First look: See pics of Porter’s new Embraer jet on the production line

It’s not every day an airline peels back the curtain and shares a behind-the-scenes look at new aircraft that are still in the skeleton stage of production.

But Porter Airlines has done just that, posting images of an under-construction Embraer E195-E2 – the jet model the Toronto-based airline plans to launch this year – to its social media accounts on Friday (March 25).

“The countdown continues and we can’t wait to see the finished product in Porter’s signature colours in just a few months,” the company wrote on its LinkedIn page. “Stay tuned as we bring you along every step of the way!”

The Embraer E195-E2 marks Porter’s expansion into offering jet service to popular destinations in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean – a move that is set to shake up the country’s aviation space with new competition.

As announced last year, Porter has signed a deal to become the North American launch customer for the “next generation” Embraer E195-E2 and will fly the aircraft out of Toronto's Pearson International Airport, as well as Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax.

READ MORE: Porter Airlines expanding service across North America

With an order for 30 planes and 50 purchase right options, Porter will not (and cannot) operate jets out of Toronto's Billy Bishop airport in downtown Toronto, where it currently serves regional cities in Canada and the U.S.

But Porter, which celebrated its 15th anniversary last October, will continue to use Toronto’s convenient island airport for flights using its existing fleet of Q400 turboprops.

“Our commitment to Billy Bishop Airport is not changing,” said Robert Deluce, founder and executive chairman of Porter Airlines, back in July 2021 when the expansion was announced. “Our corporate headquarters at Billy Bishop is being maintained and we will continue serving the same network of regional markets from downtown Toronto.” 

“We are moving beyond this existing footprint to welcome more travellers across North America, with an emphasis on providing the sophisticated service that only Porter delivers.”

"Quietest single-aisle jet flying today"

Regarding the Embraer E195-E2, 19 aircraft will be delivered as new to Porter in 2022 and 2023. The total aircraft order is valued at up to USD $5.82 billion.

As per Porter’s website, the 195-E2 has a noise footprint that is up to 76 per cent smaller than previous-generation narrowbody aircraft.

“It’s the quietest single-aisle jet flying today,” Porter says.

Compared to the new Airbus 220-300s, 30 E2s emit 45,000 fewer tons of CO2 every year and the E2 has the lowest fuel consumption per seat and per trip among 120 to 150-seat aircraft, the airline says.

As well, because there are no middle seats, a window or aisle seat is guaranteed to all passengers on board. 

Other 195-E2 cabin amenities include large windows with scooped sidewall panels, spacious overhead bins that allow every passenger to bring a carry-on bag, coloured LED mood lighting, power outlets at every seat and touchless lavatories.

Click here for an overview.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.