Summary
- Porter Airlines has launched a new service connecting Toronto and Fort Myers, Florida, offering affordable elevated service onboard.
- The airline will operate the service with its all-economy Embraer E195-E2 jets, providing 132 seats, free WiFi, and complimentary beer and wine.
- Five more services are launching before the end of the year, including routes to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, as well as expansion into Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas in 2024.
As winter descends across the northern hemisphere, those inhabiting the colder latitudes are beginning to seek warmer climates for a few days of sun, sea, and relaxation.
Sunseekers in Canada will be excited to learn that Porter Airlines has launched another southbound service this winter, connecting Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) with Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers.
Sunny skies
The daily non-stop service is the second to open this month, following Toronto to Tampa International Airport (TPA), and comes as the airline targets rapid expansion across Canada and into the United States.
Porter Airlines will operate the service with its all-economy Embraer E195-E2 jets, offering 132 seats in a 2-2 configuration, preventing that usual middle-seat dispute. Other premium-influenced services onboard include free WiFi, snacks, and complimentary beer and wine for an in-flight tipple.
Click here for Toronto – Fort Myers flights
Photo: sockagphoto | Shutterstock
In a statement shared by Porter Airlines, CCO Kevin Jackson noted the growing popularity of Florida as a tourist destination for Canadians and the airline’s continued commitment to providing affordable elevated service onboard. Jackson explained,
“With Porter, every passenger receives the same level of hospitality and elevated service – travellers will notice the difference when they fly with us. It’s a pleasure to bring our elevated economy experience to southwest Florida.”
Following its inaugural flight on Friday, the route will run daily through the winter travel season, offering up to 20,000 seats.
Photo: Embraer
Ben Siegel, executive director of the Lee County Port Authority, celebrated its launch while welcoming the carrier to Fort Meyers, adding,
“Today, Porter inaugurates its first nonstop flight into Fort Myers from Toronto, Canada, a popular destination for residents and visitors coming to Southwest Florida. This daily service will be a great new option for travelers to enjoy.”
Further growth plans
Ahead of the snow and sleet taking hold over the coming weeks, Porter Airlines is set to launch five new services before the end of the year.
Image: GCMap
Flights from Ottawa’s Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) and Toronto to Orlando International Airport (MCO) open on November 21, while Ottawa and Toronto to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) are scheduled for November 30. The last addition, Toronto to Miami International Airport (MIA), opens on December 12.
Click here for Toronto – Miami flights.
All frequencies are set to run daily, with the Toronto – Fort Lauderdale service being bumped up to twice daily around the Christmas and New Year travel peak to meet demand.
During the first quarter of 2024, Porter Airlines will be heading southeast to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, bulking up its United States network to 11 destinations.
Porter Airlines’ US routes will be covered by its 22-strong E195-E2 fleet. Once launched, Porter Airlines’ San Fransisco and Los Angeles services will become some of the longest E195-E2 routes currently in operation, taking the current title from the airline’s longest service, Ottawa to Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
What are your thoughts on Porter Airlines’ winter routes? Will you be flying with the carrier this year? Let us know in the comments.