Access selected deals available with budget and full-service airlines
Lock any airfare that sounds great. You don’t lose anything if you cancel it
Call us anytime for any assistance. We do not go into hibernation
Your personal and financial information stays secure with us
Porter Airlines, stylized as "porter," is a Canadian airline headquartered at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) in Toronto, Ontario. Renowned for its refined economy-class experience, Porter has carved a niche as a boutique carrier emphasizing convenience, hospitality, and value. Below is a comprehensive overview of Porter Airlines’ history, operations, fleet, services, challenges, and future outlook.
Porter Airlines was founded in 2006 by Robert Deluce, now Executive Chairman, with a vision to revolutionize short-haul travel in North America. Operating initially from Toronto’s Billy Bishop City Airport, Porter aimed to provide a premium yet affordable regional service using Bombardier (now De Havilland Canada) Dash 8 Q400 turboprop aircraft. The airline’s launch faced controversy due to its base at the island airport, with concerns over noise, pollution, and runway limitations raised by local communities and politicians, including then-Toronto Mayor David Miller. A planned bridge to the airport was canceled in 2003, leading to lawsuits between Deluce’s REGCO Holdings (now Porter Aviation Holdings) and the City of Toronto. Despite losing the case, Porter secured compensation from the Toronto Port Authority, acquired the airport terminal used by Air Canada Jazz, and terminated Air Canada’s access.
Porter’s first U.S. destination, Newark Liberty International Airport, began service in March 2008, after receiving U.S. Department of Transportation clearance in June 2007. In 2009, Porter expanded its fleet by exercising options for additional Q400s, and in 2010, it opened a larger passenger terminal at Billy Bishop, connected to the mainland by a pedestrian tunnel in 2015. In 2013, Porter proposed expanding the airport to accommodate jets, but the federal government rejected the plan in 2015 due to environmental and community concerns. In 2021, Porter announced a major expansion with the introduction of Embraer E195-E2 jets, enabling longer-haul routes and marking a shift beyond its regional roots. By 2023, Porter launched its first E195-E2 passenger flights, connecting Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Vancouver (YVR) and Ottawa (YOW) to Montreal (YUL). As of 2025, Porter is the third-largest airline in Canada, behind Air Canada and WestJet, and continues to grow its presence in North America.
As of 2025, Porter operates a fleet of approximately 50 aircraft, comprising De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 turboprops (74 seats) and Embraer E195-E2 jets (132 seats, no middle seats). The Q400s, configured with fewer seats than the maximum 78 due to Billy Bishop’s 4,000-foot runway, offer enhanced legroom with a 34-inch seat pitch. The E195-E2s, used for longer routes and operations from larger airports like Toronto Pearson, feature modern cabins with free Wi-Fi, wider seats, and power outlets. Porter has committed to a fleet expansion, with 75 confirmed E195-E2 orders and 25 additional purchase rights, aiming for up to 100 jets by 2027. The airline has also built a 150,000-square-foot maintenance base at Ottawa International Airport (YOW) for the E195-E2 fleet and is constructing a new terminal at Montreal Metropolitan Airport (YHU), set for completion by late 2025, creating over 500 jobs.
Porter operates three hubs: Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), and Ottawa International Airport (YOW), with additional bases in Montreal (YUL and YHU) and Halifax (YHZ). The airline serves 30 destinations across Canada and the U.S., including Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Halifax, Vancouver, New York (EWR), Boston (BOS), Chicago (MDW), Los Angeles (LAX), and Fort Lauderdale (FLL). New routes launched in 2025 include Hamilton (YHM) to Halifax (YHZ) and Vancouver (YVR), with Edmonton (YEG) and Calgary (YYC) added soon after. Porter’s partnership with Air Transat enables connections to Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean through Montreal, Toronto, and Quebec City, with seamless check-in and baggage transfers. The airline operates over 100 daily flights, focusing on point-to-point travel with a commitment to no middle seats.