Porter adds flights to its new Ottawa-Charlottetown route

TORONTO, March 30, 2023 /CNW/ – Porter Airlines is adding flight frequency on its new Ottawa-Charlottetown route in response to high demand for its service and to provide more opportunity for passengers to travel across Porter’s expanding network.

Service begins on May 17, as announced earlier this year. The increased schedule moves the initial seven weekly round trip flights to 11 times weekly during the spring and fall. This further improves to 14 flights per week during the peak summer travel season.

Porter Airlines is adding flight frequency on its new Ottawa-Charlottetown route (CNW Group/Porter Airlines Inc.)
Operating datesFlight frequency
May 17 – June 23, 2023
September 5 – October 28, 2023
11x weekly
June 24 – September 4, 202314x weekly

“There’s been a great response from the community and increasing frequency will allow passengers to  connect to more destinations across our network,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines.

“YYG Charlottetown Airport is thrilled to see Porter providing an additional frequency to their recently announced Ottawa service. This second flight will provide more choice and convenience for our passengers as Porter expands their Ottawa schedule in the coming months,” said Doug Newson, CEO, Charlottetown Airport Authority. “We appreciate Porter’s commitment to Prince Edward Island and look forward to working with them to ensure these flights are successful.”

“As evidenced by Ottawa-Charlottetown service now scheduled twice daily, Porter’s YOW growth continues to resonate with those who are from and are interested in flying to Canada’s Capital Region. From Coast to Capital, Porter has us well covered,” said Mark Laroche, president and CEO, Ottawa International Airport Authority.

The non-stop flights between Ottawa and Charlottetown are to be served by 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft. All passengers will experience Porter’s genuine hospitality and elevated onboard service, including premium snacks, and free beer and wine served in glassware.

With the introduction to the new Ottawa-Charlottetown route, Porter will operate nine non-stop routes from Ottawa International Airport this summer. Detailed schedules and Porter Escapes hotel and flight packages are available on www.flyporter.com.

About Porter

Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com

Porter Airlines celebrates first flights between Ottawa and Boston, New York, Thunder Bay

Flights bring more connectivity to nation’s capital

TORONTO, March 27, 2023 /CNW/ – Porter Airlines launched three new routes between Ottawa International Airport and Boston, New York-Newark and Thunder Bay today, providing convenient travel links for the region.

The new routes are part of Porter’s broader expansion plan in Ottawa and its commitment to the region, including new maintenance hangars that are currently under construction at YOW. These will serve as a primary maintenance facility for the airline’s new E195-E2 fleet.

Porter is the only airline providing year-round daily direct flights to Boston and Thunder Bay from Ottawa.

The new daily non-stop routes are served by 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft. Passengers are able to experience Porter’s genuine hospitality and elevated onboard service, including premium snacks, and free beer and wine served in glassware for all passengers.

Routes from Ottawa (YOW)FrequencyIntroductory roundtrip fares
(including taxes and fees)
start at:
Boston (BOS)1 daily$377
New York-Newark (EWR)2 daily$367
Thunder Bay (YQT)2 daily$366

A number of one-stop connecting routes are also created with the introduction of these flights. Porter currently operates eight non-stop routes from Ottawa International Airport, with Charlottetown scheduled to become the ninth on May 17. Detailed schedules can be found on www.flyporter.com.

Quotes

“This builds on our already extensive network in Eastern Canada and substantially increases the number of destinations served directly from Ottawa. Porter connects passengers coast-to-coast, with the level of service and generosity that economy travellers deserve.” 
–  Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines

“Porter Airlines continues to impress us with their commitment to Ottawa-Gatineau. No only was YOW Porter’s first turboprop destination back in 2006, in February we were also first to host Porter’s inaugural commercial jet service. As Porter’s YOW-based hangar construction is well underway, this new air service is yet another step forward as Porter airlines embraces the National Capital Region’s potential.” 
–  Mark Laroche, president and CEO, Ottawa International Airport Authority

