Hydraulic system failure the likely cause of Port Airlines Q400 heavy landing at Hamilton

Photo Kurt Greul

A failure in the hydraulic system is said to be the main cause of the heavy emergency landing of a Porter Airlines Bombardier Q400 which burst all main landing gear tyres on June 18th at Hamilton, according to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB). 

The aircraft was operating Porter flight 458 from Montreal to Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto when the "flight crew experienced hydraulic issues and declared an emergency" said the TSA.  The plane, registration C-GLQB was made by Bombardier and delivered to the Canadian regional airline during 2006.

Enjoy summer in Mont Tremblant with Porter Airlines

Porter Airlines flights to Mont Tremblant, Que., are back in time for summer fun. Seasonal service begins June 21st, and runs until September 22nd, 2019. Flights operate up to four times weekly starting July 28 through Labour Day, and two times weekly for the remainder of the season.

Passengers fly non-stop from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to Mont Tremblant International Airport in just 70 minutes. For a complete schedule and booking details, visit www.flyporter.com.

The picturesque village transforms during the summer months. Full of green spaces and boasting 400 lakes and streams, Mont Tremblant offers an abundance of outdoor scenery. Travellers can enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures, including hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, golfing and water activities. There’s also a range of entertainment and events, including the Mont Tremblant International Blues Festival (July 5-14), Wanderlust (Aug. 22-25), and Iron Man (Aug. 18).

There is plenty on offer, from peaceful mountain retreats, family-friendly getaways to outdoor adventures that get your adrenaline pumping.

Robert Deluce appointed executive chairman at Porter Airlines as part of leadership reorganization

Big moves at the top of the Canadian regional airline that operates out of Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto. Porter Airlines has confirmed this week that it is reorganizing its top management to ensure continuity for its immediate and future development.

Effective immediately, Robert Deluce, Porter’s founding president and CEO, assumes the new role of executive chairman, enhancing his existing responsibilities as a member of the board of directors, while staying engaged in Porter’s core business strategies. He also remains as the company’s accountable executive for Transport Canada.

This change is supported by a series of realigned executive responsibilities. Michael Deluce now takes on president and CEO duties. As a founding team member at Porter, Michael was instrumental in defining Porter’s successful business plan, commercial and brand strategies, and has been a key part of realising that vision in the role of executive vice president and chief commercial officer.

Porter to start Muskoka service in June

RMS Segwun, Muskoka            Photo Explorers' Edge

The Canadian regional airline based at the small but perfectly formed Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto, Porter Airlines recently confirmed it would be introducing a service to Muskoka Airport this summer.

Muskoka has established itself among the world’s iconic summer retreats and the new Porter flight will operate twice a week - every Thursday and Monday from 27th June until 3rd September. The flying time between Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Muskoka Airport is just twenty minutes and will be timed to connect with Porters growing route network from its Toronto base.

“Muskoka is an inspiring destination that attracts travellers from near and far,” said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. “This new route serves as a great opportunity to link Muskoka to our North American network.”

Porter's Newfoundland 2019 schedule

The Canadian regional air carrier, Porter Airlines recently released its 2019 schedule for Stephenville, Newfoundland which will feature 48 round-trip flights operating between Halifax, starting May 4th this year and run through until January 8th, 2020. 

We are ready to begin our sixth year of service in Stephenville,” said Robert Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines. “It is an important route for locals and an opportunity for visitors to access a unique area of the province.”

Thunder Bay to become a maintenance base for Porter Airlines

Photo Porter

The Canadian regional airline Porter has announced this week that it will further invest in Thunder Bay International Airport with the opening of a new aircraft maintenance base at the airport. 

This development contributes to Porter servicing its fleet of 29 Bombardier Q400 aircraft and will create 18 full-time jobs in the city from February this year.  This follows on from the investment the airline has already made at Thunder Bay with a cabin crew and pilot base at the airport a year or so ago. 

Thunder Bay has the right combinations of factors for Porter's decision to open the maintenance base at the airport, including a rich pool of talent to operate the facility, plus the availability of hangar space and is also already a Porter operational base. 

Photo Thunder Bay International Airport      

Myrtle Beach is calling........

