A plane load of Winnipeggers raised a glass to the newest airline to service Winnipeg’s James Richardson International on Sept. 7.
Porter Airlines’ first flight to Winnipeg is part of the company’s ongoing expansion across the country. It will offer two flights a day to Toronto, following its expansion beyond its eastern Canadian footprint earlier this year to Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary with Victoria following suit shortly.
“This is a big year for Porter, we’re growing in a big way,” said Brad Cicero, the company’s director of communications and public affairs.
Porter Airlines’ unique brand of economy flights features a free alcoholic drink—served in glassware—free premium snacks, free wifi and not a single middle seat on its 132-seat aircraft.
Porter, which has been offering its regional service from Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport since 2006, has connections to Halifax, Ottawa, Montreal and St. John’s for Winnipeggers. (Flights to and from Winnipeg will use Pearson International.)
“This is exciting news for the entire community,” said Mitch Rosset, spokesperson for the Winnipeg Airports Authority. “It will offer more options for travel but it will also enhance connectivity. Porter has a very strong Eastern Canadian network that members of our community want to travel to.”
Early indications are that summer traffic at Richardson International will exceed expectations, with a significant number of “record or near-record” days, he said. WAA will announce its third quarter results in November.