“Thunder Bay Airport is thrilled to see Porter is again confirming its confidence in our market, this time by adding a new destination. It has been almost 20 years since direct, non-stop service to Ottawa has been offered. We are sure that Ottawa and Porter will be a winning combination.” 
–  Ed Schmidtke, president and CEO, Thunder Bay International Airports Authority

“Porter’s new service to Ottawa is an excellent addition to the destinations available from Boston Logan, as we continue to see an increased demand in international travel. This route and others by Porter provide New Englanders with more options when planning a trip to Canada and beyond.”
–  Ed Freni, director of aviation, Massport

About Porter

Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com 

Ottawa Airport Statement Regarding Menzies Ground-Handling Services

Release date:  Wednesday, March 15, 2023

The Ottawa International Airport Authority (OIAA) has in recent weeks observed a degradation of service levels associated with ground-handling activities for Sunwing and Flair airlines.

Both airlines contract Menzies, a third-party ground handling firm, for their aircraft marshalling and baggage handling activities. Following written warnings to Menzies, the issues reached untenable levels in the past week, leading the OIAA to provide Menzies with a 30-day notice of termination of its operating license at the airport on Monday, March 13.

The service levels passengers from both airlines have had to endure do not meet the customer experience threshold the OIAA is committed to facilitate. We will continue to work with the airlines to ensure that their passengers enjoy smooth, efficient travel when flying to and from the Ottawa International Airport.

Winter 2023 heats up with release of Flair Airlines Winter Schedule

  • Winter 2023 will see an expansion in Las Vegas with the addition of service from Ottawa and Calgary
  • Existing Phoenix service will move from Phoenix-Mesa to Sky Harbor and new route from Calgary to begin in October
  • Majority of Winter 2023 capacity to be international or transborder

EDMONTON, AB, March 7, 2023 /CNW/ – Today, Flair Airlines, Canada’s everyday low fare airline, announces the release of an exciting winter 2023 schedule. The schedule features added depth across the network to give customers more choice, particularly to sunshine, at low fares.

Today’s announcement includes several new routes, including Toronto to Puerto Vallarta (beginning October 29, 4x weekly), Kitchener-Waterloo to Puerto Vallarta (beginning December 16, 3x weekly), Calgary to Las Vegas (beginning October 30, 7x weekly), and Calgary to Phoenix (beginning October 30, 4x weekly). Flair will also be the only carrier to serve Ottawa to Las Vegas (beginning October 13, 2x weekly).

Existing service from Vancouver and Edmonton to Phoenix will move to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for the season, along with the new service from Calgary to Phoenix.

“With today’s exciting announcement, we are reaffirming our commitment to Canadians,” said Stephen Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer, Flair Airlines. “Our network offers more choice to more sun destinations than ever before. Rather than one reprieve from winter, we look forward to Canadians taking the opportunity to try all of the amazing destinations in our network.”

“We’ve optimized our network this winter to match demand for sun. It’s clear that Canadians want more affordable options for sun, more often,” said Garth Lund, Chief Commercial Officer, Flair Airlines. “We’ve focused on adding depth to our network by increasing frequencies on popular routes. We’ll now have daily service various routes, including Vancouver to Los Angeles and Toronto to Orlando to make it easier for Canadians to plan their winter travel.”

One-way fares at flyflair.com begin at $9 one way including taxes and fees (Thunder Bay to Toronto). Limited seats for a limited time. Flights are available for booking at flyflair.com.

All routes, including the winter schedule, are now on sale for 20% off base fare with code: SAVE20. Sale starts on March 7 and ends on March 9, 2023, for travel from March 7, 2023, to March 14, 2024. Terms and conditions apply. Limited seats for a limited time. *

About Flair Airlines

Flair Airlines is Canada’s leading low-fare airline and its greenest airline, on a mission to provide affordable air travel that connects them to the people and experiences they love. With an expanding fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, Flair is growing to serve over 35 cities across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. For more information, please visit www.flyflair.com. 

*Use promo code: SAVE20. Limited seats for a limited time. Base fare only. Taxes and fees not included. Sale start: March 7, 2023. Sale end: March 9, 2023. Blackout dates: April 6 – April 7, 2023; April 10, 2023; May 18 – May 19, 2023; May 22 – May 23, 2023; June 30, 2023; September 1 – September 4, 2023; October 6 – October 9, 2023; November 10 – November 13, 2023; December 15, 2023 – January 7, 2024; February 15 – February 20, 2024.

