Billy Bishop Airport Sustainability Report Measures Achievements to Cleaner, Greener, Quieter Operations

Sixth-annual Sustainability Report spotlights achievements in 2022, including 18 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions

TORONTO, April 12, 2023 /CNW/ – Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (Billy Bishop Airport) is proud to present its 2022 Sustainability Report, which offers a comprehensive accounting of Billy Bishop Airport’s environmental performance, tracking key indicators such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and economic impact, and measuring the airport’s progress within global corporate reporting best practices.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s sixth-annual Sustainability Report spotlights achievements in 2022, including an 18 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions. (CNW Group/Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport)

The sixth-annual report is presented in a new, interactive format with graphic and video components that help illustrate Billy Bishop Airport’s achievements and ongoing efforts to implement sustainable practices, support its community and the wellbeing of its employees, and invest in programs and infrastructure that protect the environment and grow Toronto’s economy.

In 2022, Billy Bishop Airport made significant strides in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, reporting an 18 per cent decrease in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions. This was achieved in part through the airport’s continued use of 100 per cent renewable energy via Bullfrog Power – which has allowed the airport to displace more than 19,000 tonnes of CO2 since 2010 – and its investment in cleaner technology such as the Marilyn Bell electric ferry. The Marilyn Bell e-ferry is powered by green electricity and its zero-emission operation will reduce the airport’s diesel consumption by 196,000 litres.

“As an organization, Billy Bishop Airport drives tourism and trade, provides access to critical emergency medevac care and supports thousands of jobs in the Greater Toronto Area, contributing to the economic stability of our region,” said RJ Steenstra, President and Chief Executive Officer of PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

“While economic recovery is imperative for a sustainable future, Billy Bishop Airport has demonstrated time and again that our commitment to the environment and to our community is of equal importance. In practice, this means choosing to power all of our operations with renewable energy, investing strategically in climate resilient infrastructure, and continuing to work with our neighbours to identify ways we can further contribute to the sustainability of our community and shared Toronto waterfront.”

Delphi Group, a pioneer in sustainability, reviews Billy Bishop Airport’s sustainability reporting and key indicators like greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), and helps to measure and report the organization’s progress within global corporate best practices.

To read Billy Bishop Airport’s full sustainability report, click here.

Quick Facts

• In 2022, Billy Bishop Airport renewed its agreement with Bullfrog Power to continue to choose 100 per cent green electricity from wind and solar sources – the only airport in Canada to do so.
• The Marilyn Bell I, which connects passengers, vehicles and supplies to Billy Bishop Airport, celebrated in 2022 its first anniversary as the only ferry service in Canada to run on a zero-emission power and propulsion system containing no diesel components. The retrofit eliminated greenhouse gas emissions from the ferry’s operation and has the capacity to reduce the airport’s direct emissions by approximately 530 tonnes per year.
• In 2022, Nieuport Aviation, owners and operators of the passenger terminal at Billy Bishop Airport, announced plans to purchase six electric buses to replace the airport’s current shuttle bus fleet – which offers complimentary service between the airport and Union Station for approximately 500,000 passengers per year.
• In 2022, a public opinion survey conducted by Environics found that a majority of Torontonians (71 per cent) have favourable views of Billy Bishop Airport, and results indicated strong favourability for Billy Bishop Airport (82 per cent) among waterfront residents.
• Billy Bishop Airport is committed to investing in the communities in which it operates and helping to build a sustainable city. In 2022, Billy Bishop Airport supported community organizations and initiatives including Hope Air, Not In My City, Repdath Waterfront Festival, The Bentway, The Black Aviation Professionals Network, Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre and ALS Canada. 

