Canadian regional carrier Porter Airlines has officially launched its brand-new Toronto (YYZ) to Calgary (YYC) route. The Alberta-bound service will compliment Porter’s similarly recently established Edmonton (YEG) flights, which launched on February 14.

Latest addition

Porter Airlines’ new route will offer two daily non-stop frequencies until June 1, when the route will increase to three daily flights to the popular intra-Canadian tourist destination. Calgary is a modern and lively city situated close to the Rocky Mountains, providing over 7 million yearly visitors with a mix of cosmopolitan and outdoors activities.

Flights will be operated with Porter Airlines’ Embraer E195-E2 regional aircraft, which joined the carrier’s fleet earlier late last year. The jets offer 132 seats spread across Porter Airlines’ single-class “enhanced economy,” the only carrier to offer the type on the Toronto - Calgary route.

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“The launch of service in Calgary continues Porter’s western expansion and marks our entry to southern Alberta,” explained Porter Airlines CCO Kevin Jackson.

“Porter’s elevated economy travel experience is unlike anything that Calgarians have experienced up to now. The level of service that Porter offers is unheard of for economy travellers among North American airlines.”

Porter Airlines expansions

Toronto - Calagary is just one of Porter Airlines’ new routes for 2023 – less than two months into the year, the airline has already expanded its network to include destinations including Montreal (YUL), Vancouver (YVR) and Edmonton from Toronto, and Charlottetown (YYG) from Ottawa (YOW).

Speaking to Simple Flying in December, Jackson expressed optimism about the upcoming year for Porter Airlines, particularly its expansion out of Toronto Pearson Airport and Ottawa International Airport, adding a range of new destinations for Porter Airlines customers.

Porter Airlines is set to take on 50 195-E2s over the next few years, with further purchase rights in-place to expand the order up to 100 if required. The jets will slot in alongside the carrier’s pre-existing De Havilland Canada Dash-8 turboprops, currently serving as the backbone to Porter Airlines’ operations, doubling its current range and allowing for further expansion across North America.

Improving the customer experience

To find its niche within the hyper-competitive North American leisure market, Porter Airlines has looked to distinguish itself with the development of its customer experience offerings, from onboard dining to in-flight comforts. The carrier’s new E195-E2s are set to form the foundations of its elevated travel experience, with the regional jets offering typical 2-2 business class configuration as economy class seating, alongside improved overhead space, mood lighting, and natural leather seats for added comforts.

Most recently, the airline has looked to upgrade its inflight catering options, offering cocktails and other tipples onboard Porter Airlines’ longer E195-E2 flights. More food items are also available for purchase, with sustainable, plant-based, and locally sourced options among the carrier’s overhauled menu items.

Have you flown onboard one of Porter Airlines new Embraer E195-E2? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments.