Porter Airlines offers strong critique of large airlines

Porter Airlines, a full-service regional carrier based at the Toronto City Centre Airport (TCCA) is looking to move past its relatively modest beginnings and develop into a larger airline that what it is now. Established in 2006, the carrier currently offers several flights per day from the TCCA to Montreal, Ottawa and Newark-Liberty Airport, as well as less frequent service to Halifax and Quebec City. But despite plans to expand, Porter Airlines has a relatively dark view of the some of the world’s air industry giants, including the soon to merge Delta-Northwest, Air Canada and Canadian discount carrier WestJet.

Robert Deluce, Porter Airlines’ chief executive officer, spoke to members of the Canadian Club in Montreal and noted that high fuel prices means trouble for the largest, national airlines, while smaller regional companies that focus on “niche” markets are better equipped to weather the storm. Large national airlines have huge overhead costs and they become far less flexible over time than the smaller firms. Additionally, Deluce noted that many of these carriers are “unwieldy” and the Porter chief argued against the Delta-Northwest merger, as well as Air Canada’s practice of adding new fees to previously complimentary services.

Porter is one of the few airlines in North America to expand its fleet during these difficult economic times. The carrier focuses on offering premium service to all passengers in single cabin planes, which includes free light meals and alcoholic beverages on even the shortest of regional flights.

Thank you to the Chronicle Herald for the initial report.

www.flyporter.com