TORONTO — Porter Airlines is giving its already enhanced Economy Class product a major upgrade as it forges ahead with its strategy to grow in markets throughout North America.

The carrier says it is challenging North American aviation with a new flying experience that elevates economy travel. In addition to its existing signature onboard service, Porter’s economy class experience will offer free WiFi, fresh meals, enhanced legroom and more.

Building on its distinct, longstanding regional service, Porter will elevate economy flying for everyone in its greatly expanding network, says Michael Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines.

Fresh meals with Porter Airlines

“Porter is meaningfully investing in making economy air travel enjoyable for every passenger in ways that no one else is,” says Deluce. “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.”

Porter’s expansion plans, first announced in July 2021, include up to 80 new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, new service out of Toronto’s Pearson airport, and new flights to more U.S. sun destinations, plus Mexico and the Caribbean. The carrier is not just looking south, but west too, to Western Canada and the U.S. West. Travelweek’s follow-up interview with Deluce included more detail about the expansion plans, and how Porter works with travel advisors.

HOSPITALITY & 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 with the enhancement. The airline’s introduction of the E195-E2 aircraft also brings all passengers free, fast WiFi. On longer flights, the option of fresh meals is also available.

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

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

PorterReserve

A new, all-inclusive economy experience called PorterReserve, “is unlike anything offered today in North America,” says the airline. “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” of seat pitch, similar to business class legroom on other narrow-body aircraft. On Porter’s Dash 8-400 fleet, PorterReserve will be in the first two rows (six seats) with 32” 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 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” 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” of seat pitch.

Says the airline: “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.”

And Kevin Jackson, Porter’s Executive VP and Chief Commercial Officer, adds: “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. 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, 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 20+ destinations, with a main base at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

Sustainability

Porter says 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 says it 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.