Porter Airlines Adds Las Vegas to Expanding Toronto Pearson Network

Canadian short-haul carrier Porter Airlines continues to expand its network from Toronto’s Pearson International (YYZ) since beginning operations from the airport in February of this year. Porter continues to operate from its traditional hub of the downtown Toronto Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) but now touts Toronto Pearson as its ‘second hub.’

The airline announced this week that Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) would become the seventeenth route from YYZ. Porter Airlines will begin a daily service between YYZ and LAS from March 5, 2024 utilizing the airline’s new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.

Kevin Jackson, Porter Airlines’ executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said in a press release: “It takes something exceptional to stand out in Vegas, and we intend to do just that by bringing our elevated economy experience to this popular destination. From the runway to the Strip, passengers start their special getaway the moment they board our aircraft.”

Porter’s ‘elevated economy experience’ on the 132-seat, all-economy, two-by-two configuration E195-E2 includes free wifi for all passengers along with a ‘selection of premium snacks, and free beer and wine.’ The airline also offers those customers purchasing an all-inclusive ‘PorterReserve’ fare a meal service. Those customers who purchase the ‘PorterClassic’ fare can purchase an inflight meal.

Porter E195-E2 cabin with dimmed mood lighting (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Andrew Chen)

Almost one million Canadians traveled to Las Vegas in 2022 according to H. Fletch Brunelle, the vice president of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “The ability to access affordable and convenient flights, like Porter Airlines’ new route from Toronto, is key to ensuring more travelers can experience everything Las Vegas has to offer,” said Brunelle.

Porter’s scheduling of the flights to and from LAS will suit those Canadians visiting the ‘entertainment capital of the world.’ The five-hour flight from YYZ to LAS will have an early afternoon departure and will arrive just after 3 p.m. local time. This will allow passengers visiting Vegas to check in to their accommodations immediately after arriving at Harry Reid International. The return flight from LAS will depart at 4 p.m. so visitors can go straight from checkout to the airport without a long delay, arriving back at Toronto Pearson a little after 11 p.m.

In addition to the Toronto Pearson-Las Vegas route, Porter Airlines also announced this week that the Embraer E195-E2 would commence service on Feb. 14, 2024 from Ottawa International Airport (YOW) to Calgary International Airport (YYC). The service from Canada’s capital to the largest city in the province of Alberta will depart late in the afternoon with a return flight departing in the morning. Porter Airlines already operates from YOW to the capital of Alberta, Edmonton, and further west to Vancouver in British Columbia.

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John Flett

John has always had a passion for aviation and through a career with Air New Zealand has gained a strong understanding of aviation operations and the strategic nature of the industry.

During his career with the airline, John held multiple leadership roles and was involved in projects such as the introduction of both the 777-200 and -300 type aircraft and the development of the IFE for the 777-300. He was also part of a small team that created and published the internal communications magazines for Air New Zealand’s pilots, cabin crew and ground staff, balancing a mix of corporate and social content.

John is educated to postgraduate level achieving a Masters degree with Distinction in Airline and Airport Management. He has been the course director of an undergraduate commercial pilot training programme at a leading London university and a member of Heathrow Community Trust’s ‘Communities for Tomorrow’ panel.

John is currently living in Canada and is contracted as an external instructor for aviation-related organizations.

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