airlines’ continued growth from YOW will change that as travellers from both areas will have more non-stop options from the coast to the Capital and vice versa. YYG passengers will likely enjoy connecting at YOW, including for Porter’s excellent downtown Toronto access,” said Mark Laroche, president and CEO, Ottawa International Airport Authority.

“We are thrilled to welcome Porter Airlines to YYG and Prince Edward Island,” said Doug Newson, CEO, Charlottetown Airport Authority. “Islanders and visitors alike have been requesting Porter for many years, so it is extremely rewarding for us to be able to announce this today. This new non-stop service to Ottawa will not only provide convenient access to the nation’s capital, but will also allow travellers the opportunity to connect to Porter’s expanding network at Ottawa International Airport.”

Porter has more than doubled the number of regional destinations served from Ottawa in recent months. The introduction of Charlottetown is in addition to three new routes connecting Ottawa with Boston, New York-Newark and Thunder Bay beginning this spring. Porter also currently flies to Fredericton, Halifax, Moncton and Toronto City with its Dash 8-400 fleet. A Toronto Pearson-Ottawa route served with state-of-the-art Embraer E195-E2 aircraft started earlier in February. Detailed schedules can be found on www.flyporter.com.

About Porter

[Guest1]

Competition among low-cost carriers

Toronto-based carrier sets its sights west, adds Calgary, Edmonton as destinations

• Calgary Herald
• 23 Feb 2023
• JOSH ALDRICH jaldrich@postmedia.com Twitter: @Joshaldrich03

GREG SOUTHAM Porter Airlines executive vice-president and chief commercial officer Kevin Jackson says a Toronto-to-calgary route is “certainly a market that our customers in Eastern Canada have been interested in us being able to serve for a number of years.”

As Porter Airlines' inaugural flight from Calgary to Toronto taxied onto the runway, the skies above Alberta became even more crowded.

As of Wednesday, the Toronto-based airline is the latest to find a landing spot at YYC in a marketplace that has become exponentially more competitive since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Porter Airlines has been in operation as a regional airline in Eastern Canada for 16 years.

“Toronto to Calgary is a very important market in Canada, and certainly a market that our customers in Eastern Canada have been interested in us being able to serve for a number of years,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice-president and chief commercial officer for the airline. Porter has a goal of chipping away at the economy-plus segment dominated by Westjet and Air Canada, by offering services other airlines have cut back on — such as beverages in glassware, free beer and wine, free high-speed Wi-fi, free snacks and more space with no middle seats.

The carrier is hoping the record number of people relocating from Toronto to Calgary will provide a foothold for its western expansion. It will offer two flights daily from Calgary International Airport to Pearson International Airport.

Porter last week also launched its route from Edmonton to Toronto, and Jackson said the company has plans to further expand in Western Canada.

Lynx Air, which went airborne 10 months ago, is the newest airline based out of Calgary.

It offers 90 flights a week and will hit 240 this summer. In Calgary, it will go from 60 flights and 11,000 seats a week to 115 and 21,000 seats. Meanwhile, it is preparing for 105 per cent growth out of Toronto, hitting 150 flights and 30,000 seats a week.

The airline is serving a different segment than Porter, however, targeting the ultra-low-cost carrier, in direct competition with Flair and Westjet's Swoop.

Merren Mcarthur, CEO and president of Lynx Air, said only about four per cent of the capacity in Canada is low-cost, in contrast to Europe at 42 per cent.

While it is growing domestically, the airline is also attempting to be the first Canadian a la carte airline into major markets, with recent expansion to Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Phoenix.

“We see that there's a huge opportunity and fares have traditionally been too high as a result of the small amount of low-cost capacity here,” she said. “Our model is actually about going into markets where the fares are high and stimulating and inspiring more people to travel by air because they can afford to, and that's really growing the market.”

Robert Kokanis, president and managing director of Airtrav Inc., a Toronto-based aviation advisory firm, said while there have been failures in the past for affordable flying, there was still a void that had not been properly filled in this category. This has allowed newer entrants, such as Lynx, to carve out a space.

Under the guidance of Alexis von Hoensbroech for the past 12 months, Westjet has shifted its focus back to its roots of serving Western Canada and lowering fares. Part of this transition has been expanding routes out of Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver, and growing its footprint south of the border.

Von Hoensbroech, president and CEO of Westjet, said he welcomes the healthy competition.

Kokanis said there is risk of oversupply by the end of 2023 if the marketplace continues to expand with the current projections and forecasts, meaning there could be some casualties.

“By the end of the year, there will be too many seats in the Canadian marketplace,” he said.

“You don't necessarily want to have the race to the bottom. Everywhere, everybody's pulling service and quality of experience — Westjet is not trying to do that whatsoever, nor is Porter. But time will tell with all this huge amount of capacity in the marketplace.”

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https://www.lapresse.ca/affaires/2023-02-24/expansion-majeure-a-l-aeroport/porter-construira-un-terminal-a-saint-hubert.php?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=manchettes&fbclid=IwAR1DKx_43-vcXF7f0IIlSK8KkAYdnNWcTtWqrv3NzELjJoMSJBYs0S3gajI

Porter looking at building a terminal at St-Hubert Airport...