Free WiFi and no middle seats are just some of the perks on Porter's new E195-E2 aircraft

With the launch of up to 100 E195-E2 aircraft, Porter Airlines is looking to disrupt the travel industry again.

“We have complimentary WiFi — fast, free and streaming just like you’re in your living room — for all passengers. Porter has no middle seats on our entire network, on flights across North America, you will never be in the middle seat on Porter, which is a unique differentiating factor,” Michael Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines, told Travel Courier. “And then we’re taking that same classic Porter service, complimentary beer and wine served from real glassware, premium snacks, all complimentary, and really providing that across the economy products. So we think it’ll be quite disruptive.”

Porter’s Embraer E195-E2 jet service kicked off on Feb. 1 from Toronto Pearson with flights to Ottawa and Montreal. Meanwhile service to Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Halifax debut across various dates in February. More long-term, Porter’s list of possible destinations include Nashville, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Nassau, Bahamas.

“For over two decades the entire industry chipped away at the economy experience and today it has become very painful, stressful, and in many cases dehumanizing for most people. And no carrier has removed the pain points for economy travellers are focused on making their experience more enjoyable. And so that’s exactly what we’re going to do,” he said. “With the extension of our fleet, we’re setting out on a mission to redefine air travel again. This time we’re expanding from elevating regional air travel to elevating economy air travel across Canada and North America.”

Notably, Deluce told Travel Courier that travel advisors will remain a key focus for the airline.

“We’ve always worked closely with the travel trade and we’re going to continue strengthening that relationship,” he said. “As we go forward, obviously, there’s a lot more Porter destinations to serve, but we recognize that agencies often take the brunt of passenger backlash when things do not go well and Porter is going to be providing a product for passengers to enjoy. That is going to be highly differentiated, reliable and with a customer service level that people will enjoy.”

Deluce said Porter is focused on taking away the pain points for economy travellers, noting that this segment represents 90% of people who fly, and is continuing to build on the attributes that made the airline stand out when launching 16 years ago.

“We are challenging the definition of economy air travel by offering highly competitive pricing for a far superior product and an enjoyable passenger experience for everyone that travels with Porter. So what will we do differently that elevates economy air travel for everyone? First, it starts by giving space on board,” he shared. “Our entire E2 fleet as well as our Dash 8 are two by two in configuration and so Porter will be the only carrier that offers no middle seats to its economy customers and that is a significant differentiating factor. Second, we will provide a level of onboard amenities to every economy passenger that’s unmatched by any airline in North America. This includes our signature complimentary documentary beer and wine.”

Passengers choose between PorterClassic (and PorterClassic Stretch Seats) or PorterReserve with 30, 34 or 36 inches of legroom. Notably, all seats have in-seat power outlets.

“The brand new PorterReserve product is our one-of-a-kind all inclusive economy experience with all the Porter perks included in the fare and there’s a strong demand within the economy. segment for an enhanced experience,” he noted. “PorterReserve will attract economy travellers who desire all the perks included in a fare price, but as well as traditional business class travellers who are open to a new concept with better quality and a better value.”

Complimentary fresh meals are included in the PorterReserve price. There’s also a dedicated check-in counter and a 36-inch seat pitch on the E195-E2 for PorterReserve passengers.

Finally, Deluce pointed out that the airline remains focused on sustainability.

“From an aircraft perspective, the Dash 8 has always been a highly fuel efficient and emission friendly aircraft and the E195-E2 builds on that. It is the lowest emission aircraft for narrow bodies available. It’s a quiet aircraft and it is the most environmentally sensitive aircraft so it does build on our legacy of operating the Dash 8,” he said. “Furthermore, we’re looking to eliminate as many single use items as possible, single use plastics, you’ll see all of our food offerings on board not only are they healthy and tasty food items, but they’re in eco friendly packages and I think that is something that’s very important for consumers these days.”