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Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Porter Airlines Inaugurating New Atlantic Canada Routes
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Porter Airlines is launching two new nonstop routes, connecting Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF) and Charlottetown Airport (YYG). The flights open up additional travel possibilities across the country, with connecting options via Toronto linking to Western Canada. Deer Lake service begins today, with three weekly roundtrips, while Charlottetown flights take off on June 13, with four weekly roundtrips, increasing to daily service on June 26. These new Toronto routes will operate seasonally, ending in early-September after the peak summer season. The flight schedules are as follows: All times local Both routes will be operated with the airline's 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. The two-by-two configuration means there are no middle seats on any Porter flight. Passengers will enjoy Porter's signature elevated economy experience with free, fast streaming WiFi, complimentary beer and wine, and premium Canadian snacks. Whether it's the impressive Gros Morne hiking trails and sandy beaches in Deer Lake, the rich Canadian history and Victorian architecture in Charlottetown, or the diverse culture, arts, dining and entertainment scene of Toronto, Canadians have endless options when planning their summer travels. Connections are available to Porter's extensive network through Toronto. The service complements Porter's existing summer seasonal service between Deer Lake and Halifax, and year-round service between Ottawa and Charlottetown, also providing passengers with a number of connections through Porter's North American network. These routes are operated on the 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft. For more information, visit Quotes 'Domestic travel is at an all-time high and travellers can now explore the east coast charm and beauty that Deer Lake and Charlottetown offer. Travellers heading west will also benefit from increased air service with the launch of these two routes and have options to connect to even more destinations across Canada and beyond.' - Andrew Pierce, vice president, network planning and reporting 'YYG is thrilled to welcome Porter Airlines' new non-stop service between Charlottetown and Toronto Pearson Airport. This new route launches just in time to welcome travellers to PEI for the summer tourism season while providing another option for Islanders wanting to visit the Toronto area or one of Porter's many connecting markets through Pearson. It is exciting to see Porter continue to expand services at YYG and we look forward to working with them to ensure their continued success in our market.' - Doug Newson, chief executive officer, Charlottetown Airport Authority 'We are thrilled to have Porter Airlines expand service at YDF with a direct flight into Toronto Pearson. This new service provides our passengers with more options to connect into Porter's network throughout western Canada and beyond. At the same time, it provides another opportunity for us to welcome tourists, family and friends to western Newfoundland and Labrador. Our partnership with Porter Airlines continues to grow and develop to benefit our entire region.' - Tammy Priddle, president and chief executive officer, Deer Lake Regional Airport Authority About Porter Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter's fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit or follow @porterairlines on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
CBC
15-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Air Transat will offer direct flights from P.E.I. to Cancun next winter
Flights to run every Wednesday from February to April next year Winter getaways are about to become more convenient for Prince Edward Islanders next year. The Charlottetown Airport Authority has announced a new partnership with Air Transat to offer direct flights from Charlottetown to the tourism magnet of Cancun, Mexico, beginning in February 2026. The service will run weekly on Wednesdays from Feb. 18 to April 22. The airline will operate the route using its Airbus A321-200 (A321ceo), which seats up to 198 passengers. "Cancun has been a highly requested destination, and we are confident that this direct service will be a great success," Doug Newson, CEO of the Charlottetown Airport Authority, was quoted as saying in a news release. "This new route is a testament to the growth of our airport and the increasing demand for non-stop travel to and from Prince Edward Island." Islanders wanting to fly to a southern tourism destination have long had to drive to Moncton or Halifax to catch a direct flight, or fly to a connecting city such as Montreal or Toronto. Air Transat is a Montreal-based company with an extensive network of international destinations including Europe, the Caribbean, the east coast of the United States, and North Africa, the release said. Travel warnings in place While Cancun is one of the world's most popular vacation spots, the Canadian government continues to advise its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to Mexico due to significant risks of criminal activity, including kidnapping.
CBC
06-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Charlottetown Airport looks ahead to strong summer despite tense Canada-U.S. tensions
Social Sharing Charlottetown Airport is preparing for what it expects will be a strong summer travel season even as relations between Canada and the United States remain strained. Tensions have been rising the past few months between the two countries, with U.S. President Donald Trump making repeated threats to impose heavy tariffs on Canadian imports and musing about annexing Canada as the 51st U.S. state. At the same time, there are reports of foreigners, including Canadians, being held up at the U.S. border as officials strengthen security following Trump's pledge to crack down on immigration. These developments have caused many Canadians to reconsider going to the United States. But Charlottetown Airport Authority CEO Doug Newson said there's a silver lining to the current situation. "We heard today from Porter, they're seeing an impact on short-term bookings to the U.S., so [they] and other carriers are redeploying their aircraft and capacity to Canada," Newson said Tuesday after the airport authority's annual public meeting, which included representatives from Porter Airlines. "Flair and Porter are both great examples of that, where we're seeing additional flights this summer that we weren't expecting." Flair Airlines, which had dropped Prince Edward Island from its routes when it announced its 2025 schedule late last year, will be back on the tarmac at Charlottetown Airport this summer, in part because the airline is projecting lower demand for flights to the United States. Porter Airlines is also adding a new direct route between Charlottetown and Toronto this summer, on top of its existing year-round service between P.E.I.'s capital city and Ottawa, which offers up to two flights daily. "There's still lots of uncertainty in our industry, but we're still very optimistic that, you know, it'll be a strong summer," Newson said. Charlottetown Airport saw another record-breaking year in 2024, with 410,773 passengers passing through — a 2 per cent increase over 2023, which itself set a new record. The P.E.I. airport is the only one in Atlantic Canada that has gotten back to pre-pandemic levels, Newson said. Major expansion, passenger experience upgrades Looking ahead, the airport has several major projects underway, including a $40-million terminal expansion to accommodate the growing number of passengers. Newson said Phase 1B of the terminal expansion is set to wrap up later this year, while design work for Phases 2 and 3 is nearing completion. The entire expansion is expected to finish by 2027. Beyond construction, the airport is also investing in improvements to the passenger experience. "We've invested in a new experience excellence program for our tenants and our staff to provide that level of service that people expect when they come through the airport," Newson said. "We're putting in a new parking system this summer. We brought back our therapy dogs — just little things like that we're always trying to improve on, so that when people do come through the airport... they can have a great experience and want to use YYG in the future." There's still lots of uncertainty in our industry, but we're still very optimistic that it'll be a strong summer. — Doug Newson The airport authority has also launched a new five-year accessibility plan, developed in consultation with local community groups, with annual reports planned to track progress. This week, the airport is rolling out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. "People that might have a hidden disability that may need more time or a little bit of patience from staff, they can get a lanyard, and so staff will recognize that they're part of this program," the CEO said.
