FREDERICTON — Porter Airlines’ new daily nonstop service to Fredericton, New Brunswick is officially up and running, with the first flight landing in the capital city on Sept. 12.

Flights operate daily between Ottawa and continue to downtown Toronto. Connections to other Porter cities are available from both locations.

The service was welcomed with huge fanfare, with hundreds of locals coming out to greet arriving passengers. There were also Garrison District guards and a bagpiper in attendance, plus politicians and other community leaders.

“The enthusiastic welcome for our inaugural flight is something that we want to build on to ensure Porter has a long, successful presence in Fredericton,” said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines, after arriving on the flight. “We believe that the desire for competition and lower prices will encourage more people to fly and consider Porter when they do.”

Fredericton Mayor Mike O’Brien also added: “The arrival of Porter Airlines is great news for Fredericton’s economy and will definitely benefit leisure and business travellers across the region. We’re growing and air service is growing with us!”

Porter Escapes vacation packages, including air and hotel, can be booked at porterescapes.com. Fredericton packages for Ottawa departures are currently available for two nights starting at $400 per person (includes all taxes) on select October dates. Two-night stays in Toronto, departing from Fredericton, are $450 per person during the same period.

Porter has operated in New Brunswick since 2010. It is also preparing for its first flight to Saint John, N.B., on Sept. 21.