Porter Airlines Achieves Major Milestone With 50Th Embraer E195-E2

São José dos Campos, Brazil and Toronto, Canada – December 23, 2025 – Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ; B3: EMBJ3) has delivered the 50th E195-E2 aircraft to Porter Airlines, marking a major milestone in one of North America’s most dynamic fleet expansions. Since receiving its first E2 jet in December 2022, Porter set out to reshape travel across North America and set a new standard for passenger experience.

Porter has firm orders for 75 aircraft, with purchase rights for an additional 25, potentially bringing its fleet up to 100 E2s. The E195-E2 has enabled Porter’s impressive network expansion across Canada, the U.S., and now the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America.

The airline’s bold strategy includes extending its elevated economy experience into southern vacation sunshine markets; launching 13 new routes to five popular destinations this season – Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Nassau, Grand Cayman, and Liberia (Costa Rica) – from Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Hamilton airports. With the addition of the 50th E2, Porter will continue exploring opportunities to increase capacity across its growing network.

Michael Deluce, President & CEO of Porter Airlines, said, “Since Porter’s founding in 2006, we have consistently focused on raising the bar for our passengers by proving that economy flying can and should be pleasurable for everyone. The E2’s introduction into our fleet is allowing us to turbocharge these efforts as the fastest growing airline in North America over the last three years. The aircraft offers an incredible passenger experience and supports our promise as being the only airline in the region with no middle seats for any passenger on any flight. Our story is continuing as we reset the competitive landscape.”

Nigel Patterson, Vice President Sales & Marketing, and Head of Region North America, Embraer Commercial Aviation, added: “Porter Airlines is a true disruptor in North American travel. Their commitment to elevating the passenger experience with the E195-E2 highlights the aircraft’s unique blend of operational efficiency, passenger comfort, and environmental performance. Today’s delivery reinforces our conviction that the E2 family is the ideal solution for next-gen growth and market expansion.”

The E195-E2 is the largest and most advanced member of Embraer’s E-Jets E2 family. It delivers up to 29% lower fuel burn compared to first-generation E-Jets, a range of 3,000 nautical miles (~5,556 km), enabling nonstop operations across North America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Designed for high-frequency routes, the E195-E2 combines outstanding economics, the quietest cabin, 4th-gen fly-by-wire avionics, a modern passenger environment featuring onboard Wi-Fi and seatback power – and no middle seats.

Porter supplements the aircraft’s capabilities with a category-leading inflight offering. The airline’s award-winning passenger experience is available to everyone onboard on a complimentary basis, including wine and beer service in glassware, premium snacks and streaming-quality Wi-Fi.

Porter’s rapid fleet growth and network expansion underscore its transformation into a major player in North American aviation. With a reputation for delivering a premium flying experience, Porter is redefining travel for millions of passengers.

ROUTES - Porter Airlines has launched a flight service between Toronto Pearson International Airport and Nassau, Bahamas.

The seasonal service will increase to daily !ights on Dec. 12, with additional nonstop routes from Ottawa beginning Dec. 13 and from Montreal on Feb. 5. All !ights are operated by 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircra".
aviationweek.

ROUTES - Porter Airlines will operate up to 86 daily flights across 34 destinations from Toronto Pearson in winter 2024/25, a 19% increase yoy — its largest-ever winter schedule.

Duncan Stewart
 

Canada's PACL completes certification, launches

 Porter Airlines (Canada) Limited (PACL) - a new sister airline to Canada's Porter Airlines (PAI) - plans to launch international services to sun destinations in the United States in the summer of 2023, targeting major cities in California, Florida, and Nevada.

A regulatory filing with the Department of Transportation (DOT) on January 31, 2023, reveals that PACL received its air operator's certificate (AOC) from Transport Canada and its operating license for non-scheduled international service from the Canadian Transportation Agency on January 20, 2023.

Now, PACL has applied for an exemption and a US foreign air carrier permit for scheduled and charter services of persons, property, and mail.

The startup launched intra-Canadian service on February 1, 2023, with transborder service to the first US destinations of Los Angeles International and Las Vegas Harry Reid to commence in late spring/early summer 2023, as soon as all necessary government approvals are received. Other US destinations planned for summer 2023 include Orlando International, Fort Lauderdale International, and San Francisco, CA.

As the North American launch customer of Embraer's E195-E2, PACL's US services are to complement PAI's existing flights between Toronto City Centre and major US cities. "The E195-E2 will enable PACL to expand well beyond PAI's geographic range, putting the entire continental US in reach," the airline said. This followed the certification of the E195-E2 by Transport Canada on December 15, 2022.