Photo Porter Airlines

Now is the time to start planning your escape from Toronto says local airline Porter Airlines as sales continue for its seasonal service to Myrtle Beach.

Beginning February 13th, to May 19th, 2019, Porter offers non-stop flights directly from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Flights operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with added frequency during March Break. Tickets are available now through www.flyporter.com or your travel agent.

"The warm air and ocean breezes of Myrtle Beach are just two-hours away with Porter," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines. "It's the perfect time of year to think about getting away for a few days of relaxation."

Porter Airlines sponsors Northern Lights Mentorship Programme

Porter Airlines is sponsoring a new mentorship programme with The Northern Lights Aero Foundation to attract and retain more women in aviation and aerospace.

The Northern Lights Mentorship Programme is designed to connect aspiring and experienced aviation professionals. Participants will broaden their professional networks, receive practical advice and form a support network to help guide them through their career. Mentors, both male and female, will motivate and inspire women to pursue opportunities in aviation and aerospace while enhancing their leadership and communication skills. 

The Canadian regional airline, Porter, is 12 years-old!

Porter Airlines Q400 at Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport

The Canadian regional airline operating out of the uniquely-located Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Porter is celebrating its 12th birthday.

Yes, that little airline has been going for a dozen years now, bringing a distinct aviation concept to many travellers across Canada and into the USA. The airline has now grown its route network as well as increasing its fleet to 29 Bombardier Q400s. In the last year, the airline invested in people and infrastructure aimed at supporting its ongoing mission to provide competitive and affordable travel options. This includes a new aircraft maintenance base in Sudbury to perform rotating overnight work on those 29 Bombardier Q400s. In Thunder Bay, Porter opened the first crew base for pilots and flight attendants in Northern Ontario among large commercially-scheduled airlines. These crew members begin and end their flying schedules in Thunder Bay, providing additional resources in support of local flights. Approximately 40 well-paying jobs have been introduced to date across both communities through these investments.

"Porter has developed a loyal following based on our willingness to do things differently," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. "I want to recognise our entire team for contributing to a culture that values passion, perseverance and treating people with respect. This is what attracts customers and creates bonds among our team."

Partners at Billy Bishop Airport are making their own investments to improve the customer experience. PortsToronto, the airport's owner and operator, completed a multi-year airfield modernisation program, including a resurfaced main runway and updated infrastructure. Nieuport Aviation, the airport terminal operator, recently upgraded the passenger lounges by adding more space, seating and a range of restaurant and retail locations. These improvements, seen and unseen by passengers, introduce new levels of efficiency and service to the airport.

(Photo Porter Airlines)

Canada's Porter Airlines flies to Melbourne........

Canadian regional airline that is based at Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport, Porter Airlines are hoping to attract more snowbirds to head south for the winter with its service to Orlando.

The airline flies down to Orlando-Melbourne International Airport nonstop with services from Toronto, Ottawa, and Windsor begin the week of 19th December and run until 13th April.  The Toronto service flies twice weekly, while the Ottawa and Windsor operates once a week each during peak periods. All three cities will have additional round-trip flights during March Spring Break.

"There is significant demand from Canadians to visit Florida throughout the winter months, and we're pleased to provide our passengers with service to the sunshine state," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. "Continuing to offer non-stop service from Toronto, Windsor, and Ottawa means that more people can visit Florida directly from their own communities."

Orlando-Melbourne is a key gateway to Florida, located just 20 minutes from Port Canaveral – the world's second-largest cruise port. Just 30 minutes from Kennedy Space Center and less than 10 minutes from the beach. Popular entertainment venues, including theme parks, museums, and wildlife attractions are within an hour's drive.

Porter Airlines to close its own frequent flyer programme and join Aeroplan

The Canadian regional airline Porter Airlines has signed a deal with Aimia Inc to become a comprehensive partner and be designated as a preferred Canadian airline to issue Aeroplan Miles on Porter routes with effect from July 2020. 

The carrier will then also become a redemption partner, offering up to 60% of seat inventory for the purchase of flights with Aeroplan Miles at fixed-rate prices. "This is a unique opportunity for Porter to join a well-established travel loyalty program and, in the future, reach its vast member base to aggressively promote our airline," said Michael Deluce, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Porter Airlines. "Our current VIPorter members will benefit from Aeroplan's enhanced range of loyalty services, with an ability to earn and redeem points with a growing network of airlines and other brands."