Winter 2023 Weekly Frequencies

Transborder

  • Toronto (YYZ) – Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 14x weekly
  • Vancouver (YVR) – Los Angeles (LAX): 7x weekly
  • Toronto (YYZ) – New York (JFK): 4X weekly
  • Toronto (YYZ) – Las Vegas (LAS): 4x weekly
  • Vancouver (YVR) – San Francisco (SFO): 4x weekly
  • Ottawa (YOW) – Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 4x weekly
  • Toronto (YYZ) – Orlando (SFB): 7x weekly
  • Vancouver (YVR) – Las Vegas (LAS): 7x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Las Vegas (LAS): 4x weekly
  • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 4x weekly
  • Vancouver (YVR) – Phoenix (PHX): 3x weekly
  • Calgary (YYC) – Phoenix (PHX): 4x weekly
  • Calgary (YYC) – Las Vegas (LAS): 7x weekly
  • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Orlando (SFB): 4x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Los Angeles (LAX): 3x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Phoenix (PHX): 4x weekly
  • Ottawa (YOW) – Orlando (SFB): 4x weekly
  • Ottawa (YOW) – Las Vegas (LAS): 2x weekly

International

  • Vancouver (YVR) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 9x weekly
  • Toronto (YYZ) – Cancun (CUN): 10x weekly
  • Toronto (YYZ) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 4x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 3x weekly 
  • Abbotsford (YXX) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 3x weekly
  • Calgary (YYC) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 6x weekly
  • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Cancun (CUN) 4x weekly
  • Vancouver (YVR) – Los Cabos (SJD): 3x weekly
  • Ottawa (YOW) – Cancun (CUN): 3x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Los Cabos (SJD): 1x weekly
  • Calgary (YYC) – Los Cabos (SJD): 1x weekly
  • Abbotsford (YXX) – Los Cabos (SJD): 1x weekly
  • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 3x weekly

Domestic

  • Toronto (YYZ) – Vancouver (YVR): 15x weekly
  • Toronto (YYZ) – Calgary (YYC): 11x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Abbotsford (YXX): 14x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Vancouver (YVR): 14X weekly
  • Abbotsford (YXX) – Calgary (YYC): 14x weekly
  • Vancouver (YVR) – Calgary (YYC): 14x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Kelowna (YLW): 11x weekly
  • Winnipeg (YWG) – Toronto (YYZ): 10x weekly
  • Kelowna (YLW) – Calgary (YYC): 7x weekly
  • Kelowna (YLW) – Vancouver (YVR): 7x weekly
  • Montreal (YUL) – Vancouver (YVR): 5x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Toronto (YYZ): 7x weekly
  • Abbotsford (YXX) – Toronto (YYZ): 7x weekly
  • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Vancouver (YVR): 4x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Winnipeg (YWG): 4x weekly
  • Winnipeg (YWG) – Calgary (YYC): 4x weekly
  • Saskatoon (YXE) – Calgary (YYC): 3x weekly
  • Vancouver (YVR) – Winnipeg (YWG): 3x weekly
  • Montreal (YUL) – Calgary (YYC): 3x weekly
  • Halifax (YHZ) – Ottawa (YOW): 4x weekly
  • Vancouver (YVR) – Saskatoon (YXE): 3x weekly
  • Saskatoon (YXE) – Toronto (YYZ): 3x weekly
  • Calgary (YYC) – Victoria (YYJ): 3x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Montreal (YUL): 4x weekly
  • Ottawa (YOW) – Vancouver (YVR): 2x weekly
  • Kitchener-Waterloo – Calgary (YYC): 3x weekly
  • Halifax (YHZ) – Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF): 2x weekly
  • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Abbotsford (YXX): 3x weekly
  • Ottawa (YOW) – Calgary (YYC): 3x weekly
  • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Winnipeg (YWG): 2x weekly
  • Edmonton (YEG) – Victoria (YYJ): 3x weekly

Advance Declaration now available at Ottawa International Airport and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

Submit your customs declaration in advance and save time at the airport

OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 28, 2023 /CNW/ – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is exploring safe, secure and innovative ways to deliver a better and faster border experience for travellers entering Canada.

