Porter Airlines
Airline Statistics
167
Active Routes4077
Flight Observations46
Unique Destinations43
Origin Airports1182
Avg Route Distance (mi)2916
Longest Route (mi)8
Domestic Routes92
International RoutesAbout Porter Airlines
Porter Airlines (ICAO: POE) is a Canadian airline known for its focus on an "elevated economy experience" and its strategic operational model. The airline has expanded significantly since its founding, extending its network across North America.
Porter Airlines was founded in 2006 by Robert Deluce and commenced operations in October of the same year, with a vision to provide a premium air travel experience. The airline initially focused on short-haul flights from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), establishing it as its primary hub. Over the years, Porter has expanded its operational bases to include Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), with plans for new crew bases in Montreal and Vancouver to support its growing network.
The airline operates a modern, dual-fleet composed of De Havilland Dash 8 Q400 turboprops and Embraer E195-E2 jet aircraft. As of late 2024, its fleet size stands at approximately 77 aircraft, including 45 Embraer E195-E2s, 29 Dash 8 Q400s, and 3 Embraer 195s. Porter's route network has grown from a regional focus to cover a broad scope, serving destinations across Canada, numerous cities in the United States, and more recently, expanding into Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. While not a member of a major global airline alliance like Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or Oneworld, Porter Airlines has established interline partnerships, such as with Qatar Airways (since 2012), and a recently announced codeshare partnership with American Airlines to enhance connectivity.
Porter Airlines offers a distinctive onboard experience across its two fare families: PorterClassic and PorterReserve. All passengers enjoy complimentary premium snacks, free beer and wine served in glassware, and a notable absence of middle seats, enhancing comfort. On its Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, passengers also benefit from free high-speed Wi-Fi. PorterReserve provides an elevated experience akin to premium economy, featuring more legroom, premium meals on flights over 2.5 hours, dedicated airport check-in, and increased flexibility for changes and cancellations.
Traveler Reviews
What Travelers Love:
- Complimentary Amenities: Travelers consistently praise the complimentary premium snacks and beverages, including beer and wine served in glassware, a unique offering in economy class. Free high-speed Wi-Fi on Embraer E195-E2 flights is also a valued amenity.
- No Middle Seats: The absence of middle seats across Porter's fleet is a significant positive, contributing to a more comfortable and spacious cabin experience.
- Customer Service & Onboard Experience: Many travelers appreciate the friendly and efficient service provided by the flight attendants and find the cabins clean and comfortable.
- Convenience of Billy Bishop Airport: The accessibility and efficiency of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), with its easy access to downtown Toronto, efficient security, and inviting lounges, is frequently highlighted as a major benefit.
Common Complaints:
- Delays and Cancellations: Some passengers have reported issues with flight delays and cancellations, noting concerns about communication and the rebooking process.
- Baggage Policy/Carry-on Issues: There have been instances where travelers faced unexpected fees for carry-on luggage deemed "too big" despite having used the same bags on other airlines without issue.
- Fare Class Restrictions: Passengers on "Basic Fare" tickets have expressed frustration over limited flexibility for flight changes.
- App Functionality for International Travelers: International passengers occasionally report problems with the Porter Airlines app, which can hinder online check-in.
Overall Sentiment Summary: Porter Airlines generally receives positive feedback for its commitment to an "elevated economy experience" and the convenience of its primary hub. However, operational challenges such as flight disruptions and specific baggage policy enforcement points are areas where traveler satisfaction can vary.
Safety Information
Porter Airlines maintains a commendable safety record, having not experienced any major accidents since its establishment in 2006. While the airline has had a few minor incidents between 2022 and 2025, including a runway overrun in April 2023, a tail strike in June 2024, and isolated events related to uncommanded yaw movements or landing gear, these were managed effectively without any reported injuries.
The airline adheres to rigorous safety standards, complying with all requirements set by Transport Canada, the federal transportation department. It holds an Air Operator Certificate and is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Porter Airlines also maintains a robust safety management system that prioritizes the well-being of both its employees and passengers.
Porter's fleet has an average age of 7.1 years, with its newer Embraer E195-E2 jets averaging 1.7 years and its Dash 8 turboprops averaging 15.3 years. The airline places a strong emphasis on maintenance, having established new aircraft maintenance bases in Ottawa and Halifax. Porter also has a comprehensive Total Support Program agreement with Embraer for its E195-E2 fleet, covering heavy maintenance checks and technical solutions for up to 20 years.
