TORONTO — For the first time in Porter’s history, the airlineʻs network now extends beyond Canada, the U.S. and Mexico to the Caribbean islands.

Specifically, The Bahamas.

The travel industry got a bright and early gate launch party, Bahamian style, at YYZ yesterday, with executives from Porter as well as the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, the GTAA and of course, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation on hand and onboard.

“Nassau is our first destination in the Caribbean, and I can’t think of a better place for us to be starting with,” said Edmond (Eddie) Eldebs, SVP & Chief Commercial Officer, Porter Airlines, at yesterdayʻs YYZ-NAS launch.

Eldebs added that Porter is “extremely proud” to be the first airline in North America to be launching service with the state of the art E195-E2 aircraft.

“MOST AIRLINES SHY AWAY FROM ECONOMY”

Eldebs added that with the new E2 fleet, Porter is “changing the definition of economy air travel by offering highly competitive pricing for a superior product and an enjoyable passenger experience” for everyone who flies Porter.

“Economy is a segment of the market that most airlines shy away from, either because they focus their energy on satisfying elite travellers, or at the other end of the spectrum, with a discount model that asks you to pay for everything,” said Eldebs.

“We’re embracing economy travellers, who make up 90% of people flying, and we’re leading the way in making the travel experience more enjoyable.”

Porter perks include a 2×2 layout (so no middle seat), free beer and wine served in glassware and a selection of free premium Canadian snacks. On longer flights, including the flights to Nassau, Porter offers a choice of fresh, healthy, high-quality meals as part of the passenger airfare or for purchase onboard.

NASSAU: AN IMPORTANT MARKET FOR YYZ

Earlier this month Porter launched service to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, “and here we are opening the doors to another sun destination,” said Kurush Minocher, Chief Commercial Officer, GTAA.

“It’s an exciting time for Porter, and we value the partnership that brings more travel opportunities for Canadians,” he added.

Minocher noted that the Nassau market is an important one for Toronto Pearson. “We see over 120,000 travellers annually move between Toronto and Nassau, and that includes anyone from Canadians looking to escape the cold, to those visiting family traveling for business.”

As reported yesterday, Porterʻs seasonal service to Nassau out of YYZ will increase to daily beginning Dec. 12. Nonstop service from Ottawa begins on Dec. 13, and Montreal on Feb. 5.

“THE ISLANDS OF THE BAHAMAS ARE NOT JUST ONE ISLAND”

Mikala Moss, Director, Sales & Marketing, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, said she was honoured to welcome Porter Airlines and its passengers on yesterdayʻs inaugural flight to Nassau.

She also wanted travellers and the trade to know that The Bahamasʻ charms extend far beyond Nassau.

“We are so pleased to welcome you to our capital city, the hub of our destination. But we ask you to remember the islands of the Bahamas are not just one island. They’re a lifetime of them, and we have 16 major gateways and destinations for you to explore and experience.”

Visitors can island hop “and explore Abaco, and visit the Exumas, and maybe swim with the swimming pigs. We’d love you to come to Freeport, Grand Bahama and swim with the stingrays. Perhaps you’d like to go diving in San Salvador, where we welcomed our very first visitor to the Bahamas back in 1492. And of course, we’d love for you to go sailing through Bimini, where Ernest Hemingway spent some time, or maybe even relax in Andros, the Big Island.”

Giovanni Grant, Director of Airlift & Emerging Markets, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, said the new partnership between Porter and Nassau marks a big milestone, “strengthening the ties between Canada and the Bahamas and creating new opportunities for Canadian travellers to experience our islands with greater ease and comfort than ever before.”

Grant knows this market well. “We know Canadian travel travellers value destinations that offer both relaxation and discovery, and Nassau and Paradise Island go deliver just that in just over three hours.

Brent Carnegie, VP, Canlink and Canada rep for the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, told Travelweek that Nassau is enjoying record lift from the Canadian market.

“Last year we were at 28 flights. This year, we’ve gone all the way to 41. That’s incredible. Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Halifax and Calgary. We’ve got the whole country covered,” said Carnegie.

Lead image caption: Junkanoo dancer; Quinn Brown, Marketing Representative, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; Brent Carnegie, VP, Canlink and Canada rep for the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board; Mikala Moss, Director Sales & Marketing, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Investments & Aviation; Kenya Dames, DSM, Bahamas Tourist Board; Giovanni Grant, Director of Airlift & Emerging Markets, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board (all photos courtesy Annie Cicvaric)