Starting today, Advance Declaration  is available to all travellers arriving on international flights at the Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). Express lanes will also be available in both airports’ customs areas, allowing travellers who complete their Advance Declaration to skip long line-ups for Primary Inspection Kiosks (PIK).

The Advance Declaration provides travellers with the option to submit their customs and immigration declaration, up to 72 hours in advance of their arrival in Canada. Travellers can now spend less time at PIKs when they arrive at the airport, resulting in shorter wait times at the border.

In an effort to modernize and expedite the travel experience, Advance Declaration is already available to travellers arriving on international flights at the following Canadian airports:

  • Toronto Pearson
  • Montreal-Trudeau
  • Winnipeg Richardson
  • Vancouver
  • Halifax Stanfield
  • Québec City Jean-Lesage
  • Calgary

The digital tool will also become available to travellers arriving at Edmonton International Airport in the coming weeks.  

Advance Declaration is part of CBSA’s Traveller Modernization initiative, which is being implemented over the coming years. Modernizing the travel experience includes the use of digital technologies and tools for both travellers and border services officers.

Quotes

“With Advance Declaration and express lanes now available at Billy Bishop Toronto City and Ottawa International Airports, we are keeping our border secure while providing a better and faster experience for travellers. This is another example of how the CBSA is modernizing the border and we are happy to be working with Ports Toronto and Ottawa International Airport Authority to make this option available to travellers.”

Eric Lapierre, Regional Director General, Northern Ontario Region, CBSA and Lisa Janes, Regional Director General, Greater Toronto Area Region, CBSA

With travel demand growing, we anticipate a busy March break travel season at YOW. I’m confident that travellers will welcome this feature to make the arrival process easier and faster.”

Mark Laroche, President and CEO, Ottawa International Airport Authority

“Passengers arriving at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport from the United States who choose to use the Advance Declaration feature will enjoy a faster arrivals experience thanks to Express Lane access. We are pleased to partner with the Canada Border Services Agency to offer this improved service to travellers at Billy Bishop Airport.”

RJ Steenstra, President and CEO of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and PortsToronto

Quick facts

  • Early usage data shows that using the Advance Declaration feature in ArriveCAN cuts the amount of time a traveller spends at a PIK or eGate by roughly one third.
  • A traveller can submit a customs and immigration declaration at any point within 72 hours before their arrival in Canada. Travellers can also edit their declaration, if needed, at the airport kiosk once they arrive. The declaration is not finalized until it has been confirmed at the airport kiosk. 
  • Personal information provided by travellers through ArriveCAN is protected under the Privacy Act. For more information, see the ArriveCAN privacy notice. Advance CBSA Declaration has an additional privacy notice that is presented to users upon accessing the feature. It offers end-to-end encryption for information the traveller transmits to the CBSA in advance of their arrival in Canada.

Associated links

WestJet announces largest network expansion from Edmonton in airline’s history with launch of new U.S. routes and enhanced domestic connectivity

New transborder routes connecting Edmonton with Minneapolis and Seattle along with increased access across Canada underpins continued expansion of Alberta’s global aviation network

EDMONTON, AB, Feb. 13, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet today revealed significantly increased transborder connectivity from Edmonton International Airport, with new non-stop service to Minneapolis, Minnesota and Seattle, Washington as part of its 2023 summer schedule. In addition, WestJet’s summer schedule from Edmonton will revitalize the city’s domestic connectivity from coast-to-coast with the airline unveiling new routes from Edmonton to London, Moncton, Charlottetown and the resumption of nonstop flights to Ottawa, Montreal, Nanaimo and Penticton.

WestJet’s renewed commitment to the city of Edmonton will see the airline’s service increase by almost 50 per cent this summer when compared to 2022. Additionally, today’s announcement underpins WestJet’s strategic ambitions to grow its presence across Western Canada and further strengthens Canada’s east to west connectivity.