According to the filing, PAI's existing executive team also manages PACL, including industry stalwart Robert (Bob) Deluce (Executive Chairman) and son Michael Deluce (President and Chief Executive Officer). Both airlines' services are marketed under the "Porter" brand. The sister companies share operational functions such as technology, routes, maintenance, dispatch, customer service, loyalty programmes, and, eventually, codeshares and interline agreements. Both airlines' flights are operated under one IATA code (PD) and sold on the same website and through travel agents.

As a privately-held Canadian company, PACL has exercised its rights under Canadian law to withhold commercially sensitive information from public disclosure, including the ownership structure of Porter Airlines Holding, Inc. (PAHI), PACL's initial capitalisation and financial statements.

CH Aviation

Porter Airlines to open Ottawa E2 MRO base

Porter Airlines (PD, Toronto City Centre) parent Porter Aviation Holdings Inc. and the Ottawa International Airport Authority (OIAA) are investing more than CAD65 million Canadian dollars (USD47 million) in constructing two aircraft hangars and supporting infrastructure at Ottawa Int'l.

The 13,935.46 sqm facility will maintain Porter's incoming fleet of E195-E2s and twenty-nine existing DHC-8-Q400s, the airline said in a statement. Porter has up to 100 E195-E2s on order from Embraer (EMB, Sao Jose dos Campos), including 50 firm commitments and 50 purchase rights. The first aircraft are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2022, and initial routes will be announced leading up to the first aircraft deliveries.

The new E195-E2 fleet will enable Porter to operate throughout North America, including the UWest Coast, southern US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The airline said the aircraft would initially be deployed from Toronto Pearson, with Ottawa, Halifax, and Montréal Trudeau seeing new service with the E195-E2 over time.

Meanwhile, the hangars are being built in two phases: Phase One is scheduled for completion by the end of 2023, and Phase Two in the first quarter of 2024.

Ottawa Int'l will be the E2's primary maintenance base, with Porter hiring 200 local staff, including 160 aircraft maintenance engineers. Other positions include shop technicians, store clerks, and administrative support.

"We anticipate our presence in Ottawa will grow in the coming years, supported by the maintenance base and future aircraft deliveries that give us the ability to consider new routes," commented President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Deluce.

OIAA is constructing a new CAD15 million (USD10.8 million) taxiway in the airport's north field area and related infrastructure to support Porter's hangar development, federal government requirements, and possibly other commercial aviation-related development.

In addition to daily line maintenance on the E195-E2 and Dash 8-400, the Ottawa facility will have the following capabilities:

• Indoor parking for up to eight aircraft;

• Structures shop for repairs and modifications of metal and composite aircraft parts;

• Component repair shop to repair and overhaul cabin equipment;

• Wheel shop to repair and overhaul main and nose wheels; and

• Battery shop to repair and overhaul aircraft main and emergency batteries.

    ch aviation

Porter CEO: E195-E2 fleet will focus on transcon routes, not Caribbean

 

Michael Deluce tells Routes that sun destinations will be a ‘smaller focus’ of the Canadian carrier’s Embraer jet fleet.


Porter Airlines CEO Michael Deluce said the Toronto-based airline will emphasize transcontinental routes connecting destinations within Canada and Canadian cities with US cities when it begins taking delivery of Embraer E195-E2 aircraft in the second half of next year.

In July, Porter revealed plans for a major network expansion starting in 2022 after confirming an order for 30 E195-E2s and purchase rights for 50 more. The carrier did not list specific planned E195-E2 routes. The airline, which restarted operations earlier this month from its Toronto Bishop (YTZ) base after a long COVID-19-related grounding, is currently an all-De Havilland Dash 8-400 operator with 29 of the type.

Speaking to Routes, Deluce said flights to Mexico and the Caribbean will be a “smaller focus” of the E195-E2 fleet. Most of the E195-E2s—for which Porter will be the North American launch customer—will fly “transcontinental across Canada and the US,” Deluce said. “There’s room for this product at a low cost structure.”

He said Porter will not compete with the likes of Air Canada and WestJet on price on the routes operated by the Embraer jets, but Deluce believes many passengers will choose Porter’s service over its competitors if flight ticket pricing is equal.

The Porter E195-E2s will be based at four Canadian airports: Halifax (YHZ), Montreal (YUL), Ottawa (YOW) and Toronto Pearson (YYZ).

Even though Porter will start flying out of YYZ for the first time with the E195-E2s, YTZ “will always remain core to our operations,” Deluce said. He added that the company’s headquarters will remain at YTZ and the carrier plans to continue flying a robust regional flight schedule from the downtown Toronto airport. 

Routes Online



Photo credit: CNW Group/Porter Airlines

Porter orders 30 E195-E2s, outlines major expansion

Canada’s Porter Airlines has ordered 30 Embraer 195-E2s and taken options to acquire a further 50 of the jets, while also announcing plans to expand its operation to include flights at Toronto Pearson airport.

