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

[Guest1]

Porter Airlines (Canada) Limited - scheduled international licence

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 Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United Mexican States on Air Transport signed on July 27,...

A-2023-56 | Determination | 2023-03-22

Porter Airlines (Canada) Limited - scheduled international licence

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 Republic of Cuba, signed on May 8, 2015, as...

A-2023-57 | Determination | 2023-03-22

Porter Airlines (Canada) Limited - scheduled international licence

The applicant has applied to the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) for a licence to operate, through code sharing, a scheduled international service, large aircraft, in accordance with the Arrangement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of Colombia set out in a...

A-2023-58 | Determination | 2023-03-22

Porter Airlines (Canada) Limited - scheduled international licence

The applicant has applied to the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) for a licence to operate, through code sharing, a scheduled international service, large aircraft, in accordance with the Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of Costa Rica on Air...

A-2023-59 | Determination | 2023-03-22

Porter Airlines (Canada) Limited - scheduled international licence

The applicant has applied to the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) for a licence to operate, through code sharing, a scheduled international service, large aircraft, in accordance with the Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Dominican Republic on Air Transport,...

A-2023-60 | Determination | 2023-03-22

Porter Airlines (Canada) Limited - scheduled international licence

The applicant has applied to the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) for a licence to operate, through code sharing, a scheduled international service, large aircraft, in accordance with the Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of El Salvador on Air...

A-2023-61 | Determination | 2023-03-22

Porter Airlines (Canada) Limited - scheduled international licence

The applicant has applied to the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) for a licence to operate, through code sharing, a scheduled international service, large aircraft, in accordance with the Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Haiti on Air Transport, signed on...

A-2023-62 | Determination | 2023-03-22

Porter Airlines (Canada) Limited - scheduled international licence

The applicant has applied to the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) for a licence to operate, through code sharing, a scheduled international service, large aircraft, in accordance with the Agreement on Air Transport between the Government of Canada and the Government of Jamaica, signed on...

A-2023-63 | Determination | 2023-03-22

Porter Airlines (Canada) Limited - scheduled international licence

The applicant has applied to the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) for a licence to operate, through code sharing, a scheduled international service, large aircraft, in accordance with the arrangement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of Panama set out in an...

A-2023-64 | Determination | 2023-03-22

Porter Airlines (Canada) Limited - scheduled international licence

The applicant has applied to the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) for a licence to operate, through code sharing, a scheduled international service, large aircraft, in accordance with the Agreement on Air Transport between Canada and the European Community and its Member States, signed on...

A-2023-65 | Determination | 2023-03-22

•  

 

Showing 11-20 of 29235 decisions.

 

Porter Airlines (Canada) Limited - scheduled international licence

The applicant has applied to the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) for a licence to operate, through code sharing, a scheduled international service, large aircraft, in accordance with the Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and...

A-2023-66 | Determination | 2023-03-22

[Guest1]

1 minute ago, Kip Powick said:

Your "PASTE" function stuck ????

No but I did notice it was not doing what I wanted it to do and fixed it before you asked. 

[Kip Powick]

11 minutes ago, Kargokings said:

No but I did notice it was not doing what I wanted it to do and fixed it before you asked. 

Well ...OK....but my question was asked BEFORE you corrected it and posted it.....or maybe you corrected it while  I posted my question ....so technically....you may be correct ........but not by the actual recorded posting times.

 

Mine now deleted  so  confusion among the readers will reign supreme !!!!

[Airband]

Porter cancels flights as expansion plan faces rough takeoff

Fri Mar 24, 2023 - The Globe and Mail
Eric Atkins - Transportation Reporter

Quote

“Entering new aircraft into service once received from the manufacturer is a complex process across many teams and the timeline for this work has been adjusted,” “It’s various things that aren’t done at the factory: certain configurations, customization, software, hardware, etc., that are airline specific, plus some practical training as new team members are starting.”

Porter Airlines’ aggressive expansion with new routes and larger passenger jets is off to a bumpy start, as the Toronto-based airline made extensive cuts to its March schedule.

Porter cancelled 22 per cent of its flights departing Toronto Pearson International Airport, almost 20 per cent of its schedule at Vancouver International Airport, and 17 per cent at Calgary International Airport, according to Cirium, an aviation data company.

Porter launched a major expansion in February, taking aim at Canada’s largest airlines with a full slate of flights to several of the country’s major centres. Porter began flying longer-range 132-seat Embraer E195 jets in February to Vancouver, Calgary and other major cities for the first time, marking a shift for the privately owned airline as it also began flying from Toronto Pearson.

The moves put Porter in direct competition for passengers with Air Canada and WestJet Airlines along with the discount carriers. Previously, Porter’s only Toronto hub was the tiny Billy Bishop City Centre Airport. The island airport adjacent to downtown Toronto does not allow jets and large aircraft.

Porter announced it would fly its new planes from Toronto to Vancouver daily and then three times a day by March 24, and to Calgary twice daily, in addition to other new city pairs.

According to data provided by Cirium, Porter’s March cancellations included 56 of its planned 253 flights leaving Toronto Pearson; eight of the 48 scheduled flights departing Calgary; and nine of the 47 flights leaving Vancouver. (Cirium was unable to provide complete data on the rest of Porter’s network.)

Brad Cicero, a spokesman for Porter, said the airline made some “pro-active” cancellations to allow time to prepare the planes for duty, and train crew members.

“Entering new aircraft into service once received from the manufacturer is a complex process across many teams and the timeline for this work has been adjusted,” he said. “It’s various things that aren’t done at the factory: certain configurations, customization, software, hardware, etc., that are airline specific, plus some practical training as new team members are starting.”

Porter has eight Embraer jets with firm orders for another 42, and 29 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8 propeller planes.

Porter marketed its new fleet as a premium economy experience, priced lower than Air Canada and WestJet, but above the country’s lowest-cost airlines.

“They’ve kind of staked out the middle,” said John Gradek, who teaches aviation leadership at McGill University. But Mr. Gradek doubted Porter’s statement that it needs time to ready the new planes, noting it has had them for several months, and will have 15 by June. “They’ve cut back their ambitions,” Mr. Gradek said.

Mr. Cicero said Porter’s new markets are selling “very well.”

“I’d emphasize that since realigning the schedule that flights are operating largely as expected, outside of weather and other day-to-day matters,” Mr. Cicero said. “The current schedule is something that we are confident with and the pro-active changes were intended to address this. Flights will continue building from this point.”

Under Transport Canada rules, passengers on small airlines whose flights are cancelled for reasons within an airline’s control – including low demand for seats – must be rebooked on the next available flight. This includes another airline with which the original carrier has a commercial arrangement. Passengers might be eligible for compensation if a flight is cancelled within two weeks of departure, the Canadian Transportation Agency says.

Airlines typically make schedule reductions each week, and generally fairly close to the flying date. For July and August, Porter has posted a schedule that is 26-per-cent larger than the same period in 2022, driven by its new fleet and routes. The world’s airlines are offering a 16-per-cent increase in the number of seats this summer, compared with the same period in 2022, according to British consultancy OAG.

The rebound in travel in 2022 was hampered by shortages of employees at airlines, airports and the government agencies that provide security screening. The issues have not gone away, according to OAG, and risk affecting global airlines in the summer of 2023.

[Guest1]

19 hours ago, Kip Powick said:

Well ...OK....but my question was asked BEFORE you corrected it and posted it.....or maybe you corrected it while  I posted my question ....so technically....you may be correct ........but not by the actual recorded posting times.

 

Mine now deleted  so  confusion among the readers will reign supreme !!!!

Now you have really confused the readers.  

[Specs]

20 hours ago, Kargokings said:

Porter Airlines (Canada) Limited - scheduled international licence

a scheduled international service...........United Mexican States

 a scheduled international service..........Republic of Cuba

code sharing, a scheduled international service..........Republic of Colombia

code sharing, a scheduled international service..........Republic of Costa Rica

code sharing, a scheduled international service..........Dominican Republic

code sharing, a scheduled international service..........Republic of El Salvador

code sharing, a scheduled international service ..........Haiti

code sharing, a scheduled international service..........Jamaica

code sharing, a scheduled international service..........Republic of Panama

code sharing, a scheduled international service..........European Community and its Member States

code sharing, a scheduled international service..........United Kingdom of Great Britain

- El Salvador
- Haiti

Really? 

I guess you you need to be glass half full kind of individual in this business?

[Seeker]

On 2/25/2023 at 12:11 AM, mrlupin said:

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...

Is it easier to get to YHU than YUL from downtown?

[Kip Powick]

29 minutes ago, Seeker said:

Is it easier to get to YHU than YUL from downtown?

The distance is pretty near equal but the time can be quite different depending on the traffic. From/to  YHU one has to choose a bridge and sometimes the bridge traffic can be a bind.

Pretty near equal I would think. Done it both ways YUL and YHU and never thought one was longer than the other.

[Seeker]

3 minutes ago, Kip Powick said:

The distance is pretty near equal but the time can be quite different depending on the traffic. From/to  YHU one has to choose a bridge and sometimes the bridge traffic can be a bind.

Pretty near equal I would think. Done it both ways YUL and YHU and never thought one was longer than the other.

Yeah, that's kinda what I thought.  So, it's not like Toronto where having the Island operation is a great savings in travel over going to Pearson for anyone downtown.  I guess there might be some savings in time at the airport flying out of YHU vs YUL and, of course for anyone living on the south side of the river it would be a big savings in travel.

[Guest1]

Bold venture: An analysis of Porter Airlines' growth strategy - Skies Mag

[Seeker]

I recently did a flight on Porter's new Embraer.  Great service, comfortable, friendly staff and free booze for those inclined.  The only thing to complain about was the gate location; Terminal 3 satellite.  Between the numerous moving walkways (one of which didn't) and the 6 escalators (yes, really - six!) needed for the trip from the gate to groundside it's a long-distance trek.

[Malcolm]

Porter Airlines sees strength in East Coast, increases capacity on three Halifax routes Français

---

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Porter Airlines Inc. 

11 Dec, 2023, 09:00 ET

---

St. John's, Montréal and Ottawa now served with Embraer E195-E2s

TORONTO, Dec. 11, 2023 /CNW/ - Porter Airlines is responding to strong East Coast demand by increasing capacity on three Halifax routes. Beginning March 31, service between St. John's, Montréal and Ottawa will be operated on the Embraer E195-E2.

The Halifax-Ottawa route will have three daily, roundtrip flights. St. John's and Montréal will operate with two daily roundtrips, increasing to three daily in May.

 

Porter Airlines is responding to strong East Coast demand by increasing capacity on three Halifax routes. St. John’s, Montréal and Ottawa now served with Embraer E195-E2s (CNW Group/Porter Airlines Inc.)

 

The routes are currently operated with the 78-seat Dash 8-400. The Embraer E195-E2 seats 132 passengers in an all-economy cabin. With a two-by-two configuration on both aircraft types, there are no middle seats on any Porter flight.

"We're seeing continuing strong demand for Porter's unique product across Eastern Canada. Increasing capacity in these markets from Halifax will provide more access for passengers looking to travel with ease across our full North American network," said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer. "Porter has been serving Halifax since 2007, and this reaffirms our ongoing commitment to the airport and the community."

Passengers will continue to receive the elevated level of service they are used to when flying with Porter, including free wine and beer served in glassware and premium snacks. This generosity continues on the Embraer E195-E2, and also includes free, fast WiFi for all passengers.

"We are thrilled that Porter Airlines is responding to the demand in Atlantic Canada by increasing capacity on routes that have been underserved since the pandemic. Using the Embraer E195-E2 jet aircraft on these three routes will provide our passengers with more opportunities to enjoy the exceptional Porter experience. As a strong, long-standing partner since 2007, this expansion reaffirms Porter's commitment to our airport and community," said Joyce Carter, president and CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority.

The Embraer E195-E2 is the quietest and most fuel-efficient single-aisle jet aircraft measured by sound and CO2 emissions. The E195-E2 is certified to the strictest international standard for aircraft noise, at 65% quieter than previous generation types.

Porter recently exercised purchase rights to place a firm order for 25 Embraer E195-E2 passenger jets, adding to its 50 existing firm orders. The new aircraft will be used to extend Porter's award-winning service to destinations throughout North America.

The Dash 8-400s will be redeployed to increase frequencies in other markets. More information will be available soon.

About Porter

[Malcolm]

Porter Airlines signs new partnership deal with Alaska Airlines

By Staff  The Canadian Press

Posted December 13, 2023 6:34 am

A Porter Airlines hanger at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Nick Westoll / File / Global News

TORONTO — Porter Airlines has signed a new partnership deal with Alaska Airlines.

The companies say the interline agreement means that travellers can now buy combined Porter-Alaska itineraries directly from the Porter website or via third-party agencies.

Porter flights from Toronto to California are expected to start in January.

The new routes will allow passengers to fly directly into major Alaska Airlines hubs in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Connections via shared Canadian airports are expected in early 2024.