“Since our first day of operation in February 1996 to reaffirming our commitment to the city and region almost exactly 27 years later, Edmonton is an integral part of WestJet’s beginnings and our future,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer. “As WestJet continues to own our position as the undisputed home-team carrier of Western Canada, I am grateful to be celebrating our renewed focus on Edmonton alongside our valued partners as we take strides to energize the city’s two-way tourism opportunities and bolster its accessibility for business and leisure travellers.”

In celebration of its new Edmonton-based investments which mark the single largest expansion of WestJet’s network serving Edmonton in history, the airline, in partnership with Edmonton International Airport, was joined by valued partners from across the region at a special event held in the heart of the city’s vibrant downtown ICE District.

“WestJet continues to invest in our region by creating important non-stop routes to critical destinations that foster business development and propel the visitor economy,” said Myron Keehn, President & CEO, Edmonton International Airport (YEG). “The more flights we have at YEG, the more opportunities we can offer Edmonton, our region, and Canada’s North, and we’re thrilled to welcome even more WestJet flights to our airport and showcase the Edmonton Region as an attractive hub for tech, sustainability, trade and tourism.”

Rounding out Alberta’s growing and thriving aviation hub

WestJet’s summer schedule serving Alberta builds on the airline’s foundational support of the province that will allow for its leisure, cargo and business economies to thrive like never before. With five new additions and the restart of four destinations to Edmonton’s network, WestJet will serve 21 domestic and four transborder destinations from Alberta’s capital this summer.

Details of WestJet’s new summer service from Edmonton

DestinationStart
Date
Peak Season
Frequency
Departure
Time
Arrival Time
Minneapolis (MSP) *NewJune 25x weekly08:1511:46
Seattle (SEA) *NewMay 195x weekly10:3011:30
Charlottetown (YYG) *NewJune 141x weekly10:2517:58
Moncton (YQM) *NewJune 292x weekly10:2517:57
Penticton (YYF)1July 12x weekly11:0011:27
Nanaimo (YCD) 1*Year-RoundYear-
round
2x weekly10:3011:29
London (YXU) *NewMay 192x weekly10:2515:52
Ottawa (YOW) 1April 306x weekly09:0014:43
Montreal 1June 302x weekly01:0007:03
1 Resumption of service last operated in 2021

Additional quotes:

“Air travel is critical to our regional economy. Direct routes to strategic business locations make our region more globally competitive. They attract investment and human capital and they connect our local companies to the global marketplace. Half of all cargo moves in the bellies of passenger planes – the increase in direct flights and the new connection to Minneapolis is a big boost for our local businesses. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these flights will have on our region.”  

–  Malcom Bruce, Edmonton Global, Chief Executive Officer

 “These new connections serve as an important tool for further positioning Edmonton as an international hub for trade and travel in Western Canada. New routes to the US will further open up economic expansion opportunities for businesses in the Edmonton region while also bringing in visitors to explore everything our great capital city region has to offer. Thank you to the teams at the Edmonton International Airport and WestJet for making today’s announcement possible.”

–  The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre

“With these new flight commitments from West Jet, the future of tourism is looking even brighter. Seeing more visitors enjoying all that Alberta has to offer is something our government is excited about. Our Festivals, Parks and Mountains are second to none and we look forward to sharing them with the world.”

–  The Honourable Todd Loewen, Ministry of Forestry, Parks and Tourism

“With the recent announcement of WestJet increasing their services both to the United States and from coast to coast in Canada, I am pleased for the positive outcomes to the Edmonton region that are sure to follow. As Edmonton’s population continues to grow, Edmontonians’ desire to travel and feel connected does too. This is a much welcomed investment that will spark economic growth and vibrancy in the Edmonton region, and I look forward to my next transborder and domestic flights with WestJet from the Edmonton International Airport.”

–  Edmonton Mayor, Amarjeet Sohi

“On behalf of Leduc County, I’d like to congratulate WestJet on its exciting network expansion. The success of the airport is directly tied to the success of the region, and the more direct flights EIA has – especially to key connecting hubs in the United States – the easier it will be to connect with businesses on a global scale, which will in turn drive business development and diversification.”  

