THUNDER BAY — Porter Airlines is launching a new jet service between Thunder Bay and Toronto Pearson International Airport.
The roundtrip service begins on Oct. 16 using Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, and will operate three times a week.
In an announcement Wednesday, Porter said passengers on the 132-seat aircraft will enjoy "elevated economy experience" with no middle seats, complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, free premium snacks and free, fast WiFi.
The airline already provides up to five daily roundtrip flights between Thunder Bay and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport using 78-seat Dash 8-400 aircraft.
It said the jet service to Pearson will increase passenger capacity in Thunder Bay by more than 10 per cent.
"Thunder Bay has been very loyal to Porter, and we are committed to providing the community with a variety of service options at competitive fares," said the airline's president, Kevin Jackson.
He said Porter hopes to add more Thunder Bay/Pearson flights as it introduces additional Embraer jets to its fleet next year.
Graham Ingham, president and CEO of Thunder Bay Airport, welcomed the new service, saying it will enhance connectivity for the community.
"Since they arrived in 2009, Porter has significantly expanded their presence in Thunder Bay and has established itself as a key player in Canadian aviation . . . We look forward to the new opportunities this expansion will create for our region."
From Oct. 16 to Oct. 26, the new service will operate each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Winter season service starts on Oct. 27, and will be provided Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
