Canadian carrier Porter Airlines has been significantly expanding its network in the US. The airline operates two different aircraft types, but has notably been able to grow its footprint thanks to the Embraer E192-E2. Porter currently has service to five US destinations with the aircraft type, and has plans for more in the months to come. Some cities see two daily frequencies, while others see just one or near-daily flights.

Porter has a commitment to provide passengers with effortless travel, onboard service, and amenities that enhance the journey. Some may assume that a coast-to-coast transborder flight on a regional aircraft may not be comfortable, but the airline argues that all its flights are “delivered in style and comfort.” Within the last few years, the carrier has become a major contender within Canadian aviation, going head-to-head on some routes with Air Canada and WestJet. However, Porter has some distinct features to its business model that sets it apart from its competitors.

Broadening the scope

The carrier initially operated short-haul flights with its De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprop aircraft. It focused on routes within Canada and around its main hub in Toronto and then expanded to offering more service to destinations throughout the US East Coast. The idea of short-haul was retired when Porter took delivery of its first E195-E2. The aircraft has revolutionized its operation, with the ability to fly routes that take up to six hours across the country.

Two Porter Airlines Embraer jets on an airport apron.

Photo: Embraer

According to aviation analytics and data provider Cirium, Porter operates the E195-E2 to the following US destinations, with flights originating from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ):

  • Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
  • Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
  • Orlando International Airport (MCO)
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

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MCO is also served with the E195-E2 from Canada’s capital airport, Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW), while SFO is served from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL).

What you’ll experience onboard the E195-E2

The aircraft accommodates 132 passengers in a one-class 2-2 configuration. All passengers will enjoy an “unparalleled experience” with complimentary alcoholic beverages served in glassware and snacks, which is one element that sets it apart from its competitors. Free WiFi and in-seat power are also available, while inflight entertainment (IFE) can be accessed by streaming through electronic devices.

Porter Airlines Embraer E195-E2 taking off.

Photo: Porter Airlines

Porter offers two fare classes on its flights. PorterClassic offers the cheaper fares, but it comes with restrictions. The budget price option does not include carry-on bags or changes to flights. It also costs $12 to select a seat ahead of time, while checking a bag costs $40. The PorterReserve fare comes with two free checked bags, waived change fees, and a seat in the front of the cabin with extra legroom. Other perks include priority check-in, premium pre-mixed cocktails, and fresh meals.

Inside the routes

Between YYZ and LAS, Porter has two daily frequencies, totaling 60 flights next month. The route covers 1,944 miles. With 132 seats on the E195-E2, the airline will offer a total of 7,920 seats and 15,296,480 available seat miles (ASMs). Flights between YYZ and LAX are a bit longer, covering 2,176 miles. Porter, however, is not offering two daily flights on the route next month. Instead, the carrier will operate 56 flights in each direction, making a total of 112 flights. With this, the airline will have a total of 7,392 seats going in each direction and 16,084,992 ASMs.

Service between YYZ and FLL is one of the E195-E2’s shorter routes when compared to the coast-to-coast flights it operates. The route covers 1,214 miles and is operated once daily. In September, Porter will offer a total of 3,960 seats and 4,807,440 ASMs. Flights between YOW and MCO are similarly distanced, covering about 1,205 miles. The route also has daily frequencies, with a total of 7,920 seats offered next month. 4,771,800 ASMs will be offered in each direction on the route. YYZ-MCO is even shorter, covering 1,056 miles. With this, Porter also has daily frequencies, but the ASM count in each direction is 4,181,760.

A Porter Airlines Embraer E195-E2 with clouds in the background.

Photo: Porter Airlines

Among some of the E195-E2’s longest routes is the journey between YYZ and SFO. The route covers 2,260 miles and is offered daily. The total ASMs offered next month is 17,899,200 or 8,949,600 in each direction. Flights between YYZ are the second longest, crossing 2,473 miles. Porter, however, will not operate this route daily. The carrier has a total of 34 frequencies scheduled in September, meaning it will operate 17 flights in each direction. The total number of seats offered in each direction is 2,244, while the total number of ASMs next month is 11,098,824, or 5,549,412 each way. At 2,538 miles in each direction, the journey between YUL and SFO will be Porter’s longest E195-E2 route in September. However, it is also the route with the fewest frequencies. The carrier has scheduled 13 flights in each direction, totaling 26 flights. The operation will offer 1,716 seats and 4,355,208 ASMs each way.

Porter Airlines Embraer E195-E2

Photo: Ramon Cliff | Shutterstock

Porter will continue to grow its network as it receives more E195-E2 examples. In October, the airline will begin service to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) from YYZ. The service will be operated daily, and like many other US routes, it will compete with Air Canada. While it is not a coast-to-coast route, Porter will also inaugurate E195-E2 flights from YYZ to Thunder Bay in Ontario, Canada, in October. The route will complement the carrier’s existing service with the Dash 8-400 from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). New coast-to-coast routes from YYZ to San Diego and Palm Springs are set to begin in December.

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