North American launch customer for Embraer's next-generation E195-E2 aircraft, Porter Airlines, launched flights with its new jets yesterday. Two inaugural flights took place yesterday, both from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), to Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL).

Flying next-generation aircraft

Until yesterday, Porter only operated turboprop aircraft, specifically the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-Q400. In 2021, Porter placed a firm order for 30 E195-E2s, and at last year's Farnborough Airshow, added another 20 aircraft and 50 purchase options, making it the North American launch customer for the aircraft type. A few days before Christmas in 2022, the Canadian airline took delivery of its first two jet aircraft and launched a campaign of announcements regarding its network and passenger experience.

Following yesterday's launch of flights to YOW and YUL, Porter will add more routes in the coming weeks. Currently, Porter will fly its E2s to YOW four times and to YUL three times daily, but increasing to four times daily from February 7th.

“A tremendous amount of innovation and dedication was invested to get us to this point and today our team members get to see the results of their efforts. Now passengers can fly with us using either Toronto airport and experience the style, care and charm that only Porter provides. Our emphasis on service and treating economy passengers with dignity challenges expectations for what flying should be like. It’s a momentous occasion and it makes sense that these first flights connect with our two longest-standing partners, Montreal and Ottawa, where we have been serving these communities from Billy Bishop since 2006.” - Michael Deluce, President and CEO, Porter Airlines

At gate events for each inaugural yesterday, passengers got a taste of Porter's inflight service, which included Balzac’s Coffee Roasters, Sloane Fine Tea Merchants and Cookie It Up chocolate chip shortbread. Every passenger was gifted with $150 vouchers for future travel, and the airline held a drawing for one-round trip flight for two people to experience Porter's new PorterReserve economy product.

New E2 routes

Porter has announced five routes that will be operated by its new jets. In a statement yesterday, the airline revealed its plans to expand its E2 flights to additional destinations on the West Coast of Canada, the southern United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Earlier this week, rumors floated around on Twitter that Porter would launch flights to:

Below is the launch schedule for Porter's first five E2 routes:

• Vancouver International Airport - beginning once daily on February 7th, increasing to three return trips daily by March 21st.
• Ottawa/Macdonald–Cartier International Airport – four return trips daily from February 1st.
• Montréal–Trudeau International Airport – beginning three times daily on February 1st, increasing to four return trips daily by February 7th.
• Edmonton International Airport – Beginning once daily on February 14th, increasing to three return trips daily by April 19th.
• Calgary International Airport – two return trips daily from February 22nd.