About Billy Bishop Airport Toronto City Airport

Offering service to more than 20 cities in Canada and the U.S., with connection opportunities to more than 80 international destinations via our airlines’ networks, Billy Bishop Airport is an important international gateway and a key driver to Toronto’s economy which traditionally welcomes approximately 2.8 million passengers per year. Billy Bishop Airport is renowned for its unique travel experience, efficiency and customer service and has won a series of passenger-driven awards. With a focus on cleaner, greener and quieter operations, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has made significant upgrades in recent year to achieve its sustainability goals which are reported on an annual basis. Billy Bishop Airport is owned and operated by PortsToronto.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Named One of World’s Best by Skytrax World Airport Awards

Toronto (March 16, 2023) — Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) has once again been ranked among the world’s best by the Skytrax World Airport Awards, a global benchmark of airport excellence voted on by nearly 14 million passengers worldwide. Ranking eighth in the World’s Best Airports (under five million passengers) category and ninth in the Best Regional Airports (North America) category – this represents the eighth year that Billy Bishop Airport has won a prestigious Skytrax award.

The 2023 Awards are based on millions of airport survey questionnaires completed by more than 100 different nationalities of air travellers, covering 550 airports worldwide. In the independent survey, passengers continued to rank Billy Bishop Airport highly across 39 key performance indicators, including fast check-in times, ease of access to the terminal, and the courtesy and efficiency of airport staff.

“What an incredible honour to be named one of the best airports in the world by Skytrax World Airport Awards,” said RJ Steenstra, President and Chief Executive Officer of PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. “To be recognized by Skytrax speaks volumes about our approach to customer service, our unbeatable convenience, and the passenger experience that makes YTZ truly unique. Further, this international ranking demonstrates how well Billy Bishop Airport serves its passengers and the value it brings to Toronto as a downtown airport, supporting trade and tourism, providing connectivity and unlocking opportunities that make our city world class.”

For more information on Skytrax World Airport Awards click here. 

About the Skytrax World Airport Awards
The World Airport Awards are the most prestigious accolades for the airport industry, voted by customers in the largest, annual global airport customer satisfaction survey. The survey and awards process is independent and free of any airport influence or interference in final results. The World Airport Awards are a global benchmark of airport excellence, and widely known as the Passengers Choice Awards.

About Billy Bishop Airport Toronto City Airport
Offering service to more than 20 cities in Canada and the U.S., with connection opportunities to more than 80 international destinations via our airlines’ networks, Billy Bishop Airport is an important international gateway and a key driver to Toronto’s economy which traditionally welcomes approximately 2.8 million passengers per year. Billy Bishop Airport is renowned for its unique travel experience, efficiency and customer service and has won a series of passenger-driven awards. With a focus on cleaner, greener and quieter operations, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has made significant upgrades in recent year to achieve its sustainability goals which are reported on an annual basis. Billy Bishop Airport is owned and operated by PortsToronto.

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

• Advance CBSA Declaration
• Video: Advance CBSA Declaration
• I Declare: A Guide for residents returning to Canada
• Video: Traveller Modernization

PortsToronto Allies with #NotInMyCity and Toronto Police Service to Deliver Human Trafficking Awareness Learning to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Staff and Partners

Working together to help disrupt human trafficking in our region.

TORONTO, Jan. 26, 2023 /CNW/ – Today, PortsToronto launched a new education program at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to help disrupt human trafficking in Canadian airports in collaboration with #NotInMyCity and the Toronto Police Service (TPS) Human Trafficking Unit.

Founded by country superstar Paul Brandt, #NotInMyCity is a facilitative organization that is raising awareness and taking collective action to prevent, disrupt and end sexual exploitation and trafficking, focusing on children and youth. In the transport sector, #NotInMyCity is a leading partner who is helping address human trafficking across several sectors in Canada, including the aviation industry.

The purpose of the learning program is to provide all airport employees and partners with knowledge and awareness about sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Canada, including the behavioural signs that might indicate an exploited person, and how to get help without putting the concerned individual in harm’s way. The course has been designed with aviation expertise and has drawn on international aviation best practices. Members of the public are invited to learn more about the issue by taking a free e-learning course found at notinmycity.ca.

While more than 40 employees attended the in-person TPS training session at the Billy Bishop Airport fire hall on January 26, including Enforcement Officers, first responders, and airline and terminal staff, the online learning program will be made available to all airport partners and to hundreds of staff working in all areas of the airport.

