Porter Airlines set to launch new destinations

Toronto-based Porter Airlines is considering expanding its network of destinations, by adding several new routes to cities in the United States. The Canadian full-service airline launched its daily Toronto to Newark-Liberty service earlier this year-offering a total of seven departures–but according to a report in ATW News, Porter is seriously considering opening new routes to Boston-Logan, Philadelphia, Washington DC’s Reagan National Airport, as well as to Chicago-Midway. Porter’s chief executive officer, Robert Deluce, noted that both Washington and Chicago are “on the radar screen” and that flights may be launched in the near future. The regional airline’s goal is to expand its network by serving a handful of new destinations that are within 500 nautical miles of Toronto. Since the carrier’s fleet is comprised solely of Bombardier Q-400 turboprop airplanes, it must focus on short-haul, regional routes, rather than intermediate or long-haul ones.

Porter Airlines has its main hub at the Toronto City Centre Airport (TCCA) and currently offers daily flights from Canada’s largest city to Montreal, Ottawa and Newark, as well less frequent scheduled departures to Halifax and Quebec City. What makes the airline stand out when compared to just about all other North American carriers, is that passengers on Porter flights are offered free light meals and alcoholic beverages, and all travelers get to enjoy the airline’s trendy business lounge at the TCCA for no extra fee. Porter is especially popular among businesspeople, who value the fact that the TCCA is located on short 10 minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto. Even though the carrier offers a premium level of service, most airfares are similar to those charged by its competitors.

Thank you to Sandra Arnoult of ATW Daily News for the initial report.

www.flyporter.com