–  Leduc County Mayor, Tanni Doblanko

About WestJet

In 26 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries. 

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com

Recent recognition includes: 
2020/2019 Number-One Ranked Canadian Airline Loyalty Program in Member Engagement (Bond Brand Loyalty)
2019/2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines) 
2019 Winner Among Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines)
2019/2018 Number-One-Ranked Airline Credit Card in Canada (Rewards Canada) 

Porter Airlines launching non-stop Ottawa-Charlottetown flights

Now serving every Atlantic Canada province

TORONTO, Feb. 13, 2023 /CNW/ – Porter Airlines is launching direct service between Ottawa International Airport and Charlottetown Airport, with flights taking off on May 17.

The new daily, non-stop route is to be served by 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft. Porter’s genuine hospitality and elevated onboard service, including premium snacks, and free beer and wine in glassware will be experienced by all passengers. PorterReserve, a new, all-inclusive fare, also provides dedicated airport check-in, early boarding, enhanced legroom, two checked bags and the ability to change flights without a fee.

“Porter is continuing to invest in regional flying across Eastern Canada,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines. “Charlottetown is an entirely new destination for us and the addition of Prince Edward Island means that Porter is serving every Atlantic Canada province for the first time.”

Porter currently serves Moncton, Fredericton, Halifax and St. John’s, N.L., in the region.

Porter will be the only airline offering daily non-stop service between Ottawa and Charlottetown, with flights initially available until the last week of October. Introductory roundtrip fares start at $297, including taxes and fees. Connections are currently available from Charlottetown to Thunder Bay, Toronto City, and Toronto Pearson.

“Historic Charlottetown is one of the few provincial capitals with limited air capacity to Ottawa-Gatineau. Porter Airlines’ continued growth from YOW will change that as travellers from both areas will have more non-stop options from the coast to the Capital and vice versa. YYG passengers will likely enjoy connecting at YOW, including for Porter’s excellent downtown Toronto access,” said Mark Laroche, president and CEO, Ottawa International Airport Authority.

“We are thrilled to welcome Porter Airlines to YYG and Prince Edward Island,” said Doug Newson, CEO, Charlottetown Airport Authority. “Islanders and visitors alike have been requesting Porter for many years, so it is extremely rewarding for us to be able to announce this today. This new non-stop service to Ottawa will not only provide convenient access to the nation’s capital, but will also allow travellers the opportunity to connect to Porter’s expanding network at Ottawa International Airport.”

Porter has more than doubled the number of regional destinations served from Ottawa in recent months. The introduction of Charlottetown is in addition to three new routes connecting Ottawa with Boston, New York-Newark and Thunder Bay beginning this spring. Porter also currently flies to Fredericton, Halifax, Moncton and Toronto City with its Dash 8-400 fleet. A Toronto Pearson-Ottawa route served with state-of-the-art Embraer E195-E2 aircraft started earlier in February. Detailed schedules can be found on www.flyporter.com.

About Porter

Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com or follow @porterairlines on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Air France bolsters services to Canada and will launch new route between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Ottawa in June 2023

  • Launch of a new route between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Ottawa, with 5 weekly non-stop flights on Airbus A330-200 as of June 27.
  • Resumption of the Paris-Charles de Gaulle – Quebec City service inaugurated in summer 2022, with 3 weekly non-stop flights on Boeing 787-9 effective May 2.
  • Increased frequencies to Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, served year-round by Air France.

MONTREAL, Feb. 2, 2023 /CNW Telbec/ – Air France continues to increase capacity to Canada, the airline’s second largest long-haul market in terms of available seat capacity.

In summer 2023, Air France will operate up to 50 weekly flights to 5 destinations in Canada: Ottawa (new service in 2023), Quebec City (new service in 2022), Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver (destinations served year-round by Air France).

The service between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier (YOW) will be inaugurated on June 27, 2023, and will be operated five times weekly – Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays – on Air France’s 224-seater Airbus A330-200 (36 in Business, 21 in Premium Economy, and 167 in Economy).

