Porter Airlines prepares to spreads its Embraer E2 fleet to Florida

It seems some of the new Porter Airlines Embraer E195-E2 fleet will be heading to sunny climbs, with an announcement that the airline is to serve five destinations in Florida.

Service includes Toronto Pearson International Airport to Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. There will also be services from Ottawa International Airport to Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando.

All routes begin with one daily, roundtrip flight.

The flight schedule and respective start dates are as follows:

The new routes are Porter’s first to the U.S. using its 132-seat, all-economy Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, featuring a two-by-two configuration.

Onboard, the airline will offer free, fast WiFi, a selection of premium snacks, and free beer and wine served in glassware for all passengers. Passengers who desire priority check-in, extra legroom seats, premium pre-mixed cocktails, and fresh, healthy meals can either purchase these via all-inclusive PorterReserve fares or add them à la carte with PorterClassic fares.

In Quotes

Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Porter Airlines, said:

“Canadians are used to flying to Florida, but not like this. Porter’s all-economy onboard service is unmatched by any other carrier in North America. Whether that’s free WiFi, no middle seats, free beer and wine alongside premium snacks, or fresh, healthy food, Porter is challenging the industry’s definition of economy air travel. We believe that time onboard our aircraft is just as important as at the destination.”

Mark Laroche, president and CEO of Ottawa International Airport Authority, said:

“Fort Lauderdale and Orlando are popular Florida destinations for Ottawa-Gatineau passengers. Whether you’re snowbirds escaping the winter, or a family heading to one of Florida’s many attractions like Magic Kingdom, Porter’s new non-stop service will make getting to the sun and sand more comfortable this winter.”

Janik Reigate, director of strategic customer relationships for Greater Toronto Airports Authority, said:

“We are thrilled to be a part of Porter’s expansion into the U.S. market from Toronto Pearson with these five new routes, showcasing our unwavering dedication to providing travellers with greater options. With last winter’s soaring demand for travel only expected to continue, these new routes to five Florida airports will deliver passengers added choices to these exciting destinations.”

Dana Young, president and CEO, VISIT FLORIDA

“We are excited to welcome Porter Airlines to Florida. Our Canadian visitors will be able to take advantage of these direct flights to 5 different destinations throughout the state and experience our beautiful beaches, miles of nature trails and endless opportunities for fun in the sun.”

Exercising the range

With the Embraer E195-E2 being able to cover a range of 2,600 NM/4,815 km, it’s been interesting to watch the development of the type as Porter Airlines has used the type, with trunk routes first in Canada as the fleet expanded.

With the E195-E2 fleet well into the double-digits, it seems route expansion is on the cards now, and to sunnier climbs where there is money to be made in tourism traffic, as well as business travellers who have to go south.

Combined with Porter Airlines service, this could be a very attractive option for travellers.

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