Statement from PortsToronto Regarding Porter Airlines Announcement to Acquire New Aircraft and Extend Service Offering

Toronto (July 12, 2021) — “Today’s announcement by Porter Airlines regarding the acquisition of new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft and an extension of operations to Pearson International Airport, is good news for the aviation industry, the airline, and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. The growth plan announced is complementary and incremental to the existing and successful operations at Billy Bishop Airport, and will serve to bring greater strength, diversification and competitive advantage to Porter Airlines, which ultimately benefits our airport, the passenger and the aviation network overall.” 
 
“Porter Airlines’ commitment to Billy Bishop Airport will not change, and its operations from Billy Bishop Airport will not change. The corporate headquarters will remain at Billy Bishop Airport and the same successful network of regional markets will be served from our downtown airport.”
 
“Hats off to the entire Porter team for seizing the opportunity to re-envision their business during a time of unprecedented crisis – coming out stronger and ready to seize the opportunity ahead.”
 
“For its part, PortsToronto looks forward to the restart of commercial service offered by Porter Airlines and Air Canada on September 8, 2021, and to welcoming back travellers and supporting Toronto and region in the economic recovery ahead.”

 
About Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Offering service to more than 20 cities in Canada and the US prior to the pandemic, Billy Bishop Airport is an important international gateway and a key driver to Toronto’s economy, having generated more than $470 million in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year and supporting 4,740 jobs, including 2,080 directly associated with the airport operations. Billy Bishop Airport is renowned for its unique travel experience, efficiency and customer service and has won a series of passenger-driven awards. Commercial service at the airport was temporarily suspended in March 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Commercial operations are set to resume on September 8, 2021.

About PortsToronto
For more than 100 years PortsToronto has worked with its partners at the federal, provincial and municipal levels to enhance the economic growth of the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. PortsToronto owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport; the Outer Harbour Marina, one of Canada's largest freshwater marinas; and, Marine Terminal 52, which provides transportation, distribution, storage and container services to businesses at the Port of Toronto. PortsToronto is committed to fostering strong, healthy and sustainable communities and has invested more than $12 million since 2009 in charitable initiatives and environmental programs that benefit communities along Toronto's waterfront and beyond. PortsToronto operates in accordance with the Canada Marine Act and is guided by a nine-member board with representation from all three levels of government.

 
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Media Contact:
PortsToronto Communications
communications@portstoronto.com