Flight schedules (local times):

AF328: Leaves Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 13:10, arrives in Ottawa at 15:05
AF327: Leaves Ottawa at 17:05, arrives at Paris-Charles de Gaulle the following day at 06:15

A330-300 (CNW Group/Air France)
A330-300 (CNW Group/Air France)

“We are proud to be the only airline flying non-stop from Ottawa to Europe,” declared Jean-Eudes de La Bretèche, General Manager of Air France KLM Canada, “and are delighted about the new tourism, cultural and business opportunities this service between the two capitals will generate. This now brings to five the Canadian destinations Air France serves.”

The Air France bus service currently available to customers free of charge between Montreal-Trudeau Airport and Ottawa will continue to offer two daily shuttles. The bus times are specifically scheduled to facilitate connections with Air France flights to and from Paris. Two daily bus services also link Montreal-Trudeau and Quebec City.

Ottawa, Canada’s capital

The fourth largest city in Canada, Ottawa and the neighboring Gatineau area is home to the country’s federal institutions.

Nature-friendly and defined by an exceptional architectural heritage, the Ottawa region features 800 km of urban circuits and rural trails that may be explored on foot, by boat or by bike. Its many museums offer opportunities to discover the history and culture of Canada.

Resumption of the Paris-Charles de Gaulle – Quebec City service and increased capacity to other destinations in Canada

Inaugurated in summer 2022, the seasonal Paris-Charles de Gaulle-Quebec City service will resume this year starting on May 2, 2023. There will be three weekly flights on Boeing 787-9 on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Flight schedules (local times):

AF352: Leaves Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 20:50, arrives in Quebec City at 22:05
AF353: Leaves Quebec City at 23:55, arrives at Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 12:40

Flights to destinations served year-round by Air France will also be increased, boosting the overall flight capacity to Canada by more than 25% compared to 2019. Consequently, Air France will be connecting travellers between its Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub and:

  • Montreal (the company’s second leading international long-haul destination) with up to three daily flights,
  • Toronto with two daily flights,
  • Vancouver with one daily flight.

In addition, KLM, part of Air France-KLM Group, will connect Amsterdam-Schiphol airport to the following destinations in Canada this summer:

Toronto with up to 13 vols flights weekly

  • Calgary with 7 flights weekly
  • Vancouver with up to 7 flights weekly
  • Montreal with up to 5 flights weekly
  • Edmonton with up to 4 flights weekly

A KLM bus service also runs between Montreal-Trudeau and Ottawa.

Detailed flight times, days and fares may be consulted on airfrance.com and klm.com

Operating in Canada since 1950, Air France will be the top European airline this summer in terms of capacity between Europe and Canada.

Detailed flight times, days and fares may be consulted on airfrance.com

The flight schedules herein are subject to change and pending the necessary governmental authorizations. Their rollout will take into account any pandemic measures in effect in the different countries or destinations served. 

Before travelling, Air France urges its customers to check the travel restrictions and documents required upon arrival at their destination. For more information, go to airfrance.traveldoc.aero.

Porter Airlines touches down in Ottawa and Montreal with first Embraer E195-E2 flights connecting Toronto Pearson

Only airline building full route networks at both Toronto airports

TORONTO, Feb. 1, 2023 /CNW/ – Porter Airlines is celebrating its first flights with the new Embraer E195-E2 between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), and Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL).

Only airline building full route networks at both Toronto airports (CNW Group/Porter Airlines Inc.)
Only airline building full route networks at both Toronto airports (CNW Group/Porter Airlines Inc.)

The introduction of E195-E2 service on these routes, which are also served by Porter’s Dash 8-400 operations at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), means passengers have more choice when travelling to and from the Greater Toronto Area. As it expands from Pearson Airport, Porter will be the only airline with comprehensive networks at both of Toronto’s main airports, focusing on regional flights via Billy Bishop and other top North American destinations at Pearson.

Additional flights at Pearson begin this month, starting with Vancouver (Feb. 7), Edmonton (Feb. 14), Calgary (Feb. 22) and Halifax (Feb. 23). More announcements are forthcoming, as Porter establishes its E195-E2 network. The airline intends to build a presence in key Eastern Canada cities – Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax – that will connect across the continent to the west coast, southern U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean.