“PortsToronto has long demonstrated its commitment to Toronto and its waterfront communities by supporting charitable organizations and causes that are important to us and the partners, passengers and community members that we interact with on a daily basis,” said RJ Steenstra, President and CEO of PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Airport.  “As the owner and operator of a key transportation hub in downtown Toronto, we recognize that we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to equip our staff with the awareness and resources that could help make a difference and disrupt human trafficking activity at Canadian airports.”

“When it comes to addressing and suppressing human trafficking, awareness and education are a priority,” says Paul Brandt, Founder and CEO of #NotInMyCity. “We’re thankful that PortsToronto is allying with #NotInMyCity and the Toronto Police Service to raise employee and public awareness about the realities of human trafficking in Canada. We’re pleased to be working alongside Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Staff and Partners. #NotInMyCity welcomes YTZ to our robust network of airport partner allies across Canada.”

Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and is the second largest source of illegal income worldwide. In Canada, 21 per cent of trafficking victims are under the age of 18. While making up only 4 per cent of the country’s population, 50 percent of Canada’s trafficking victims are Indigenous people.

According to the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking[1], transportation corridors are frequently used by traffickers, and once a victim has been recruited, traffickers will often move them from city to city to maximize profits, access new markets and avoid competition. It also helps keep control of the victim who may not know where they are or how to get help, making it easier for traffickers to evade detection by police. Victims of labour trafficking may also enter Canada by way of air travel, under the false promise of a job or educational opportunity.

In Canada, anyone can call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 if they believe they witness or are experiencing human trafficking or sexual exploitation. If anyone is in immediate danger, it is recommended to call 9-1-1.

To learn more visit notinmycity.ca.

About Billy Bishop Airport Toronto City Airport

Offering service to more than 20 cities in Canada and the U.S., with connection opportunities to more than 80 international destinations via our airlines’ networks, Billy Bishop Airport is an important international gateway and a key driver to Toronto’s economy which traditionally welcomes approximately 2.8 million passengers per year. Billy Bishop Airport is renowned for its unique travel experience, efficiency and customer service and has won a series of passenger-driven awards. With a focus on cleaner, greener and quieter operations, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has made significant upgrades in recent year to achieve its sustainability goals which are reported on an annual basis. Billy Bishop Airport is owned and operated by PortsToronto.

About PortsToronto

For more than 100 years PortsToronto has worked with its partners at the federal, provincial and municipal levels to enhance the economic growth of the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. PortsToronto owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which welcomed approximately 2.8 million passengers in 2019; the Outer Harbour Marina, one of Canada’s largest freshwater marinas; and the marine Port of Toronto that includes businesses in a variety of sectors including marine shipping, cargo services, media production and passenger cruises. PortsToronto is committed to fostering strong, healthy and sustainable communities and has invested more than $14 million since 2009 in charitable initiatives and environmental programs that benefit communities along Toronto’s waterfront and beyond. PortsToronto operates in accordance with the Canada Marine Act and is guided by a board with representation from all three levels of government.

About #NotInMyCity 

#NotInMyCity is a facilitative organization launched by Paul and Liz Brandt that is raising awareness and taking collective action to prevent, disrupt and end sexual exploitation and human trafficking, focusing on children and youth. The #NotInMyCity movement is growing. We are working in alliance with key stakeholders, creating awareness, educating others and mobilizing a strategic, integrated plan to bring about transformational and sustainable change at all levels.

#NotInMyCity offers an interactive e-learning course for anyone interested in learning more about the issue of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Canada. It was developed in collaboration with national and international thought leaders. Upon completion of the free 30-minute e-course, participants are awarded with a certificate. Thousands of individuals have completed the course so far.

New Report by Richard Florida Confirms Benefits of Downtown Airports

Study focuses on Billy Bishop Airport and its impact in shaping Toronto’s recovery and opportunity

TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2023 /CNW/ –  A centrally located, city airport is critical to Toronto’s continued growth and ambitions, states a new report published by PortsToronto and authored by respected urbanist and University of Toronto Professor, Dr. Richard Florida. The report, titled, Toronto’s Downtown Airport: A Powerful Economic Asset in the City’s Urban Core, notes that city airports, like Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, support businesses, provide connectivity and unlock opportunities that make a city world class. These airports also have a key role in building knowledge economies, playing a critical role in the circulation of people and ideas.