Bombardier Q400 Aircraft Continues to Support Porter Airlines’ Growth

Porter Airlines and Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that the airline’s fleet has grown to 29 aircraft with Bombardier’s delivery of another Q400 turboprop. Porter exclusively flies Q400 airliners.

Porter’s home base at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is known as one of the world’s best urban airports. It is located within three kilometers of the city’s central business and entertainment districts. Approximately 2.7 million passengers used the airport in 2016.

“The Bombardier Q400 aircraft represents the fine craftsmanship that has been the backbone of the aerospace industry in Canada for many years,” said Robert Deluce, President and CEO, Porter Airlines. “As Bombardier prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary this year, the Q400 aircraft’s performance, environmental credentials and passenger appeal continue representing hallmarks of our customer experience. These attributes have supported Porter’s network growth to 23 destinations in more than a decade of operation.”



“We are honoured that Porter continues to credit the Q400 aircraft with providing the operating efficiency, speed and low noise levels that have helped the airline grow to become one of the best regional airlines in North America. Bombardier is delighted that the Q400 aircraft has contributed to that success as we continue to see a trend for more capable turboprop aircraft worldwide,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

PORTER - DHC8-Q400 -We're bringing the TORONTO 2015 flame to a city near you and we've dressed our PQ400 for the ride!

Porter

Porter Airlines Signs Purchase Agreement for up to 30 Bombardier CS100 Aircraft; Becomes CSeries Aircraft's Canadian Launch Customer

· Porter Airlines revealed as the “unidentified Americas-based” CSeries aircraft customer

· CSeries flight deck and cabin demonstrator on display at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

· Transaction includes purchase rights on six Q400 NextGen aircraft

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Porter Airlines has signed a conditional purchase agreement for 12 CS100 airliners, with options for an additional 18 CS100 aircraft. The agreement also includes purchase rights on six Q400 NextGen aircraft. The parties also disclosed that Porter Airlines is the unidentified, Americas-based customer that signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for CS100 aircraft as announced by Bombardier in December 2012.

Today’s announcement was made at Porter Airlines’ home base at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, where alongside Bombardier, they also unveiled the CSeries aircraft flight deck and cabin demonstrator that will be on private display at Porter’s facility during the month of April 2013.

Based on the list price of the CS100 airliner, a firm-order contract would be valued at approximately $870 million US and could increase to $2.08 billion US should the 18 options also be converted to firm orders. Should Porter also exercise the six purchase rights for Q400 NextGen aircraft, the contract value would increase to $2.29 billion US.

“Following an in-depth analysis of existing and re-engined aircraft, we have selected the all-new CS100 airliner for its flexibility and suitability for urban operations, including outstanding fuel efficiency and short airfield performance, as well as reduced sound and emissions,” said Robert Deluce, President and Chief Executive Officer, Porter Airlines. “The aircraft fits perfectly into our business plans and growth strategy and we are also proud to be the Canadian launch customer for Bombardier’s CSeries aircraft. We look forward to expanding our network with an all-Bombardier fleet of CS100 jetliners and Q400 turboprops – promoting greener, quieter flying.”

“Porter Airlines’ selection of the game-changing CS100 jetliner for its operations is a compliment to the CSeries aircraft program and the flexibility of this aircraft and the missions it can perform. As an award-winning airline, Porter is widely recognized for its unique operations, as well as the refined service it provides and we are thrilled that Porter continues to look to Bombardier aircraft for its growth requirements,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The worldwide momentum of interest for the CSeries aircraft program continues to grow and we are pleased that customers in both our traditional and growth markets are exploring opportunities and centering business cases around the use of Bombardier’s CSeries jetliners and pairing them with their Q400 aircraft operation. We look forward to seeing the technologically advanced CS100 aircraft take to the skies in Canada and its neighbouring regions alongside Porter’s existing fleet of 26 Q400 aircraft.”

“We’re delighted about this agreement between Porter Airlines and Bombardier as it represents the first Canadian operator to select the PurePower® family of engines and also extends the strong relationship amongst Porter, Bombardier and Pratt & Whitney,” said Todd Kallman, President, Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines. “In addition to double-digit reductions in fuel consumption and engine operating cost, our PurePower engine generates a noise footprint that is up to four times smaller than today’s jet engine-powered aircraft, which benefits both travelers and airport communities.”

CSeries aircraft development program

The first CSeries flight test vehicle (FTV1) is in its final stages of build and is progressing towards the transfer to the flight test phase following the completion of the full powering up of the main electrical distribution system in March 2013. The CSeries aircraft is moving closer to obtaining the safety-of-flight permit following the successful completion of the critical series of structural and system tests. The fly-by-wire system testing continues and to date, tests have shown results as expected. As for the assembly of the other flight test vehicles: systems installations are being completed on FTV2; the wings are being mated on FTV3; and the fuselage on FTV4 has entered into the assembly stage - all of which are advancing to schedule.