Hospitality and generous service are staples of Porter’s distinct offering. Passengers on today’s inaugural flights were greeted at the gates with a taste of Porter’s premium in-flight service; including Balzac’s Coffee Roasters, Sloane Fine Tea Merchants and Cookie It Up chocolate chip shortbread. To welcome passengers as they boarded, everyone received $150 flight vouchers for future travel, and one lucky passenger on each flight won a round-trip for two to any Porter destination, flying in PorterReserve, a new, all-inclusive economy experience.

PorterReserve builds on the perks of the airline’s existing signature in-flight service – referred to as PorterClassic – featuring complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, along with a selection of premium snacks. PorterReserve also includes dedicated airport check-in, early boarding, enhanced legroom, two checked bags and the ability to change flights without a fee. On longer flights, there is an enhanced catering menu featuring fresh, healthy meals, pre-mixed cocktails and additional snack options.

Porter is debuting the E195-E2 for North American travellers, featuring a 132-seat, all-economy, two-by-two configuration, and free, fast WiFi for every passenger. The airline has ordered up to 100 E195-E2s, including 50 firm deliveries scheduled to arrive over the next two years. Porter is the only airline with no middle seats on every flight, including its existing De Havilland Dash 8-400 fleet.

Service on the Toronto Pearson-Ottawa route begins with four daily, non-stop return flights. Service on the Montreal route begins with three daily, non-stop return flights and increases to four on Feb. 7.

Flights and Porter Escapes vacation packages are now available for booking at www.flyporter.com and with travel agents.

Quotes

“A tremendous amount of innovation and dedication was invested to get us to this point and today our team members get to see the results of their efforts. Now passengers can fly with us using either Toronto airport and experience the style, care and charm that only Porter provides. Our emphasis on service and treating economy passengers with dignity challenges expectations for what flying should be like. It’s a momentous occasion and it makes sense that these first flights connect with our two longest-standing partners, Montreal and Ottawa, where we have been serving these communities from Billy Bishop since 2006.”
–  Michael Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines

“We place great importance on partnerships that echo and amplify our own value of putting the passenger first. We’re delighted that passengers travelling through Pearson can now avail themselves of Porter’s culture of prioritizing their customers. And while this partnership begins today with the launch of two routes, this is just the beginning of a collaborative effort to bring more choice to our valued passengers.”
–  Janik Reigate, director of strategic customer relationships, Greater Toronto Airports Authority

“ADM Aéroports de Montréal is very pleased to welcome for the first time at YUL the Embraer E195-E2, in Porter Airlines’ colours, for its Montreal-Toronto route. The arrival of this aircraft is aligned with the sustainability approach being taken by ADM and its airline industry partners since it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as the noise footprint. We applaud Porter Airlines for adding this aircraft to their fleet and for their commitment to reducing their environmental impact.”
–  Stéphane Lapierre, vice président, airport operations and air services development, Aéroports de Montréal

“We’re thrilled to be a part of Porter’s exciting growth as they incorporate passenger-friendly and efficient Embraer E195-E2 jets into their network. The future is incredibly bright for Ottawa-Gatineau travellers who want to fly refined with Porter. We welcome four times daily service to Toronto Pearson and additional non-stop destinations as the fleet expands.”
–  Mark Laroche, president and CEO, Ottawa International Airport Authority

“Porter Airlines, the North American launch customer for this advanced new aircraft, is the first to bring their guests this level of refined comfort, with no middle seats, ample overhead storage for bags and the lowest noise levels, both inside and outside the cabin. Porter’s guests will be reassured to know that the aircraft is the cleanest and quietest single-aisle aircraft available today – the E195-E2 delivers an immediate 25% reduction in emissions over previous generation aircraft. Porter’s plans, including exciting new destinations, and enhanced levels of service – all aboard the newest, most comfortable and efficient aircraft, is the start of a new era for Porter Airlines, and for travellers in Canada and throughout North America.” 
–  Arjan Meijer, president and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation

About Porter
Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com or follow @porterairlines on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.