The report comes at a time when both Toronto and its downtown airport are at an inflection point. Both are emerging from the pandemic, and as thought goes into what the needs of Toronto will be in the coming decades, consideration should also be given to the role Billy Bishop Airport can play in building the global city that Toronto aspires to be.

“Billy Bishop is central to Toronto’s prosperity,” states Dr. Richard Florida. “It brings tourists and much needed revenue to the city and its urban core, which are still recovering from the pandemic,” he adds. “More importantly, it provides a direct gateway to leading cities such as New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, and Chicago, bolstering Toronto’s role as a global talent and tech hub.”

The report is available here and highlights the numerous benefits that Billy Bishop Airport brings to Toronto, including:

• Providing the city with a unique competitive advantage, placing travellers close to the downtown commercial centre and its cultural amenities — threatened as they are by the shift to remote work and decreased office occupancy.
• Billy Bishop Airport is among the largest providers of good, high-paying blue-collar jobs for city residents and workers – jobs that are otherwise declining and in increasingly short supply. Airports also generate significant demand for local services, which in turn create more and better jobs for lower-paid service workers in surrounding retail establishments, hotels, and office facilities.
• Billy Bishop Airport is projected to have added roughly $3 billion dollars to Toronto’s economy in 2022, up from $2.1 billion in 2019, and an amount which is expected to grow to nearly $4.8 billion by 2025.
• According to a 2022 survey, 85 per cent of Toronto residents “agree” that “Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is a valuable asset for the entire city”. A majority of Torontonians also agreed that Billy Bishop Airport is a good use of land (82%); that it makes sense to have an airport downtown (85%); and that the airport plays a central role for business, health care, and job creation for the city (78%).

Additional Quotes

RJ Steenstra, President & CEO PortsToronto, Owner and Operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport 
By all metrics, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is an asset and a vital piece of transportation infrastructure that can propel the City of Toronto forward. More specifically, Billy Bishop Airport is a key economic driver; a creator of jobs, a connector of people and businesses; an enabler of tourism; a provider of vital healthcare through Ornge; and a good neighbour, making investments in sustainability and community. The City of Toronto is at an inflection point where it needs to shake-off the pandemic declines, and re-entrench itself as a world-class city. Billy Bishop Airport is on a similar journey and is eager to work with the City of Toronto and the Federal Government on a future vision for the airport.

Dr. Richard Florida, Professor of Economic Analysis and Policy, Rotman School of Management; Co-founder of CityLab; and Founder of the Creative Class Group 
There are few better symbols of Toronto’s aspirations as an economically and socially diverse global city than having a leading-edge, environmentally sustainable airport that fits seamlessly into the waterfront and serves as a vital anchor for its vibrant downtown. Both the city and the airport are at an inflection point in terms of optimizing infrastructure and making the intellectual investment to be world-class. The airport is an undeniable asset to the City of Toronto and region and should be regarded as such. This means demonstrating the leadership and vision to recognize the impact the airport already makes in terms of economic gain, connectivity, support of healthcare and driver of tourism and trade; but also to take action to secure and optimize the future potential of this airport to embrace new technology, enhanced sustainability and balanced growth. Downtown airports are valuable assets to any city in any part of the world. Toronto is fortunate to have had a downtown airport for the last 80+ years, and should be looking at ensuring it is here for the next 80 years or more to support what this city should and can be.

Neil Pakey, President and CEO, Nieuport Aviation, Billy Bishop Airport Terminal Owner and Operator 
A cleaner, greener, quieter downtown airport is an exciting part of Toronto’s future as a global city. Now, with the release of the Richard Florida Report, we begin the important task of mapping out that future for Billy Bishop Airport. For many years YTZ has been of critical importance to the City in particular when considering its’ rising economic impact. It gives our customers a convenient, easy and friendly airport experience from the heart of the city, and inbound visitors to Toronto an incredible first impression of the City. This report confirms that having a downtown airport, with its simple and quick access to everything in Toronto is a competitive advantage that should continue to be celebrated. Now is the time to lock in Billy Bishop Airport’s future as a world-class downtown airport and as a gateway for a world-class city.

