Porter Airlines is preparing to update its passenger experience as it gets ready to take its new aircraft.
Porter E2-195 climbing out over Toronto – Rendering, Embraer
The airline currently operates the De Havilland Dash 8-400, with it due to open up new markets when it commences flying the Embraer E195-E2. This addition will add a 132-seater aircraft to the fleet, with the airline holding orders for 50 of the type.
In terms of seating, it will still be an all-economy class, with differentiation inside the cabin with different three different seat pitches. Given they are maintaining an all-economy layout, it would be safe to assume this will be in a 2-2 configuration.
The introduction of the E195-E2 also brings all passengers free, fast WiFi, with full access to web surfing or streaming favourite entertainment platforms. On longer flights, the option of fresh meals made with real food and healthy ingredients is also available.
Meanwhile, the existing in-flight service, featuring complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, along with a selection of premium snacks, will continue to be part of the journey.
Adding new value-added services
Of course, the chase for revenue continues. with the airline announcing a new product called PorterReserve.
The fare includes dedicated airport check-in, early boarding, enhanced legroom, fresh meals on longer flights, Porter’s signature beer, wine and premium snacks, cocktails, two checked bags and the ability to change flights without a fee.
PorterReserve will be available on every Porter flight. When flying on the E195-E2, this includes the first four rows of the cabin (16 seats) and offers 36 inches of seat pitch, which is similar to business class legroom on other narrowbody aircraft. On Porter’s Dash 8-400 fleet, PorterReserve will be in the first two rows (six seats) with 32 inches of seat pitch.
Meanwhile, the old product will be packaged as PorterClassic.
This is the classic Porter service that includes free beer and wine in glassware, and a selection of premium snacks. On flights over 2.5 hours, passengers may also purchase the same high-quality individual fresh entrées and cocktails available in PorterReserve.
There is also the option to select additional perks, such as extra legroom, extra baggage and travel flexibility.
Passengers travelling with a PorterClassic fare will have 30 inches of seat pitch on every Porter aircraft. On the E195-E2, they may also purchase one of 20 PorterStretch seats, offering a minimum of 34 inches of seat pitch.
Growing the Porter Network
With the coming of the Embraer E195-E2, will come the launch of a new hub at Toronto Pearson Airport, where it will go toe-to-toe with Air Canada and WestJet, as well as international carriers.
With the E195-E2, the type will allow the aircraft to operate throughout North America, including the west coast, southern U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean.
The aircraft will initially be deployed from Toronto Pearson International Airport, with Halifax, Montreal and Ottawa also seeing new service with the E195-E2 over time.
Meanwhile, the Dash-8 Q400 fleet will remain based at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, serving 20 destinations across the current Porter network.
In Quotes
Michael Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines.
“Porter is meaningfully investing in making economy air travel enjoyable for every passenger in ways that no one else is,”
“Other airlines have been focused on taking away perks and comforts for decades, but we believe that people should actually enjoy flying as economy passengers. It is possible, as we know from having already redefined regional travel over 16 years ago. Now we’re ready to do it for a broader North American market in a way that no traditional or low cost carrier is willing to. It’s an enhanced experience that builds on our reputation for providing an elevated level of service to every passenger at reasonable prices in a single class of service.”
Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines.
“Other airlines save their best service for a small number of passengers who can afford expensive premium fares or have special status, and the quality onboard is often still inferior,”
“The vast majority of people travel in economy and must tolerate an eroded experience with few, if any, amenities or services. Porter’s approach disrupts this model by showing that it is possible to respect the needs of economy travellers and make them feel valued by providing a quality, generous experience at competitive prices. We will do this unlike any other North American airline, with style, care and charm.”
Coming very soon
Fares details will be available at the same time as the first E195-E2 routes are announced. With delivery due in December, it’s going to be soon that we’ll see what the Original Flying Racoon is going to offer.
Choosing to fight on a different level
Most battles in aviation are fought in the race to the bottom, with airlines trying to unbundle everything, to the point of you’re buying a seat and air in some respects – and if you want anything else, you have to pay out – with Play, Woosh, OWG and Sunwing fighting at the bottom, whilst WestJet, Air Canada and AirTransat fight at the top of the market (of course – Canada has a variety of special airlines that are community-focused).
Porter has found itself nearer the top of the market – however, has kept itself out of the way as it operated out of Billy Bishop Airport, filling in a regional niche.
That will change when the airline expands to Toronto and beyond – and it will have to hope that there are passengers who want to pay for its new products, as well as those who just want to travel.
It’s going to be interesting for Porter Airlines, as they grow into a much larger airline.
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I didn’t realize the Embraers were coming online so soon! I’m looking forward to their initial route announcements, especially how they’ll challenge (or go around) the flock of LCC/ULCC competition that sprung up as the pandemic ended.
It’ll also be interesting to see how much they leverage off their relationship with JetBlue – I’d be surprised to not see Fort Lauderdale added early on.
And although I doubt there’s enough demand for flights between Toronto and Huntsville, I’d love to see it so Porter could be the official airline of their minor-league baseball team, the Rocket City Trash Pandas!