Last week, Canada’s Porter Airlines added another new destination to its growing network, launching its first flight between Toronto and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. With around 35 destinations across North America, Porter literally has something for everyone, all at affordable, low-cost fares.

Porter’s new Embraer E-2 route to the sun

With another long, cold winter just around the corner, Canadian travelers now have a new option to thaw out when it all gets too much. On October 3, Porter Airlines launched its first flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Phoenix, Arizona, the first route in Arizona served by Porter Airlines (Porter).

Porter Airlines Embraer E195-E2

Photo: Embraer

On Thursday, Porter flight PD641 departed Pearson International at 10:12 and, after a 4:10-hour flight, arrived in Arizona at Phoenix Sky Harbor International at 11:22. The new route was flown by a recent addition to Porter’s growing fleet of Embraer E-195-E2 jets, a 2023-built aircraft with registration C-GKQR and MSN 19020082.

Porter Airlines inaugural Toronto to Phoenix Sky Harbor flight

The Embraer departed Phoenix Sky Harbor at 15:44 and landed in Toronto at 22:33, where it stayed overnight. This particular E195-E2 has recently been operating a cross-section of Porter’s domestic network, including to and from Winnipeg (YWG), Ottawa (YOW), Vancouver (YVR), Calgary (YYC) and Halifax (YHZ).

Why open a new route to Arizona?

For Porter, the new service is an opportunity to connect Canada’s largest city with one of North America’s most popular getaway destinations. It is also the first time Porter has operated in Arizona, so it will be a new adventure for its loyal followers, who now have a direct link to the Valley of the Sun, known for its stunning desert landscapes, world-renowned resorts and vibrant food and arts scene.

Porter Airlines Embraer E195-E2

Photo: Ramon Cliff | Shutterstock

Perhaps the most enticing reason is that Arizona has more than 300 sunny days a year and average winter temperatures in the 70s, making it a perfect and now seamless escape for Canadian travelers seeking warmth and adventure. It is a favored destination for Canadians for its natural beauty and diverse cultural experiences. Porter president Kevin Jackson said:

“This inaugural flight from Toronto to Phoenix builds on Porter’s growing Western US presence – now with service in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego and San Francisco. Our unique approach to economy air travel is something that Arizona will welcome as we continue delivering on our promise of making flying better.”

Perhaps a little-known fact is that Canada is Arizona’s number one international investor and number two destination for exports. The new route will support the more than one million people already traveling between Canada and Arizona annually for business, tourism, academic and cultural collaboration, as well as visits to friends and family.

Why the E195-E2 is doing so well for Porter

According to Planespotters.net, Porter Airlines has a fleet of 42 Embraer E195-E2s, with an extraordinary average age of just 1.0 years. The Porter aircraft are configured in a one-class layout of 132 seats, with no middle seat and options for extra legroom for PorterReserve and PorterClassic travelers.

Porter Airlines Embraer E195-E2 interior

Photo: Embraer

Passengers on the new route experience Porter’s signature elevated economy service aboard the state-of-the-art Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. The service includes complimentary wine and beer served in glassware, premium snacks and free high-speed WiFi, delivering a travel experience “like no other.”

PorterReserve passengers enjoy additional benefits such as priority check-in, enhanced legroom and fresh, healthy meals. These features can also be purchased à la carte with PorterClassic fares. Connections are available to and from Montréal, Ottawa and Halifax via Porter’s Toronto-Pearson hub for travelers traveling onwards.

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