Porter Air is Seven – Four Years in Thunder Bay
TORONTO – Porter Airlines turns seven years old today. After beginning service in 2006 with two Bombardier Q400 aircraft and one route between Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Ottawa, Porter is now clearly recognized around the world for providing a leading airline experience. Today, this includes an all-Canadian Q400 fleet of 26 aircraft and 19 destinations in Canada and the U.S.
There are many changes since those early days. Porter has become respected for the Porter Lounge, great coffee and Steamwhistle beer on flights. The airline has solid expansion plans, and is partnering with other air carriers.
“Aviation is not an easy business to succeed in,” said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. “We’ve been able to grow and prosper over the years by focusing on a distinct approach to customer service that sets us apart from competitors. This is largely the result of a team that cares about what they do and wants to make travel better for our passengers.”
Porter established its reputation by returning amenities to travelers that had largely disappeared over the years, particularly for shorter flights. This includes access to airport lounges for all passengers, beer and wine onboard, and food service – all complimentary.
Porter and Thunder Bay
It has been four years since Porter started flying into Thunder Bay International Airport. Videographer Paul Morralee captured the inaugural flight landing in our community.
Track Airplanes over Thunder Bay on Flight Tracking.
Porter is busy at the Toronto Billy Bishop City Airport too.
The airline has now set its sights on destinations that would attract passengers from across North America using its base at Toronto City Airport and new Bombardier CS100 aircraft. Destinations such as Western Canada, California,Florida and the Caribbean are all within reach using this revolutionary technology that is tailor-made for urban airports.
“The CS100 opens up a new world of possibility for our passengers, allowing Porter to start new routes and help lower the cost of travel by introducing competition,” said Deluce. “This is the quietest commercial jet in production with 20 per cent lower fuel burn than similar aircraft, making it possible for us to consider these growth plans in a responsible manner.”
Porter is pursuing government and regulatory approval to begin operating the CS100 in 2016. More details and information on how passengers can show support is available at www.porterplans.com.
