To the point
Porter Airlines has announced an order for 80 Embraer E195-E2s to expand its North American network.
Embraer Orders
Porter Airlines announced on July 12 that it had placed a firm order for 30 Embraer E195-E2s, with a further 50 in right-to-purchase options.
Porter Airlines plans to operate E2s from Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. The transaction is valued at over US$5.82 billion.
New routes
At present, Porter has only 29 Dash 8-400s in its fleet. Its network extends from St. John’s (Newfoundland) to Thunder Bay (Ontario) in Canada. Its southernmost destination is Myrtle Beach, USA.
Starting in the second quarter of 2022, Porter will gradually integrate its 30 new aircrafts on a route network that will extend as far as Vancouver, and include the USA, Mexico and the West Indies.
The Embraer 195-E2 can accommodate between 120 and 146 passengers and focuses on space and comfort. There will be a series of 2 seats on each side of the aircraft, and Porter is currently finalizing its configuration.
This type of single-aisle aircraft will allow to introduce non-stop services in markets where connecting flights are the only option at the moment. In addition, Porter will be able to offer more frequent service on the busiest routes.
Environment
The Embraer195-E2 is certified to the strictest international standard for aircraft noise. It is 65% quieter than its older counterparts. In addition, carbon emissions are almost 10% lower per trip.
And there’s a little bit of home in there too: the engine mufflers will be produced by Pratt & Whitney at Quebec, and Quebec-based Alta Precision of Anjou will supply the main landing gear.
Billy Bishop Airport
The 78-passenger Dash 8-400 will continue to operate atBilly Bishop Toronto Airport. However, the new Embraer will not be landing on this tarmac, as the airport cannot accommodate this type of aircraft. Instead, they will go to Toronto-Pearson International Airport and the new routes.
Start-up dates for the new flights will depend on aircraft delivery.
Porter stopped flying on March 20, 2020, due to travel restrictions and public health measures related to COVID-19. After almost 18 months of interruption, it will gradually resume flights on September 08 in Canada and on September 17 for its U.S. destinations.
Bottom Line
We look forward to Porter’s new destinations in mid-2022! We will keep you informed as well as the evolution of the VIPorter loyalty program.
With departures from Montreal and Quebec, we’ll probably have some new options for our travels in North America.