CBC
06-02-2025
- Business
- CBC
Porter Airlines will offer direct flights from Charlottetown to Toronto this summer
Porter Airlines is adding a new direct route between Charlottetown and Toronto this summer. Starting June 13, the airline will offer four weekly round trips on its 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. The seasonal service will run every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday until Sept. 14, with flights now available for booking online, according to a news release from the Charlottetown Airport Authority. The new Toronto route is in addition to Porter's existing year-round service between Charlottetown and Ottawa, which offers up to two flights daily. The news comes after WestJet and Flair both cut back their flights out of Charlottetown over the 2025 summer season. Charlottetown Airport Authority CEO Doug Newson said exact numbers aren't available yet, but he expects an estimated reduction in overall seat capacity of around 10 per cent over the peak summer months. "We know we've lost some capacity with WestJet and Flair and although this Porter announcement is welcome news, it doesn't completely backfill that," Newson said. "[But] it doesn't necessarily mean that traffic will be down quite as much because there were some empty seats on some of those planes, they're not completely full all the time." Air Canada's schedule for 2025 hasn't been finalized yet, but Newson expects it will be similar to what was offered last year.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Porter Airlines growing Atlantic Canada access to Charlottetown and Deer Lake
TORONTO, February 06, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Porter Airlines is continuing to expand its presence across Atlantic Canada, with new flights connecting Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Charlottetown Airport (YYG) and Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF) starting June 2025. Seasonal service between Toronto Pearson and Deer Lake starts June 10, 2025, with three weekly roundtrips, while Toronto Pearson-Charlottetown starts June 13, with four weekly roundtrips. Flights will operate on Porter's new, 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. These new routes from Toronto Pearson complement existing service with the 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft from other Eastern Canada hubs, featuring up to twice daily year-round service between Ottawa and Charlottetown, and summer seasonal flights between Halifax and Deer Lake. A two-by-two configuration means there are no middle seats on any Porter flight, while all passengers on these routes will enjoy free, fast streaming WiFi. Porter's elevated onboard experience also provides complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, and a selection of Canadian premium snacks for everyone. Route Departure Arrival Days of operation Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Deer Lake (YDF)Deer Lake (YDF) to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) 1:55 p.m. 6:05 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 7:00 p.m. 8:36 p.m. Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Charlottetown (YYG)Charlottetown (YYG) to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) 1:45 p.m. 4:55 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday 5:50 p.m. 7:15 p.m. All times local Both routes will operate seasonally, with Toronto-Deer Lake service to conclude on Sept. 13, and Toronto-Charlottetown service to end on Sept. 14. Connecting flights are available to Porter's growing network beyond Toronto Pearson, including destinations such as Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Montréal and Ottawa. "Porter has developed strong relationships with travellers in Atlantic Canada, who are benefitting from increased direct air service and connecting opportunities through our growing North American network," said Andrew Pierce, vice president, network planning and reporting, Porter Airlines. "Now they have the opportunity to travel across the continent, all while enjoying Porter's elevated economy experience." For passengers wanting an all-inclusive onboard experience, a PorterReserve fare includes fresh, healthy meals and premium cocktails on flights with travel times greater than two-and-half hours. Extra legroom seats at the front of the aircraft, and other features such as the ability to change flights without a fee, dedicated check-in and security, and two checked bags are included with all trips. The PorterClassic fare offers these perks à la carte, giving travellers the opportunity to customize their experience in a way that works for them. "Charlottetown Airport is excited to expand our service offerings with the addition of Porter Airlines jet service to Toronto Pearson, with connections to their growing network," said Doug Newson, CEO, Charlottetown Airport. "This partnership will benefit Prince Edward Island residents and visitors alike, providing convenient access to explore our world-class tourism product during the peak summer season." "Deer Lake is pleased to welcome back Porter Airlines in 2025, and thrilled with the addition of direct service to Toronto Pearson. The Embraer E195-E2 will elevate air service into Western Newfoundland and Labrador, and offer passengers connections across Canada. More flights help support our award-winning tourism sector and grow business opportunities in our region, which had a very positive experience with Porter in 2024. I'm confident we will continue to successfully grow our partnership with this expanding service," said Tammy Priddle, president and CEO, Deer Lake Regional Airport Authority Inc. "We are pleased to see Porter Airlines is adding seasonal flights to Deer Lake and Charlottetown," said Kurush Minocher, interim chief commercial officer, Toronto Pearson. "These new flights give Toronto Pearson a new level of connectivity to Atlantic Canada, enhancing travel options for our passengers." Flights are now available for booking at and with travel agents. About PorterSince 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter's fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit or follow @porterairlines on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. View source version on Contacts Media contact:Porter Airlinesmedia@ Sign in to access your portfolio