• Under the partnership, Alaska’s Mileage Plan members will also start earning points on Porter flights booked via Alaska Airlines from January and later in 2024. Both VIPorter and Mileage Plan members will earn miles in their respective loyalty programs no matter where they book their flights.

[Malcolm]

At least one Canadian airline will be gone within two years, Porter CEO predicts

A Porter flight makes its final approach as it lands at the airport Tuesday July 2, 2019 in Ottawa. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld)

Christopher Reynolds

 

The Canadian Press

Staff

Contact

Updated Dec. 14, 2023 8:48 a.m. MST

Published Dec. 13, 2023 8:46 a.m. MSTMore share options

TORONTO - 

Porter Airlines CEO Michael Deluce says the travel market is too small to keep all of Canada's airlines afloat for two more years, even as several embark on swift expansion plans -- Porter most of all.

His comments come the same day the company announced a partnership deal with Alaska Airlines -- 15 days after unveiling a different one with Air Transat -- as the former regional carrier looks to round out its rapid growth across the continent.

•  Top business headlines, all in one place

RELATED STORIES

• Airline competition ramps up, setting stage for showdown and reducing (some) fares
• Supreme Court to hear appeal from airlines on air passenger rights compensation
• Not every airline can succeed in Canada's crowded market: Flair CEO

As well as partnering with other carriers, the Toronto-based airline aims to grow its fleet to 79 planes by 2025, two-thirds of them jets. That's up from 29 turboprops last year.

It's also taken on 300 pilots over the past year -- "an enormous amount of hiring" -- to fly the 25 new Embraer narrow-bodies that have descended on its hangars since Jan. 1, Deluce said.

But as domestic airlines spread their wings, they risk elbowing each other out, especially newer ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs).

"I don't believe that the traction's there for the multitude of ULCCs that are in the market," Deluce said in an interview.

By the end of next year, Flair Airlines also aims to increase its fleet to 26 planes from 21, and Lynx Air to 17 aircraft from its current nine. They both hope to hit 50 over the next two to three years. Meanwhile, Canada Jetlines plans to have 15 aircraft in the next 13 months. It currently has three planes.

"I would say not all of those plans will come to fruition," Deluce said, though he avoided singling any company out.

WestJet has already shut down budget subsidiary Swoop, folding it into its mainline operation in October. It plans to do the same with Sunwing Airlines, which it acquired in May.

As competition ramps up, ticket prices are plummeting. Fares fell 19 per cent in October compared with the same month a year earlier, according to Statistics Canada.

The figure follows a roughly 21 per cent year-over-year drop in September and a 20 per cent decrease in August, as capacity grows even while consumers think twice about travelling in a world of higher costs.

The increasingly crowded airspace also comes amid a continued lag in business travel -- a key market for non-budget airlines thanks to its higher yields.

Porter is relying on lower operating costs for its smaller Embraer E195-E2 aircraft than those borne by the bigger planes it competes against, such as the Boeing 737 Max and Airbus A320.

"It allows you to take less risk in entering new markets, with less seats to fill. As well, you can offer more frequency, which is important to customers," Deluce said.

"You can enter mid-sized markets with daily service that a larger 190- or 200-seat aircraft could not."

The carrier is also banking on a premium customer experience that includes free Wi-Fi, complementary snacks, wine and beer and no middle seat.

"Economy air travel or not, one thing is certain: No one likes a middle seat."

On Wednesday, Porter announced a partnership with Alaska Airlines that allows travellers to buy combined Porter-Alaska itineraries directly from Porter's website or via third-party agencies.

The interline agreement opens up access to 18 western U.S. cities via Alaska hubs in Los Angeles and San Francisco to passengers in Porter's home base of Eastern Canada, the airlines said. It also widens the gate to a large part of Canada for Americans west of the Mississippi River.

Porter flights from Toronto to California are expected to start in January, and connections via shared Canadian airports are planned for early 2024, the carriers said.

Alaska's loyalty plan members will start earning points on Porter flights booked via Alaska Airlines starting in January. Both VIPorter and Alaska Mileage Plan members will earn miles in their respective points programs no matter where they book their flights beginning later next year.

The deal comes barely two weeks after Porter and Air Transat announced a "joint venture" -- though finances will remain separate -- to expand their range of destinations, tap into each other's markets and gear up for a battle with the country's biggest carrier, Air Canada.