Passengers with points already accrued in VIPorter will see their value dropped as they will be converted into Aeroplan Miles in 2020, however, they will be able to spend those points in a more varied way in the future. 

"Today's announcement with Porter is consistent with our strategy to further differentiate and strengthen our air offering come July 2020," said Jeremy Rabe, Chief Executive Officer. The announcement comes just days after Aimia rejected a take over bid from Air Canada, Visa and two Canadian banks for Aeroplan. Aimia said the Air Canada bid of $325 million was far to low, insisting its base selling price would be around $450 million.  Air Canada’s chief executive Calin Rovinescu said Friday the offer was more than what Aeroplan was worth, “It was, in fact, at a substantial premium and extremely generous, given the $2 billion unfunded redemption liability of Aeroplan that the consortium would be accepting. We believe there is no other party out there prepared to accept this $2 billion liability, nor any other buyers for the company.”

Porter's new basic low fare only

The Canadian airline based at Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport, Porter, has said it is bringing in a new low-level fare level as it moves towards a more low-cost-carrier model.

The new Porter basic fares is a non-changeable and non-flexible kind of ticket with no luggage or cabin baggage allowed, however, passengers will still be able to avail themselves of the free beverages and snacks onboard. The pre-allocating of seats is also allowed for a fee, starting at £24.

"This product appeals to the most price-conscious traveller," said Michael Deluce, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Porter Airlines. "The Basic fare will attract new customers who are looking for the lowest price. Like all Porter fares, it includes our award winning Flying Refined service."

Basic fares are now available on select routes: Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Timmins and Windsor. The intention is to make them available on additional routes over a period of time.

Still hope for Porter's CSeries dreams.....

Toronto's Porter Airlines hasn't let go of the dream of flying Bombardier CSeries 100 jets from the small, but beautiful Billy Bishop Airport, its CEO revealed last week.  

Speaking with Canada's Finacial Post the airlines chief executive Robert Deluce said “We continue to be of the view that it is not really a question of if, it’s a question of when,” and confirmed the airline hadn't yet walked away from its deal with Bombardier for 30 CSeries jet aircraft. Indeed, Porter Airlines still have the deposits in place with the manufacturer, despite the Canadian government decided not to allow jet aircraft from using Billy Bishop. 

Mr Deluce remains positive, “I think there is significant growth opportunity available to us. Whether that comes with additional regional routes, or whether a second fleet type gives us the longer-range destinations that come with flying an airplane like the CSeries, that will play out in due course.” 

Back in 2013 when the order was announced, Deluce said “The aircraft fits perfectly into our business plans and growth strategy and we are also proud to be the Canadian launch customer for Bombardier’s CSeries aircraft.  We look forward to expanding our network with an all-Bombardier fleet of CS100 jetliners and Q400 turboprops – promoting greener, quieter flying.”

Experience summer in Mont Tremblant

A hidden paradise, a hikers heaven are just two ways to describe arguably eastern North America's best ski resort, in summer! Nestled in Québec’s Laurentian Mountains, Mont-Tremblant exudes a wonderful natural beauty that captures the heart and soul from the second you arrive.

Porter Airlines Flight PD1480 Emergency Landing

(C-GLQG)

The passengers and crew of Porter Airlines flight PD1480 had a frantic few moments after an electrical fire in the cabin forced the Q400's crew to make an emergency landing at Fredericton Airport, New Brunswick.

The incident occurred shortly after takeoff from Halifax airport on Saturday 10th March, the airline says that all 72 passengers and crew safely vacated the aircraft on the ground at Halifax

Flightradar24 tracked the flight path of C-GLQG. 

The Canadian Transportation Safety Board has deployed a team of investigators following the diversion to the Fredericton Airport by the Porter aircraft. The TSB have said their team will gather information and assess the occurrence.

Porter Airlines flew a replacement aircraft from Toronto's Billy Bishop airport to pick up the stranded passengers and fly them on to their destination - Montreal.

