As well as planning to recommence services on the 18th of September, Porter Airlines has placed a large order with Embraer for new aircraft.
Porter E2-195 climbing out over Toronto – Rendering, Embraer
Porter Airlines have placed a firm order for 30 Embraer E195-E2 jets, with purchase rights for a further 50 aircraft.
The deal is worth USD5.82 billion at list price. Embraer first disclosed the order in May 2021, with the customer’s name and purchase rights now being disclosed
Porter Airlines will be the North American launch customer for Embraer’s newest family of jets, the E2.
Porter intends to deploy the E195-E2s to popular business and leisure destinations throughout Canada, the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean, from Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and Toronto Pearson International Airport – an expansion from their current home of Toronto Billy Bishop Airport, where they operate the De Havilland Dash8-400Q.
Entering Service in 2022
Porter’s first delivery and entry into service are scheduled starting in the second half of 2022.
The option to convert purchase rights to the E190-E2s is included in the agreement. This would provide greater flexibility for Porter to introduce non-stop service in markets with fewer passengers and to add frequencies on higher demand routes.
Passenger Experience
The E2-195 for Porter will be offered the usual expected amenities for the type – so expect 2 – 2 seating (window or aisle seats – no middles), large windows, LED mood lighting, larger overhead bins, power outlets at every seat, along with a touchless toilet.
The seats themselves are promised to have natural seat covers with adjustable headrests, featuring a Bi-fold, sliding tray table for more space. Under the seats, they should be unobstructed for feed to relax in, or to place a bag under.
The E195-E2 accommodates between 120 and 146 passengers. Configuration plans for Porter’s E2s will be revealed in due course.
In Quotes
Michael Deluce, President and CEO of Porter Airlines said
“This is a defining moment in Porter’s history. Today we lay the foundation for a new and further reaching service for our customers, delivered in true Porter style and comfort. Embraer’s E2, with its spacious cabin, quiet operations, and no middle seats, provides the refined comfortable experience upon which Porter has built its reputation for service and quality. Our customers are going to love the experience on this jet as much as we already do at Porter.”
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation,
“With this order for up to 80 of our largest aircraft, the E2 is making a stunning North American debut. As the quietest and most fuel-efficient aircraft in the segment, the E195-E2 also delivers excellent economic performance that shines through.”
A major win for Embraer
The E2-195 climbing over the Canadian Rockies mountains in the Banff national park, Canada – Rendering, Embraer
For Embraer, it’s a major win and a vote of confidence in the E2 programme – which could do with the orders. The losers from this – will be Airbus and its A220 family aircraft that was an option in the past (and there was talk of extending Billy Bishop Airport to allow the aircraft to operate directly from there).
It seems Porter’s strategy has changed, with the aircraft preferring to divide its operation, with hubs both at Person and Billy Bishop. That in itself is a major step forward, as it moves them into competition with WestJet Flair and Air Canada.
Porter did provide a map of potential destinations the airline could serve with the E2-195.
It could be very interesting to see whose feet Porter steps on as they expand at Toronto Pearson.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, with in-depth coverage, unique research, as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.
Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can follow me on Instagram too!
Also remember that we are part of the BoardingArea community, bringing you the latest frequent flyer news from around the world
Much as I’m rooting for the Raccoon, I’m concerned about Porter’s ability to compete with Air Canada and its silly array of brands, Westjet (and its Swoop division), and Flair,espcially on service to the western parts of Canada. They also have competition from Sunwing on Florida routes.
If they can keep costs down, though, there could be opportunities to the US, with American LCC/ULCC carriers not really interested in Canada and US network carriers only offering service to their hubs. Especially if they offer Americans a chance to earn JetBlue points on those flights.