Loading ...Porter Airlines, a regional full-service carrier established in 2006 and based at Toronto’s City Centre Airport, is reportedly close to becoming profitable, despite the troubles that the entire airline industry is currently facing, due to high oil prices and a sluggish US economy. Representatives of the Canadian airline, whose mascot happens to be a trendy-looking racoon, told journalists that they now believe that Porter will turn its first profits later this summer.
It appears as though Porter, headed by CEO Robert Deluce, has adopted a very successful business strategy. On the one hand, the airline is able to cut costs by operating a fleet comprised of only Bombardier Q400 turboprop planes, which is similar to the single-model method used by most low-cost airlines in Europe. Yet Porter distinguishes itself from all North American competitors by actually offering passengers a classic full-service approach to customer care, which is strongly reminiscent of the golden age of air travel. Passengers receive free light meals and alcoholic beverages on even the shortest regional flights, as well as free access to Porter’s exclusive business lounge at the City Centre Airport. Moreover, Porter has been able to offer all of these services, whilst often matching the price of airfare offered by its two major competitors, namely Air Canada and WestJet.
Deluce noted that while other carriers are struggling to get by, Porter has increased passenger traffic on its Montreal to Toronto route by an astounding 230 percent over the course of a single year. As such, the carrier is now looking at launching new routes and increasing frequency on existing ones.
www.flyporter.com
