Porter Stimulates Demand in Sudbury

Canadian carrier Porter Airlines has announced plans to introduce a fourth weekday flight between its Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Sudbury less than two years after launching the route. It inaugurated flights on the route in March 2010 initially with a daily schedule but has now subsequently increased capacity on three separate occasions to support rising demand and enhance the convenience of its schedules for business and leisure passengers alike.

“By meeting passenger needs with convenient schedules and increased service, we’re continuing to demonstrate our commitment to Sudbury as a valued part of the Porter network,” said Robert Deluce, President and Chief Executive Officer, Porter Airlines. “The overwhelmingly positive response we’re seeing from travellers is a clear indication that we’re offering a desirable service within the market.”

Sudbury is the largest city in the Northern Ontario region by population, and the 24th largest metropolitan area in Canada. By land area, it is the largest city in Ontario, and the seventh largest municipality by area in Canada. Formerly a world leader in nickel mining, Sudbury is now the major retail, economic, health and educational centre for Northeastern Ontario. It is also home to a large Franco-Ontarian population which influences its arts and culture.

Porter Airlines is the only carrier providing service to Sudbury from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, although Air Canada offers up to seven flights per day from Toronto Pearson International Airport. An estimated 29,000 O&D passengers flew on Porter Airlines’ flights in the past year, while around 65,000 flew on Air Canada’s services. Porter Airlines uses a Bombardier Dash 8-Q400 on its flights with Air Canada using smaller Dash 8-100 and Q300 variants. Both airlines have a relatively strong yield in this market, with average one-way fares from $295 (Porter Airlines) to $315 (Air Canada).

The additional frequency, which will be introduced from January 16, 2012 will facilitate same day travel between Sudbury and Toronto and will open other alternative markets including Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Windsor, Halifax, Moncton, St. John’s, Boston, Chicago and New York.