‍DALLAS – Canada’s Porter Airlines (PD) celebrates 18 years of service since commencing operations on October 23, 2006.

The Toronto (YTO)- based airline, which has made some very bold moves since its launch in 2006, is already the second-largest airline operating flights to the United States and Canada at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). It is also the largest airline operating out of Ottawa (YOW). 

“Porter has redefined air travel for 18 years. We continue to expand our network across the continent and are giving travellers highly competitive fares for an elevated level of service that previously didn’t exist in the marketplace,” said Michael Deluce, CEO Porter Airlines. 

This year has been another transformative year for PD. The airline has grown its fleet and staff headcount. This year, PD took delivery of 20 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, and it currently operates 42 E195-E2 aircraft.

 The airline is awaiting delivery of 58 more aircraft of the same variant. PD’s operating fleet comprises 71 aircraft, 42 of which are Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, and 29 are De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprop aircraft. PD has a staff complement of more than 3,900 employees. The airline is aware that its staff is key to its success.

“Our emphasis on treating all economy passengers with genuine hospitality is the foundation of who we are and something every team member takes pride in. Thank you to everyone for contributing to another year of amazing growth.” Deluce said.

Porter’s Expansion Plans

PD maintains a base at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) for regional flights connecting markets throughout Eastern Canada and the United States. PD currently has a route network of 65 routes, serving every province in Canada. This year, PD added 20 new routes and 11 new destinations, bringing the total number of destinations it serves to 38. 

The airline will indeed continue its expansion across North America. PD will expand across the United States with six additional destinations in Florida, as well as Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Las Vegas (LAS), and Phoenix (PHX). San Diego (SAN) and Palm Springs (PSP) services will commence this winter. 

Porter continues to challenge the definition of economy air travel across North America by providing a better economy-class experience than the competition. This includes no middle seats on any flight, free beer and wine served in glassware, complimentary premium snacks, high-quality fresh meal options, and free streaming WiFi on its E195-E2 aircraft.