Porter Upgrades Dash-8 Economy Travel with Modernized Interiors

TORONTO — In a press release published in July 27, 2026, Porter Airlines (PD) ) announced their commitment to passenger comfort, modernization, and an elevated economy experience across its De Havilland Dash 8-400 fleet, with all 29 aircraft expected to be completely refitted with Expliseat's TiSeat 2V, the world's lightest aircraft seat in its category, as well as cabin enhancements designed to prioritize comfort and modernize the onboard environment. The first aircraft to be fitted are already in service, with the airline expecting to fully revamp its entire 29-jet fleet by the Fall. 

Expliseat is a company based in Paris, France, focusing on seating for aircraft and trains. Their mission and vision focus on not cutting corners on comfort while providing sleek, efficient, and clean seating, making travel more comfortable than ever. Their carbon fiber and titanium seat designs are, on average, 30% lighter, adding less overall weight to jets, and 10 times more robust, needing less upkeep than traditional aircraft seating. These lightweight seats mean less jet fuel is used, so jets produce less CO2 over their lifetimes. 

In addition to modernizing and upgrading seating with Expliseat’s TiSeat 2V, Porter Airlines plans on installing LED technology with mood lighting, LED reading lights, and new carpeting. These changes highlight Porter’s commitment to a comfortable, enhanced flying experience even in Economy.

Comments from Porter Official

“Our passengers told us that seat comfort is a meaningful part of their experience, even on shorter regional flights. Updating seats, along with other cabin upgrades, will noticeably refresh and modernize the overall environment,” said Kent Woodside, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Porter Airlines.

“Porter is known for providing a globally recognized flying experience, and we’ll continue prioritizing comfort and genuine hospitality as part of our standards. We are pleased to be the first Canadian airline operating with enhanced Dash 8 cabins.”

The Dash 8-400 fleet serves regional routes in Eastern Canada and the U.S.This fleet-wide cabin refresh represents the next phase of the long-standing collaboration between Expliseat and Porter Airlines, bringing the latest generation of TiSeat technology to Porter's regional fleet. While legroom and cabin seating configuration are not expected to change, the modernization is expected to enhance flying with Porter Airlines in Economy and make it more luxurious.

Porter operates its Dash 8-400s with 78 seats, featuring 32 inches of legroom in PorterReserve and 30 inches in PorterClassic in a 2-by-2 layout, with no middle seats on any flight flown on the Dash 8-400.

In a statement from Expliseat’s vice president and sales lead in North America, Jean-Francois Tessier, he states, “We are proud to continue supporting Porter as it invests in the evolution of its cabin experience. This refresh reflects our shared commitment to combining innovative seating technology with lightweight performance, operational efficiency and enhanced passenger comfort—principles that have defined our collaboration for several years.” 

For more information on Porter’s elevated economy experience, please visit www.flyporter.com.