Based on available data, Porter Airlines demonstrates a strong overall safety assessment, reflected by a perfect 7/7 safety rating from AirlineRatings.com. Its consistent adherence to regulations and proactive approach to managing incidents contribute to a reliable safety profile. Porter Airlines has received several accolades for its quality and safety standards, including being certified as a 4-Star Airline by both Skytrax and the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). It was also named North America's Best Regional Airline by the Skytrax World Airline Awards in 2024 and rated as a 2025 Four Star Major Airline by APEX.
Route Network Map
Most Popular Routes
Top Destinations
Top Origin Airports
Top Border Crossing Flights
Longest Routes
Shortest Routes
All Routes
167 Total Routes| Route | Destination | Flights | Distance | Aircraft | Last Seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YQT → YTZ |
Toronto City Centre
Toronto
|
307 | 638 mi | DH8D | Feb 10, 2026 |
| YUL → YYZ |
Toronto Pearson Int'l
Toronto
|
196 | 367 mi | E295 | Feb 10, 2026 |
| YUL → YTZ |
Toronto City Centre
Toronto
|
157 | 310 mi | DH8D | Feb 10, 2026 |
| YTZ → EWR |
Newark Liberty Intl
Newark
|
144 | 387 mi | DH8D | Feb 9, 2026 |
| YTZ → YUL |
Montreal-Trudeau
Montreal
|
135 | 342 mi | DH8D | Feb 9, 2026 |
| YQM → YOW |
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Int'l
Ottawa
|
132 | 547 mi | DH8D | Feb 11, 2026 |
| YTZ → YOW |
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Int'l
Ottawa
|
129 | 243 mi | DH8D | Feb 9, 2026 |
| YQT → YOW |
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Int'l
Ottawa
|
120 | 702 mi | DH8D | Feb 10, 2026 |
| YYG → YOW |
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Int'l
Ottawa
|
91 | 623 mi | DH8D | Feb 9, 2026 |
| YQT → YYZ |
Toronto Pearson Int'l
Toronto
|
89 | 571 mi | E295 | Feb 9, 2026 |
| YQM → YTZ |
Toronto City Centre
Toronto
|
85 | 751 mi | DH8D | Feb 11, 2026 |
| YHM → YVR |
Vancouver Int'l
Vancouver
|
83 | 2658 mi | E295 | Jan 17, 2026 |
| YTZ → YQT |
Thunder Bay Int'l (Thunder Bay)
Thunder Bay
|
78 | 620 mi | DH8D | Feb 9, 2026 |
| YVR → YYZ |
Toronto Pearson Int'l
Toronto
|
73 | 2081 mi | E295 | Feb 11, 2026 |
| EWR → YTZ |
Toronto City Centre
Toronto
|
70 | 336 mi | DH8D | Jan 28, 2026 |
| YTZ → BOS |
Boston Logan Intl
Boston
|
69 | 433 mi | DH8D | Feb 9, 2026 |
| YTS → YTZ |
Toronto City Centre
Toronto
|
64 | 384 mi | DH8D | Feb 9, 2026 |
| YYZ → YUL |
Montreal-Trudeau
Montreal
|
59 | 315 mi | E295 | Jan 29, 2026 |
| YUL → YHZ |
Halifax Int'l
Halifax
|
59 | 521 mi | DH8D | Feb 10, 2026 |
| YQG → YTZ |
Toronto City Centre
Toronto
|
57 | 228 mi | DH8D | Feb 9, 2026 |
| YVR → YOW |
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Int'l
Ottawa
|
49 | 2237 mi | E295 | Feb 10, 2026 |
| YYC → YYZ |
Toronto Pearson Int'l
Toronto
|
48 | 1673 mi | E295 | Jan 30, 2026 |
| YYJ → YYZ |
Toronto Pearson Int'l
Toronto
|
47 | 2121 mi | E295 | Feb 6, 2026 |
| YHM → YEG |
Edmonton Int'l
Edmonton Capital Region
|
44 | 1681 mi | E295 | Oct 5, 2025 |
| YTZ → MDW |
Chicago Midway Intl
Chicago
|
44 | 482 mi | DH8D | Feb 9, 2026 |
Airline statistics are based on flight route observations collected from FlightAware AeroAPI and other sources. Flight counts represent observed operations, not scheduled frequencies. Route data is continuously updated as new flight information becomes available.
Last Update: Feb 11, 2026 06:02
Coverage: Observed routes only