Porter Airlines has placed a firm order for 30 Embraer E195-E2 jets and purchase rights for an additional 50 aircraft, as the carrier unveils plans for a major North American expansion.
On Monday (July 12, 2021), Porter Airlines announced that they have placed a firm order for 30 Embraer E195-E2 jets with an option for an additional 50 aircraft, as part of the airline’s major North American expansion plan. The aircraft have transcontinental range and will enter the Porter fleet starting in the second half of 2022. The total jet order is valued at up to $5.82 billion at list prices and Porter will be the North American Launch customer for the E2. The new E195-E2s will be acquired by Porter’s sister company, Porter Aircraft Leasing Corp., and will create up to 6,000 new jobs based on the delivery of 80 aircraft. The agreement also includes the right to convert purchase rights to smaller Embraer E190-E2s.
In Monday’s announcement, Porter Airlines’ President and CEO, Michael Deluce, said,
“We are bringing Porter’s distinct style of service to dozens of new North American cities. We believe that now is the right time to make this investment as the pandemic resets the aviation landscape. Adding a diverse selection of popular business and leisure destinations to our network means that we are better positioned to serve the needs of many more passengers.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome the first jet-powered aircraft to our fleet. The combination of Embraer’s newest aircraft and Pratt & Whitney’s game-changing GTF engine technology will deliver quiet flights for our passengers and low fuel burn and emissions for our environment. We look forward to flying this aircraft for years to come.”
Porter plans on deploying the new E2s on routes to popular destinations from Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and Toronto Pearson International Airport. While the airline establishes service at Toronto Pearson Airport, existing service from Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport will remain core to Porter’s business, offering high-frequency regional turboprop service.
Commenting on Porter’s dual-hub Toronto strategy, Porter Airlines’ Founder and Executive Chairman, Robert Deluce, said,
“Our commitment to Billy Bishop Airport is not changing. 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.”
The Embraer E195-E2s range reaches potential coast-to-coast markets in Canada and the U.S., Including popular U.S. sun destinations, as well as Mexico and the Caribbean. The aircraft can accommodate from 120 to 146 passengers and features large windows and overhead bins, cabin mood lighting and no middle seats. Porter is currently in the process of finalizing configuration plans including passenger experience details such as inflight entertainment and onboard service.
Also commenting on today’s order, Embraer Commercial Aviation’s CEO, Arjan Meijer, said,
“With this order for up to 80 of our largest aircraft, the E2 is making a stunning North American debut. As the quietest and most fuel-efficient aircraft in the segment, the E195-E2 also delivers excellent economic performance that shines through.”
Porter Airlines’ Chairman of the Board, Don Carty, added,
“The support of our board of directors and shareholders was crucial in deciding to invest in Porter’s future. We have investors, partners, customers and team members who have been with us from day one, while others joined at different points along the way. It’s time for us to collectively build on the exceptional global reputation that we’ve built for Porter and continue our journey.”
In a separate announcement today (July 12, 2021), Pratt & Whitney announced that Porter Airline’s new Embraer E195-E2s will be powered by the company’s quiet and efficient GTF™ engines. Additionally, Pratt & Whitney will provide Porter with engine maintenance through an EngineWise® Comprehensive service agreement. Porter Airlines currently operates a fleet of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Dash 8-400s powered by Pratt & Whitney PW140A turboprop engines, the most advanced turboprop engine in service.
Speaking on Porter Airlines’ engine order, Pratt & Whitney’s Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Rick Deurloo, said,
“We are honored to extend our relationship with Porter Airlines and aid their entry into jet-powered aircraft. These GTF-powered aircraft will bring economic and environmental value to Porter Airlines and their customers, and we look forward to supporting their new fleet.”
Porter Airlines is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. The carrier offers domestic Canadian and transborder U.S. service with flight to Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton, Halifax, St. John’s, Stephenville, N.L., Thunder Bay, Sault St. Marie, Sudbury, Timmons, Windsor, New York-Newark, Chicago-Midway, Boston and Washington-Dulles. Additionally, Porter offers seasonal service to Mt. Tremblant (Quebec), Muskoka (Ontario) and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Stephenville, NL. Porter Airlines operates a fleet of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Dash 8-400s, and will add up to 80 Embraer E195-E2s starting in the second half of 2022.
Source(s): Porter Airlines, Embraer, Pratt & Whitney