Stephen Lund, CEO, Toronto Global 
The importance of Billy Bishop Airport to the Toronto Region economy and value proposition cannot be overstated,” said Stephen Lund, CEO, Toronto Global. “Downtown airports provide cities with unique competitive advantages, enabling connections with other leading global centres, and our downtown airport offers unmatched connectivity with the centre of Canada’s business and financial hub. As we compete with cities like New York, London and San Francisco for global talent and high tech business, air connectivity is a critical part of this equation.

About Billy Bishop Airport Toronto City Airport

Offering service to more than 20 cities in Canada and the U.S., with connection opportunities to more than 80 international destinations via our airlines’ networks, Billy Bishop Airport is an important international gateway and a key driver to Toronto’s economy which traditionally welcomes approximately 2.8 million passengers per year. Billy Bishop Airport is renowned for its unique travel experience, efficiency and customer service and has won a series of passenger-driven awards. With a focus on cleaner, greener and quieter operations, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has made significant upgrades in recent year to achieve its sustainability goals which are reported on an annual basis. Billy Bishop Airport is owned and operated by PortsToronto.

About PortsToronto

For more than 100 years PortsToronto has worked with its partners at the federal, provincial and municipal levels to enhance the economic growth of the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. PortsToronto owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which welcomed approximately 2.8 million passengers in 2019; the Outer Harbour Marina, one of Canada’s largest freshwater marinas; and the marine Port of Toronto that includes businesses in a variety of sectors including marine shipping, cargo services, media production and passenger cruises. PortsToronto is committed to fostering strong, healthy and sustainable communities and has invested more than $14 million since 2009 in charitable initiatives and environmental programs that benefit communities along Toronto’s waterfront and beyond. PortsToronto operates in accordance with the Canada Marine Act and is guided by a board with representation from all three levels of government.

Plan your winter getaway with Porter’s flights to Mont-Tremblant

TORONTO, Dec. 16, 2022 /CNW/ – It’s time to start the winter season with Porter Airlines’ service to Mont-Tremblant, Que. Beginning today, through March 27, 2023, Porter offers convenient, non-stop flights between Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Mont-Tremblant International Airport.

Porter delivers travellers from Toronto’s downtown to the popular winter destination in as little as 70 minutes. The winter schedule includes up to four weekly flights, with connections from various Porter locations also available.

Travellers can enjoy world-class amenities, with more than 100 ski trails in the region and a European-style pedestrian village featuring lodging, restaurants and boutiques.

Porter Escapes makes your planning even easier with complete flight, hotel and ski packages. Visit Porter Escapes or www.flyporter.com for more information.

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.

Porter Airlines challenging North American aviation with new flying experience that elevates economy travel

Free WiFi, fresh meals, enhanced legroom and new all-inclusive economy experience among features added to existing signature onboard service

TORONTO, Dec. 6, 2022 /CNW/ – Porter Airlines is unveiling an exceptional new economy air travel experience that challenges what every North American airline offers. Building on its distinct, longstanding regional service, Porter will elevate economy flying for everyone in its greatly expanding network.

Coinciding with the airline’s strategy to grow in markets throughout North America using new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, as well as its existing De Havilland Dash 8-400 fleet, travellers will enjoy a new level of generosity and thoughtful service that is non-existent in economy air travel today.

Free WiFi, fresh meals, enhanced legroom and new all-inclusive economy experience among features added to existing signature onboard service (CNW Group/Porter Airlines)

Hospitality and comfort

Porter’s existing signature in-flight service, featuring complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, along with a selection of premium snacks, will continue as part of the journey. 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.

Porter’s current two-by-two cabin seating is also coming to longer-haul jet travel. This ensures that every passenger enjoys more personal space, thanks to being the only airline with no middle seats on every flight.

“Porter is meaningfully investing in making economy air travel enjoyable for every passenger in ways that no one else is,” said Michael Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines. “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.”