For Porter, that deal will unlock the door to Europe and the sunny southern getaways currently being served by Air Transat. Meanwhile, Montreal-based Air Transat, which largely operates tour package trips, can benefit from access to Porter's growing network in Canada and the United States.

Jacques Roy, a professor of transport management at HEC Montreal business school, said many North American markets are nearly saturated. There's more room for expansion on transatlantic flights and trips to Asia.

"Most of the growth that we see is coming from international flights and destinations. I don't see a major breakthrough in the number of passengers inside of Canada," he said.

Porter recently said it had placed a firm order for 25 more Embraer jets, with a list price of US$2.1 billion. It had previously ordered 50 of the E195-E2 narrow-bodies, with half of those already in its hands.

The airline has purchase rights on 25 more of the 132-seat planes, which would give it 100 jets in total by 2027, making it by far the biggest domestic Air Canada rival east of the Prairies.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2023.

[conehead]

35 minutes ago, Malcolm said:

At least one Canadian airline will be gone within two years, Porter CEO predicts

A Porter flight makes its final approach as it lands at the airport Tuesday July 2, 2019 in Ottawa. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld)

Christopher Reynolds

 

The Canadian Press

Staff

Contact

Updated Dec. 14, 2023 8:48 a.m. MST

Published Dec. 13, 2023 8:46 a.m. MSTMore share options

TORONTO - 

Porter Airlines CEO Michael Deluce says the travel market is too small to keep all of Canada's airlines afloat for two more years, even as several embark on swift expansion plans -- Porter most of all.

His comments come the same day the company announced a partnership deal with Alaska Airlines -- 15 days after unveiling a different one with Air Transat -- as the former regional carrier looks to round out its rapid growth across the continent.

•  Top business headlines, all in one place

RELATED STORIES

• Airline competition ramps up, setting stage for showdown and reducing (some) fares
• Supreme Court to hear appeal from airlines on air passenger rights compensation
• Not every airline can succeed in Canada's crowded market: Flair CEO

As well as partnering with other carriers, the Toronto-based airline aims to grow its fleet to 79 planes by 2025, two-thirds of them jets. That's up from 29 turboprops last year.

It's also taken on 300 pilots over the past year -- "an enormous amount of hiring" -- to fly the 25 new Embraer narrow-bodies that have descended on its hangars since Jan. 1, Deluce said.

But as domestic airlines spread their wings, they risk elbowing each other out, especially newer ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs).

"I don't believe that the traction's there for the multitude of ULCCs that are in the market," Deluce said in an interview.

By the end of next year, Flair Airlines also aims to increase its fleet to 26 planes from 21, and Lynx Air to 17 aircraft from its current nine. They both hope to hit 50 over the next two to three years. Meanwhile, Canada Jetlines plans to have 15 aircraft in the next 13 months. It currently has three planes.

"I would say not all of those plans will come to fruition," Deluce said, though he avoided singling any company out.

WestJet has already shut down budget subsidiary Swoop, folding it into its mainline operation in October. It plans to do the same with Sunwing Airlines, which it acquired in May.

As competition ramps up, ticket prices are plummeting. Fares fell 19 per cent in October compared with the same month a year earlier, according to Statistics Canada.

The figure follows a roughly 21 per cent year-over-year drop in September and a 20 per cent decrease in August, as capacity grows even while consumers think twice about travelling in a world of higher costs.

The increasingly crowded airspace also comes amid a continued lag in business travel -- a key market for non-budget airlines thanks to its higher yields.

Porter is relying on lower operating costs for its smaller Embraer E195-E2 aircraft than those borne by the bigger planes it competes against, such as the Boeing 737 Max and Airbus A320.

"It allows you to take less risk in entering new markets, with less seats to fill. As well, you can offer more frequency, which is important to customers," Deluce said.

"You can enter mid-sized markets with daily service that a larger 190- or 200-seat aircraft could not."

The carrier is also banking on a premium customer experience that includes free Wi-Fi, complementary snacks, wine and beer and no middle seat.

"Economy air travel or not, one thing is certain: No one likes a middle seat."

On Wednesday, Porter announced a partnership with Alaska Airlines that allows travellers to buy combined Porter-Alaska itineraries directly from Porter's website or via third-party agencies.

The interline agreement opens up access to 18 western U.S. cities via Alaska hubs in Los Angeles and San Francisco to passengers in Porter's home base of Eastern Canada, the airlines said. It also widens the gate to a large part of Canada for Americans west of the Mississippi River.

