Porter Airlines has revealed its first destinations for its new Embraer long-range jets.
The Toronto-based airline says it will begin operations at Toronto Pearson on Feb. 1, 2023, with flights to Ottawa and Montreal Trudeau airports. Six days later, Feb. 7, will see their first flight to the west coast, a Toronto-Vancouver trip.
That gives Ontario residents a new way to fly to B.C., and British Columbia flyers a new way to head east.
Flights between Toronto-Montreal and Toronto-Ottawa start at an introductory fare of $225 round-trip. Introductory fares for Vancouver-Toronto start at just $248 round-trip.
Porter is starting with four flights a day on the Ottawa-Montreal-Toronto routes, and three per day for Toronto-Vancouver.
“For the first time in its 16-year history, Porter is bringing its distinguished approach to service, emphasizing style, care and charm, to Western Canada. Flights between Toronto Pearson and Vancouver give travellers the ability to fly across the country,” officials said.
“Building on the distinct service it offers today in regional air travel, Porter is introducing a new economy experience with an even greater commitment to hospitality and sustainability, at highly competitive fares. This new approach to economy air travel challenges what every North American airline does today.”
Until now, Porter has flown turbo prop planes out of Toronto Billy Bishop/City Centre Airport and been restricted to flights of around two to two-and-a-half hours. With new, long-range Embraer E195-E2 aircraft in hand, they plan to start flights to the west coast, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Porter this week announced the new jets have a two-across layout, which means more space and no middle seat. Their long-range planes also will have free Wi-Fi and free wine or beer and snacks. Free wine or beer have been a staple on Porter’s turboprops since it launched in 2006.
With WestJet having announced a strategic retreat from some of its routes in Eastern Canada so it can focus on Alberta and the west, Porter is seemingly about to go head-to-head with Air Canada on many routes.
“Porter’s introduction of the E195-E2 provides the ability to operate throughout North America, including the west coast, better positioning us to serve the needs of many more business and leisure passengers. This investment introduces a new level of thoughtful service, unmatched by any other airline in North America,” said Michael Deluce, Porter’s president and CEO.
“It will change the way passengers think about flying economy,” he said. “A substantial amount of work has been accomplished to mark this milestone announcement, the first of many. I want to acknowledge the dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of our team
members for getting us to this point. It’s quite an achievement.”
