Porter Airlines launches new sun routes from Toronto Pearson

TORONTO · Porter Airlines inaugurated service from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Oranjestad, Aruba on Thursday, the first of five new southern destinations being added this winter. Flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica, Los Cabos, Mexico, and Providenciales, Turks and Caicos will begin in November, followed by service to San Jose, Costa Rica in December. The carrier will operate nearly 1,400 flights to sun destinations from Toronto Pearson this winter season, an increase of more than 115 percent compared to the previous year. These new routes add two new countries and five new cities to Porter's network from the airport.

"This is the start of our second winter season at Toronto Pearson to southern destinations beyond the U.S., adding two new countries, five new cities and 10 routes," said Andrew Pierce, Porter's vice president of network planning and reporting. "For Canadians looking for a warm escape, Porter is offering more choice and flexibility for their winter getaways." The new flights are in addition to existing service to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Nassau, Grand Cayman and Liberia. Porter offers nonstop flights in combination with Transat vacation packages to several of these destinations, available for booking now. Carl Jones, head of aviation business development at Toronto Pearson, said Canadians are looking to escape the winter and enjoy more sun. "As one our fastest growing airlines, we’re excited to see Porter Airlines continue to expand its network from Toronto Pearson," Jones said. "The addition of destinations like Aruba, Turks and Caicos and Jamaica, along with expanded service to Mexico and Costa Rica, reflects the strong demand we’re seeing from passengers for more choice, convenience and connectivity when they travel."

Jonny Andersen, chief executive officer of the Aruba Airport Authority, welcomed the first flight. "For our community, this route offers another way to stay connected with loved ones and explore Canada, while Canadian travellers can look forward to experiencing our island’s hospitality," Andersen said. Arlington Musgrove, the minister responsible for aviation in the Turks and Caicos Islands, called the launch an important milestone in strengthening connectivity with the Canadian market. "Canada remains an important source market for our tourism industry, and these new routes will give Canadians more choice and easier access to the warmth, beauty, and hospitality of the Turks and Caicos Islands," Musgrove said.

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Rodrigo Esponda, managing director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board, said Porter is a natural fit for the destination. "The new nonstop flights from Toronto will strengthen our connectivity with Canada, support our efforts to diversify our visitor base, and attract travellers seeking meaningful, high-quality experiences," Esponda said. Angella Bennett, regional director for Canada at the Jamaica Tourist Board, said the new service reflects confidence in Jamaica as a destination. "Porter’s new service is more than an addition to the winter schedule, it's providing more Canadians with a convenient way to experience our beautiful island," Bennett said.

Marcos Borges, executive president of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, said the airline is bringing the countries closer together. "From our extraordinary biodiversity and vibrant culture, to rainforest adventures, beach escapes, and wellness experiences, we look forward to offering Porter passengers a memorable experience," Borges said. The expansion is enabled by the introduction of new 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft into Porter's fleet. On every flight, passengers receive Porter's signature service, including no middle seats, complimentary wine and beer served in glassware and premium snacks. Routes operated with the new Embraer E195-E2 also have free, fast WiFi available for everyone.