Porter flights from Toronto to California are expected to start in January, and connections via shared Canadian airports are planned for early 2024, the carriers said.

Alaska's loyalty plan members will start earning points on Porter flights booked via Alaska Airlines starting in January. Both VIPorter and Alaska Mileage Plan members will earn miles in their respective points programs no matter where they book their flights beginning later next year.

The deal comes barely two weeks after Porter and Air Transat announced a "joint venture" -- though finances will remain separate -- to expand their range of destinations, tap into each other's markets and gear up for a battle with the country's biggest carrier, Air Canada.

For Porter, that deal will unlock the door to Europe and the sunny southern getaways currently being served by Air Transat. Meanwhile, Montreal-based Air Transat, which largely operates tour package trips, can benefit from access to Porter's growing network in Canada and the United States.

Jacques Roy, a professor of transport management at HEC Montreal business school, said many North American markets are nearly saturated. There's more room for expansion on transatlantic flights and trips to Asia.

"Most of the growth that we see is coming from international flights and destinations. I don't see a major breakthrough in the number of passengers inside of Canada," he said.

Porter recently said it had placed a firm order for 25 more Embraer jets, with a list price of US$2.1 billion. It had previously ordered 50 of the E195-E2 narrow-bodies, with half of those already in its hands.

The airline has purchase rights on 25 more of the 132-seat planes, which would give it 100 jets in total by 2027, making it by far the biggest domestic Air Canada rival east of the Prairies.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2023.

So who do you folks think will disappear, if any? Flair? Lynx? Canada Jetlines?

[Malcolm]

Busy time for Alaskan and Porter

Alaska's routes to Toronto from both San Francisco and Los Angeles will begin in January.

 

Rudy Sulgan/Getty Images© Provided by Travel + Leisure

Alaska Airlines has launched a new partnership with a Canadian airline, soon benefitting passengers across both sides of the border. 

This new interline partnership will begin in January, when, regional airline Porter Airlines inaugurates flights from its main hub in Toronto to both Los Angeles and San Francisco, Alaska Airlines announced this week.

West Coast-focused Alaska Airlines maintains hubs in both major Californian airports, making the partnership a strategic move to boost its presence in Canada. Travelers will soon benefit from seamless connections on both airlines with ticketing and baggage handling.

“Porter Airlines opens new opportunities for our guests to travel to Canada in style,” said Brett Catlin, vice president of loyalty, alliances, and sales at Alaska Airlines in a statement. “We’re thrilled to partner with a vibrant and growing airline that offers a refined experience including top-notch inflight service and terrific onboard amenities.” 

Porter’s Los Angeles flight starts first on Jan. 16, while San Francisco service inaugurates on Jan. 25. Both routes will be operated once daily by Porter’s fleet of new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, which features a comfortable 2-2 configuration.

These interline flights can now be booked on Alaska and Porter’s websites. Alaska Mileage Plan members who purchase Porter flights directly through Alaska can “earn at least 100% of the miles flown and 100% elite-qualifying miles,” according to the airline. 

Both airlines intend to expand this partnership throughout 2024 by allowing full mileage earning, no matter where travelers book their flights. Alaska also hinted at more benefits for both Mileage Plan and VIPorter loyalty members as the partnership grows.

The announcement of this partnership comes just over a week after Alaska announced its intent to acquire Hawaiian Airlines, valued at about $1.9 billion. For its part, Porter Airlines marks Alaska’s 30th airline partner. Alaska later joined the Oneworld alliance in 2021 and continues to maintain unique partnerships with airlines such as Fiji Airways and Korean Air, connecting travelers to “more than 1,000 destinations around the world,” according to its website.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

[Airband]

Porter Airlines CEO Sees Potential Path to IPO Within Five Years

Canadian airline is adding routes with new Embraer fleet

It’s developing airport terminal near Montreal with Macquarie

Thu Jan 18, 2024 - Bloomberg News
By Doug Alexander and Danielle Bochove

The top executive of Canada’s Porter Airlines said he sees “a future potential path” to an initial public offering within five years, a move that would revive earlier ambitions of listing on public markets.
“I don’t think it’s a next year, or this year, type item,” Chief Executive Officer Michael Deluce said Thursday in an interview at Bloomberg’s Toronto bureau. “It could be in the two- to five-year range.”

Deluce’s comments come nearly 14 years after Porter Airlines tested the waters for an IPO before pulling back on the plans. Porter sought to raise about C$120 million from a stock sale in May 2010 to expand operations and buy more turboprop planes, but scrapped the effort weeks later amid a slump in Canada’s stock market.

The privately owned airline is expanding, seeking to fill a void left by WestJet Airlines’ decision to pull back in Eastern Canada. It’s adding dozens of Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, launching new North American routes, and even developing a new terminal at an existing airport in suburban Montreal.

Porter’s research shows that half the people living around Canada’s second-largest metropolitan area would be better served by flying out of Saint-Hubert Airport, about 17 kilometers (11 miles) east of downtown Montreal, Deluce said. Construction at Saint-Hubert began about six months ago and the terminal — starting with nine bridge gates — will be operational in the third quarter of 2025, he said.

The company is partnering with Macquarie Asset Management on the project, which it expects will serve multiple carriers, although Porter will likely represent 50% to 60% of flights, he said. The airline may eventually divest of its stake, Deluce said.

“We are not a 70-year infrastructure investor. We take the risk, we bring a big chunk of the traffic,” he said. “I think where we fit in best is the first five years of an airport’s development.”

The company doesn’t need capital today, he added.

Porter will continue to expand operations at Montreal’s largest air hub, Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, including through its recent joint venture with Air Transat, he said.

[Malcolm]

Porter Airlines adding three new crew bases in Ottawa, Montréal, Vancouver Français

---

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Porter Airlines Inc. 

Feb 15, 2024, 13:05 ET

---

Represents over 350 pilots and flight attendants

TORONTO, Feb. 15, 2024 /CNW/ - Porter Airlines is adding three new Embraer E195-E2 crew bases across Canada for over 350 pilots and flight attendants at Ottawa International Airport (YOW), Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The announcement supports the airline's rapidly-expanding North American network.

This summer, Porter will operate 14 nonstop routes from Ottawa, six routes from Montreal, and three routes from Vancouver. These bases feed into Porter's strong Eastern Canada network and its growing western markets.

 

Porter Airlines adding three new crew bases in Ottawa, Montréal, Vancouver (CNW Group/Porter Airlines Inc.)

 

"These new bases will provide significant opportunities for crew who want to live close to where they work," said Kent Woodside, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Porter Airlines. "Local crew can better support Porter's commitment to operational reliability and ultimately provide an even more elevated level of service for our passengers."

Location	Effective Date	Approx. Number of Crew
Ottawa	June 2024	150
Montréal	July 2024	100
Vancouver	October 2024	100

Porter currently has approximately 650 pilots and 775 cabin crew operating from an Embraer E195-E2 crew base at Toronto-Pearson, as well as Dash 8-400 crew bases at Toronto-City, Ottawa, Halifax and Thunder Bay. There will be approximately 2,000 total crew by the end of 2024.

More information about career opportunities at Porter can be found on the website. Consideration for Ottawa and Montreal crew bases will open in May, and Vancouver will follow in July. Positions will be filled in phases, including opportunities for internal transfers.

[Seeker]

I've flown on Porter - they have a good product.  I also know a few who work there and, apparently, behind the scenes it's competently run and managed too.

[Specs]

6 hours ago, Seeker said:

 ....behind the scenes it's competently run and managed too.

They made it this far haven't they?  Approaching the 20 yr mark now and they had to fight tooth and nail for most of that where so many others failed.  They have done a great job.  

Edited February 20 by Specs
corrected how long they've been operating - Oct 2026 will make it 20 yrs

[Seeker]

1 hour ago, Specs said:

They made it this far haven't they?  Nearly at the 25 yr mark now and they had to fight tooth and nail for most of that where so many others failed.  They have done a great job.  

Had to look it up but wikipedia says they started ops 16 years ago.  Still a verrry long time based on what others predicted.

[PinC]

So is there any truth to the story that Porter pilots are required to groom their airplanes?

[Malcolm]

1 hour ago, PinC said:

So is there any truth to the story that Porter pilots are required to groom their airplanes?

and does anyone care??????  

[Airband]

With the collapse of Lynx, Porter more poised than ever to become Canada’s only disrupter airline

Porter is building a network that in some ways looks more national than its two larger rivals

Fri Feb 23, 2024 - The Toronto Star
by David-Olive - Star Business Columnist

Quote

'But the likely end game is that Porter eventually absorbs Air Transat.'

Canada’s commercial airline industry is poised for a shakeout from which only three airlines will emerge; Air Canada, WestJet and Porter Airlines.