Read on for Porter Airlines response -

Porter Airlines reputation tarnished

Porter Airlines faces reputation ruin after airline staff threaten passengers who videoed a ground staff member being rude and aggressive with arrest if they didn't delete the video!

The horrendous treatment of Porter passenger occurred after a flight due to go to Porter's home base Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto from Boston was delayed for more than two hours.  A latch on the luggage door of the Bombardier Q400 aircraft wouldn't work - Porter says this was due to the frozen conditions and not a 'mechanical issue'. 

After being held in the aircraft on the ground for two hours, the flight crew ran out of allowable 'duty hours' and the flight had to be cancelled.  Passengers were transferred back to the terminal and that when things started to go awry.   Passengers claim an airline staff member forced them to delete video recordings from their phones and threatened to have them arrested if they did not comply after they filmed him being, as the passengers describe, rude and aggressive.

"There was a problem with the latch door to the luggage compartment and when it passed 10 o'clock apparently the crew couldn't fly anymore because…in their words, they would turn into pumpkins," passenger Kira Wegler told local media after she finally arrived back in Toronto three days late.

Porter Airlines Arrives in Florida

Ottawa, Windsor join Toronto with non-stop Orlando-Melbourne service

Porter Airlines arrived in sunny Orlando-Melbourne, Florida, last weekend with inaugural non-stop service from Ottawa and Windsor. Toronto also resumed its seasonal service with direct flights from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

The weekly service operates from Dec. 16 to March 31, for Ottawa and Windsor, and until April 7 for Toronto. Service from Toronto includes twice weekly flights during peak periods, plus three times weekly for March Break. Complete schedule and booking options are now available at www.flyporter.com.

Porter's seasonal service to Myrtle Beach resumes on Valentines Day.

Toronto residents now is the time to start planning your first getaway of the new year as Porter Airlines resumes seasonal service to Myrtle Beach, beginning 14th February 2018. 

Ideal for all you snowbirds, lovers, families or anyone that fancies a little holiday sunshine, Myrtle Beach is a wonderful destination.  There is lots to see and do plus it is also an elite golf destination. There are more than 100 courses in the area ready to challenge all skill levels, but if golf is not your thing or you think it just spoils a good walk, then worry not, there are loads of other things to do!   60 miles of beaches and they're gorgeous! Sparkling waters, white sands, endless possibilities. Great restaurants too, well what would you expect from the seafood capital of SC!  Oh, and of course you must take a revolution on the biggest big wheel on the east coast. 

The short flight from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport makes Myrtle Beach an ideal destination for a taste of warmer weather. Flights operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with added frequency during March Break. Service concludes on May 19. Porter offers the only non-stop flights from Canada.

"This is the time to get a head start on holiday planning," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. "Having a trip booked gives you something to look forward to once the holidays wrap up."

Porter Airlines show support breast cancer awareness with Fly Pink!

 For the second year in a row, Porter Airlines pilots and flight attendants will wear custom Fly Pink epaulettes and pins to raise awareness for breast cancer during the month of October.

The distinctive pink epaulettes are worn by Porter pilots in October as part of their standard uniform. New this year, all Porter team members will have the opportunity to show their support with custom pins displaying the breast cancer awareness pink ribbon.

“We received such an enthusiastic response from our team last year that we are extending the initiative across the whole of the company. All Porter team members will receive a custom Fly Pink pin to show their support and help raise awareness for breast cancer,” said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. “Seeing our team rally together behind such an important cause is truly inspiring.”

New base for Porter Airlines

Canadian carrier Porter Airlines is all set to open a new crew base at Thunder Bay, Ontario from January next year.

It will be the first base of its kind in Northern Ontario for any large commercially-scheduled airline and will create at least 40 local jobs for pilots and flight attendants.

“Thunder Bay is a significant Northern Ontario centre that is very important to Porter’s network,” said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. “The ability to base crew there allows us to hire people who value their northern connections and also want an opportunity to fly larger aircraft to more locations.”

Porter has operated flights in and out of Thunder Bay since 2008. Since then the airlines operation has grown to a current schedule of up to six daily flights to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Connecting flights reach throughout the airline’s network of more than 20 other destinations, including Ottawa, Montreal, Boston, New York and Chicago.