Flight deck and cabin demonstrator
Bombardier’s flight deck and cabin demonstrator for the CSeries airliner will be on private display at the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport from April 10 to April 30, 2013. Media requests to visit the demonstrator should be submitted to 416-375-3030.

The CSeries aircraft flight deck features a number of technologically advanced communication and navigation aids and benefits from the latest avionics. The integrated design approach sets a new standard and offers reduced costs through increased operational efficiency and reduced pilot training, while improving reliability. The result is a finely tuned human-machine interface, which the demonstrator allows visitors to fully experience.

The CSeries family of aircraft’s spacious seating, increased shoulder space, extra-large windows, latest-generation LED lighting and upsized, overhead storage will deliver a new level of widebody-style comfort in single-aisle aircraft.

The cabin demonstrator, representing the latest look and feel of the CSeries aircraft interior configuration, features a business class section, an array of economy seats at various seat pitches, and a variety of optional in-flight video displays

Porter Airlines Operates Bombardier Q400 Aircraft in Canada's First Biofuel-Powered Revenue Flight

·         Biofuel test program led by Bombardier Aerospace, Porter Airlines, Pratt & Whitney Canada and Targeted Growth successfully concluded

·         Program funded by the key partners and by Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence (BL-NCE) Program through GARDN

Porter Airlines today successfully conducted the first biofuel-powered revenue flight in Canada. In the successful conclusion to a test program that was launched in 2010, the airline flew one of its Bombardier Q400 turboprops from its base at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to Ottawa using a 50/50 blend of biofuel and Jet A1 fuel in one of its engines.

The fuel was certified to the new American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D7566/D1655 standard and the biofuel used was derived from the oilseed crops, Camelina sativa* (49 per cent) and Brassica carinata* (one per cent). The aircraft’s other engine was powered by Jet A1 fuel. The flight included passengers making their way to Ottawa for business and pleasure, representatives from the biofuel test program’s partnering organizations and media.

This is the final step in a two-year project whose key members are Targeted Growth, Bombardier Aerospace, Pratt and Whitney Canada, the manufacturer of the PW150A engines that power the Q400 aircraft, and Porter Airlines. Funding for the biofuel test program was provided by the key partners, as well as by Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence (BL-NCE) through the Green Aviation Research & Development Network (GARDN).

Additional support to the program was provided by Agrisoma Biosciences Inc., which grew the carinata and produced the carinata bio-oil; Sustainable Oils, which crushed the camelina to make the camelina bio-oil; Honeywell UOP, which converted the bio-oils into the bio-derived jet fuel to meet the D7566 standard; and SkyNRG who were responsible for logistics and blending meeting the D1655 specification.

“In a fitting tribute to Earth Day 2012, which is now less than a week away, we are delighted that one of our Bombardier Q400 turboprops has become the first aircraft to successfully conduct a biofuel-powered revenue flight in Canada,” said Robert Deluce, President and Chief Executive Officer, Porter Airlines. “The use of biofuels promises to significantly reduce the level of emissions produced by commercial aircraft worldwide, and Porter is honoured to have contributed to this test program in Canada.”

“The success of this biofuel test program, which utilized a BombardierQ400 aircraft, speaks volumes about the ability of the aviation and other communities to work together towards producing a more sustainable aviation industry,” said Hélène V. Gagnon, Vice President, Public Affairs, Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility, Bombardier Aerospace. “But that’s not the only milestone achieved today. This is the first time that a revenue flight in Canada was powered by biofuel, so we’ve achieved a first for Canada. ”

“When this biofuel project was submitted in October 2010, the Private Sector Advisory Board, a strategic body comprised of respected Canadian industry leaders, approved it with complete confidence and praised it very high value added, world-class experts and very good focus,” said Sylvain Cofsky, Executive Director of GARDN. “Eighteen months later, today’s flight proves they were right and I am extremely proud of GARDN’s contribution to this very promising success in the field of aviation.”

"We are firmly committed to ensuring that our products are designed, produced and operated while minimizing environmental impacts throughout their life cycle, outperforming the most stringent ICAO standards,” said Daniel Breitman, Vice President, Engine Development Programs, Pratt & Whitney Canada. “We have implemented new technologies to significantly reduce fuel consumption, environmental emissions and engine noise in our latest generation of engines and we are developing cutting-edge green technologies for the future, to help the aerospace industry reach its commitment of reducing its overall footprint."

“Targeted Growth was very pleased to be involved in this project,” said Robert Woods, president, Targeted Growth. “Partnerships such as this one help demonstrate market confidence that spurs the critical research and development required to advance feedstock productivity.”

On February 9, 2012, in preparation for Porter’s revenue flight, Bombardier flew a Q400 turboprop test aircraft on the ASTM D7566/D1655 bio-derived jet fuel. This was the first such biofuel-powered test flight in Canada.

BOMBARDIER