Canadian carrier Porter Airlines has opened a new aircraft maintenance base in Ottawa that will service as the primary repair facility for its growing fleet.
First announced in late 2022, the $125 million investment consists of two aircraft hangars at Ottawa International Airport (YOW) which, combined, feature approximately 150,000 ft.2 of space, as well as a new taxiway and related infrastructure such as repair shops for structures, components, wheels and batteries.
The two hangars will support maintenance of Porter’s 29 De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400s, as well as its growing Embraer E195-E2 aircraft fleet. The airline currently operates 33 E195-E2s and has up to 100 on order. Porter also has a 20-year agreement in place with Embraer covering aftermarket services for its E195-E2s, including airframe and engine maintenance, component-pooling and repairs.
According to the airline’s parent company, Porter Aviation Holdings Inc (PAHI), the new base is being driven by its growth at YOW. “Porter’s presence at YOW has grown significantly in the past year, with new nonstop routes using both our E195s and Dash 8s, and plans to add an E195-E2 crew base at the airport,” says PAHI CEO Michael Deluce.
To support the base’s operations, Porter will hire 200 local staff, including 160 aircraft maintenance engineers as well as shop technicians, stores clerks and administrative support. To support this workforce pipeline growth, the airline is establishing a long-term strategic partnership with nearby Algonquin College, which offers aircraft maintenance technician and aviation management programs. “Our partnership with Algonquin College is extremely valuable for both organizations, providing us with access to local talent and giving students career opportunities that are close to home,” adds Deluce.
