New New Brunswick Service for Porter

Skytrax four star, best regional airline in North America, Porter Airlines is growing its presence in New Brunswick with the official arrival of its first flight to the provincial capital of Fredericton. 

The new flight service will operate on a daily basis between Ottawa and continue to downtown Toronto. The flights are timed to offer onward connections to other Porter cities, available from both locations.

There was much celebration at Fredericton as hundreds of locals greeted arriving passengers with fanfare that included a bagpiper, Garrison District guards, maritime cuisine and music. Also on hand to welcome the flight on the 12th were politicians and other community leaders.  

“The enthusiastic welcome for our inaugural flight is something that we want to build on to ensure Porter has a long, successful presence in Fredericton,” said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines, after arriving on the flight. “We believe that the desire for competition and lower prices will encourage more people to fly and consider Porter when they do.”

Porter Passengers Agony

A number of Porter Airlines passengers say they are finding it difficult to trust the Canadian airline with their arrangements after the carrier made dozens of last-minute flight cancellations during the month of July.

Quincy Korte-King said her flights from Ottawa to Toronto and Toronto to Chicago were cancelled and she was bumped back five hours on the 28th July. Then again during her return journey on 31st July her flight from Toronto to Chicago was cancelled as well.

"The first time around I thought it happens, it's part of travelling," she told the media, "Then the second time around it was a little bit ridiculous — not only that my third flight was cancelled … but they weren't actually telling me 'oh you're a loyal customer, let us give you a free voucher or let us help you get on an earlier flight.'"

Air Canada Against Jets at Billy Bishop

Air Canada have confirmed they don't want the competition and are battling hard to put a rival out of business. The mammoth Air Canada are pushing hard against Porter Airlines plans for a jet service from Toronto's Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

The arch rivals have fought over the airport before — Air Canada sued Porter after Jazz, Air Canada's regional partner, was evicted from its Billy Bishop terminal by a company owned by Porter's CEO and president Robert Deluce in 2006. Porter was the only airline allowed to operate for the airport at the time. Air Canada regained access in 2010.

Porter Airlines has a powerful and high reputation and is currently lobbying Toronto's city council to amend rules to allow jets at Billy Bishop. Among other things, allowing jets to use the airport would require extending the runway at both ends by filling in parts of Lake Ontario. The proposed C Series jet aircraft Porter Airlines seeks to use on the route are quieter than the current Bombardier Q400's.

Porter wins praise.

Porter Airlines is celebrating its recent ranking as the highest rated Canadian Airline in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Top 30 Airlines category.

The survey also places Porter in second place worldwide in the Small Airlines category, and fifth place worldwide in the Top 30 Airlines category, which includes elite industry leaders such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Emirates.

The annual awards reflect the opinions and preferences of Condé Nast Traveler's discerning readers, who rate destinations they visited in the past year, and the means of getting to them. Over 28,000 people voted in the 2011 survey, which selected the top cities, hotels, airlines and more.

"Condé Nast Traveler is widely recognized as a trusted source for travel advice and information, and we're proud to be chosen by readers as one of the best airlines in the world," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. "Our passengers enjoy a truly unique premium travel experience, and this distinction is proof of that."

Offering a blend of speed, convenience and service, Porter has revolutionized short-haul air travel since its launch in 2006, rapidly becoming an industry leader and developing a loyal following among business and leisure travellers in each of its 18 markets.

About Porter Airlines Porter Airlines is Canada's third-largest scheduled carrier, based at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating® by Skytrax, committed to offering speed, convenience and service as part of a premium travel experience. A refined journey begins on the ground with comfortable airport lounges and service-oriented team members. The experience continues seamlessly in the air with spacious interiors and well-appointed crew. Passengers enjoy complimentary services, including free in-flight wine, beer and premium snacks, all aboard modern aircraft.

The airline currently offers flights to Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Moncton, Halifax, St. John's, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Timmins, Windsor, New York (Newark), Chicago (Midway), Boston (Logan), and has seasonal flights to Mt. Tremblant, Que., Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Burlington, Vt.