Porter Airlines celebrates 19 years

Porter Airlines reports marking its 19th birthday, celebrating nearly two decades of growth, innovation and its ongoing mission to elevate economy travel across North America.

Over the past year, Porter reported it has grown to over 4,300 team members (up 400), expanded its fleet to 77 aircraft including 48 Embraer E195-E2 jets (making it the world's largest operator of this type, with up to 100 on order) and 29 De Havilland Dash 8-400s, while adding 20 new routes (now 87 total) and seven new destinations (now 45 total).

More expansion

For the first time, Porter is expanding its footprint beyond Canada and the U.S. in 2025. This winter season, Porter is launching flights to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, with 13 routes from four Canadian airports. 

The airline reports it also introduced significant service from Hamilton International Airport in June 2025, becoming the only airline operating scheduled flights from all three major Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area airports: Toronto Pearson, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, and Hamilton.

Porter was initially established at Billy Bishop Airport, where it continues to enhance regional connectivity across Eastern Canada and key U.S. destinations.

According to Porter, it is the largest airline at this airport, with flights connecting 15 non-stop routes – complementing an expanding North American presence at Toronto-Pearson, Hamilton, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax.

Since its founding 19 years ago, Porter said it has set the standard for elevated economy travel, being the first North American airline to offer no middle seats, complimentary beer and wine in glassware, and premium snacks on every flight.

This is being recognized globally with various awards including APEX - Top 3 Regional Airlines in the World and SkyTrax - Best Regional Airline North America.

Setting the standard

“Our team members are the driving force behind our continued growth and success,” said Michael Deluce, CEO, Porter Airlines.

“Over the past 19 years, we’ve led the way by introducing meaningful customer experience benefits that others are replicating, while creating even more opportunities for our people and more choices for passengers. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished, so far, and look forward to greater successes as we enter our 20th year,” shared Deluce.

The airline strengthened its national presence this year by launching the BMO VIPorter Mastercard with “competitive” rewards and expanding partnerships with Air Transat, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines to enhance connectivity for Canadian travellers.

More on Porter’s continued growth is available at here.

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