Toronto-based Porter is among the fastest-growing airlines in North America. It is building a network that in some ways looks more national than its two larger rivals.

And Porter is set to become Canada’s only major disrupter airline as weaker discounters start falling by the wayside.

What that means for air travellers is robust competition with Porter disciplining Air Canada and WestJet on pricing as it competes with them in a growing number of markets.

The industry is becoming regionalized, with WestJet and Air Canada newly focused on their Western Canadian and Central and Eastern Canada strongholds, respectively.

Air Canada and WestJet will continue to operate on the busiest, most lucrative national routes.

But as they cut back on service outside their regions and even within them, a process that began last year, they are making room for Porter.

Last year, WestJet folded its large discount airline, Swoop, after five years of disappointing results.

That boosted Porter’s dominance in the budget market for air travel.

Startup discounters that launched in the post-pandemic, and don’t have the WestJet backing that Swoop did, are finding it tough to establish themselves.

On Thursday, Calgary’s Lynx Air, one of the larger upstart discount airlines, announced it was shutting down after filing for creditor protection. The Star earlier reported that Lynx was believed to be in merger talks with Edmonton-based startup rival Flair Airlines.

Porter was a startup 18 years ago when it began short-haul flights from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

But with Toronto hubs at Pearson and Billy Bishop, in addition to its hubs elsewhere in North America, Porter now carries about 30 million passengers a year.

Porter flies direct to 30 destinations and serves additional destinations through alliance partners who book their passengers on Porter, and Porter feeds passengers to them.

As a private company, Porter doesn’t report its financials. But it has confirmed that its goal is to achieve revenues of close to $4 billion by 2028, up from at least $600 million in 2023.

Porter’s chief selling point has been “luxury economy” service including complimentary wine and beer, no middle seats, and free, high-speed Wi-Fi.

But increasingly Porter’s main appeal will be its ability to get travellers to more places and with greater frequency of flights.

Porter bet big in building up its fleet of narrow-body Embraer E195-E2 jet airliners to complement its Dash 8-400 turboprops.

The 132-seat Embraer jets boast long range and high fuel efficiency.

Porter’s aircraft fleet will expand by more than 50 per cent next year to 79 planes. In January, startups Flair, Lynx and Canada Jetlines, based in Mississauga, together had about 30 planes.

And Porter’s already formidable industry presence comes ahead of full integration of its recent alliances with Alaska Airlines and Air Transat struck late last year.

The alliances will expand Porter’s reach in North America, Europe, the Caribbean and Central America.

Porter’s interline deal with Alaska Airlines, in which the airlines sell seats on each other’s flights, gives Porter access to 18 Western U.S. cities, including Phoenix, Seattle and San Diego.

In January, Porter launched direct service from Toronto to Alaska Airlines’ Los Angeles and San Francisco hubs.

The Porter-Air Transat deal, closer to a merger, is an interline deal in which the two airlines also share revenues and co-ordinate their pricing and scheduling.

Air Transat’s international destinations in Europe, Latin America and elsewhere more than double Porter’s total destinations to about 80.

“Porter is in the midst of disrupting the North American market through significant continental expansion that will only be amplified by this alliance,” Porter CEO Michael Deluce said in announcing the Air Transat deal.

The additional business Porter brings to Air Transat will improve the Montreal-based airline’s weak financial performance.

But the likely end game is that Porter eventually absorbs Air Transat. Its parent company, Transat A.T. Inc., has lost money in each of the past five years for a total of almost $1.4 billion in losses since 2019.

Transat A.T. was set to disappear in a 2021 merger with Air Canada. But the deal was called off after European antitrust regulators opposed it.

Shares in Transat A.T. have since plunged to about $4 from the $13 per share that Air Canada would have paid for the company. That makes a full or partial acquisition of Transat A.T. a viable proposition for Porter.

The biggest challenge looming on Porter’s horizon is to maintain its customer-service levels.

WestJet was once celebrated for the same “unique style, care and charm” by which Porter markets itself.

But as it grew, WestJet became an ordinary airline, as did Southwest Airlines, the carrier that WestJet was modelled on.

Porter could be a rare major airline that keeps providing above-average customer experience even as it grows.

But that will be a more daunting mission than Porter’s remarkable current expansion.

[Kip Powick]

And Porter is set to become Canada’s only major disrupter airline as weaker discounters start falling by the wayside.

Personally, I don't think the author knows the true  meaning of disrupter...... when applying it to Porter.