By John Flett
Porter Airlines Announces Early 2023 U.S. and Canadian Network Expansion
This week, Porter Airlines — a Canadian regional carrier — announced a series of new destinations and routes to the short-haul carrier’s network. Edmonton, Canada and Calgary, Canada will be added to the airline’s destinations, and the Canadian capital of Ottawa, Canada will have four routes added.
On Feb. 14, Porter’s new 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 jets will operate between Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and Edmonton, Canada’s International Airport. The service will also provide connecting services to Ottawa and Montreal, Canada. The operations will initially be daily increasing to three times daily in April.
Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, of Porter Airlines said, “This represents the introduction of Edmonton to our network and also a new approach to flying that Edmontonians haven’t experienced in the past. Our emphasis on high-quality service and competitive fares for every passenger sets Porter apart. No other airline does this and we are eager to remind Edmontonians that flying is something to look forward to.”
Calgary will also be added to the E195-E2 aircraft’s schedule from Toronto Pearson with a double daily service beginning on 22 February. Rob Palmer, Vice President, Commercial, Strategy and Chief Financial Officer of Calgary stated, “With Porter being the third new airline to connect its fleet to YYC Calgary International Airport in under a year, the airline’s entrance into the Alberta region signals strength in the industry’s confidence in our airport and region. We look forward to working with Porter to deliver elevated experiences for our guests and bringing more economic benefits to our communities.”
In a reference to the other carriers operating from Calgary Mr. Jackson added, “With Porter, Calgarians can now also enjoy a new level of generosity and thoughtful service that is non-existent today in economy air travel.” The airline states that passengers will enjoy “no middle seats, free, fast Wi-Fi, complimentary beer and wine served in real glassware, and premium snacks.”
Continuing Porter’s series of announcements this week, the carrier will commence operation to four new destinations from Ottawa, beginning March 27. The airline’s 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft will operate to Boston and Newark, N.J. in the U.S. from the Canadian capital. Domestic operations to Quebec City, Canada and Thunder Bay, Canada with the Bombardier Dash 8-400’s will also commence on the same date.
Porter Airlines President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Deluce said, “Ottawa was our first destination when we launched in 2006, and it has always been a critical location for Porter throughout our history. The network expansion in Ottawa shows our commitment to the Ottawa-Gatineau region and its people. We expect our presence in Ottawa will continue growing.”
The airline had previously announced operations between Toronto and Ottawa beginning in February and a new maintenance base to open at Ottawa in late 2023.
During his career with the airline, John held multiple leadership roles and was involved in projects such as the introduction of both the 777-200 and -300 type aircraft and the development of the IFE for the 777-300. He was also part of a small team that created and published the internal communications magazines for Air New Zealand’s pilots, cabin crew and ground staff, balancing a mix of corporate and social content.
John is educated to postgraduate level achieving a Masters degree with Distinction in Airline and Airport Management. He has been the course director of an undergraduate commercial pilot training programme at a leading London university and a member of Heathrow Community Trust’s ‘Communities for Tomorrow’ panel.
John is currently living in Canada and is contracted as an external instructor for IATA (International Air Transport Association) and other aviation-related organizations.