The E195-E2 is the most environmentally-friendly single-aisle aircraft, at 65% quieter and up to 25% cleaner than previous-generation technology. (CNW Group/Porter Airlines)

Porter’s new E195-E2 aircraft will have a 132-seat, all-economy configuration, offering a number of legroom options. This complements its current fleet of 78-seat Dash 8-400 aircraft that will now offer passengers two legroom options.

PorterReserve

Porter is introducing a new, all-inclusive economy experience called PorterReserve, that is unlike anything offered today in North America. When passengers purchase a PorterReserve fare, they receive all of the perks economy travellers may want for one reasonable price that is significantly lower than business class. 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.

PorterClassic

Porter’s traditional economy experience is now referred to 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.

The PorterReserve and PorterClassic experiences, one all-inclusive and the other à la carte, respond to what’s well known about economy travel today – that airlines make many travellers feel undervalued, disrespected and stressed about flying. Porter conducted significant market research across Canada to fully understand what economy passengers want and has created an experience for them that transforms expectations.

“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,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines. “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.”

New fares
Porter will soon expand its fare options to support its broader product offering. Its four existing fare options will be aligned with PorterClassic and two new fares are being introduced with the PorterReserve experience. Fare details will be available at the same time as the first E195-E2 routes are announced.

New destinations

Porter is the North American launch customer for Embraer’s E195-E2, providing the ability to operate throughout North America, including to 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. The first of up to 100 new aircraft are scheduled to be delivered to Porter this year and initial routes will be announced in December.

Porter’s existing Dash 8-400 regional fleet will continue operating to more than 20 destinations, with a main base at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

Sustainability

The E195-E2 is the most environmentally-friendly single-aisle aircraft, at 65% quieter and up to 25% cleaner than previous-generation technology. It has the lowest fuel consumption per seat and per trip among 120- to 150-seat aircraft, and is the quietest single-aisle jet flying today. Combined with its existing De Havilland Dash 8-400s, Porter will have one of the most environmentally sustainable aircraft fleets in the world.

Sustainability is at the heart of the new onboard catering menu design, with a priority on reducing and eventually eliminating single-use plastics onboard, providing biodegradable cups and cutlery, and eco-friendly packaging. Catering partners also feature high-quality Canadian brands that will be announced prior to the introduction of E195-E2 flights.

The complete catering menu is available on flights operating for 2.5 hours or longer. Shorter flights have a full offering of complimentary snacks and beverages.

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.

Toronto Island Airport reopens after suspicious package found at ferry terminal

Web News • 23 October 2022

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Potential explosive device prompts evacuation of Billy Bishop Airport Ferry Terminal, surrounding buildings; 2 persons of interest detained

Web News • 22 October 2022

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Porter Airlines brings travellers back to Mont-Tremblant’s winter attractions

TORONTO, Oct. 13, 2022 /CNW/ – Porter Airlines returns to Mont-Tremblant, Que., this winter with its seasonal service, beginning Dec. 16 and running until March 27, 2023. The schedule includes up to three weekly flights between Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

Mont-Tremblant offers a variety of winter activities including ice skating, snowshoeing, relaxing spas, and world-class lodging and amenities. The European-style pedestrian village also transforms for the holiday season with music and entertainment for the whole family.

Skiers, snowboarders, and hikers can enjoy over 100 trails fit for everyone, from beginners to experts, in as little as 70 minutes from Toronto. Connecting flights are also available from various Porter destinations. Complete flight schedules can be found at www.flyporter.com.

Passengers can book their flight, hotel and ski packages through Porter Escapes. Visit the Porter Escapes website for more information.

About Porter

Porter Airlines provides a warm and effortless approach to hospitality, restoring glamour and refinement to air travel. Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating^®.

The airline currently offers flights to Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Fredericton, Moncton, Halifax, St. John’s, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Timmins, Windsor, New York (Newark), Chicago (Midway), Boston and Washington (Dulles), and has seasonal flights to Mt. Tremblant, Que., Muskoka, Ont., and Myrtle Beach, S.C.