News
Porter investing 45 million dollars in Toronto

April 27, 2009, Toronto  – Porter Airlines is investing over $45 million in a new 150,000 sq.-ft. passenger terminal at Toronto City Centre Airport (TCCA), laying the foundation for significant growth as the carrier continues adding flights, creating jobs and contributing to economic growth.

Phase one of the terminal opens November 2009, and includes passenger facilities, aircraft gates and office space. The full facility, including 10 bridged aircraft gates, U.S. and Canadian customs, and two passenger lounges will be complete by spring 2010.

“Porter’s new terminal is a concrete sign of Toronto City Centre Airport’s revitalization and our long-term commitment to providing customer-focused service and added competition for air travelers,” said Don Carty, chairman of Porter Airlines.

With steel beams rising in the background, dignitaries including The Hon. Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance & Minister Responsible for the GTA; The Hon. John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities; The Hon. Michael Bryant, Minister of Economic Development for Ontario; and Mark McQueen, Chair of Toronto Port Authority marked the terminal’s progress at a ceremony today.

Three hundred immediate infrastructure jobs, plus the long-term benefit of more than 1000 direct Porter jobs are contributing significantly to Toronto’s economic development at this critical time. Over 1 million passengers will be using the terminal annually by 2010, with the facility supporting Porter’s growth up to 20 aircraft and beyond.

“We are proud as a private company to be investing in the future of Toronto and all of our passengers with this project,” said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. “This building is a testament to all of our employees’ hard work and everyone who believed this airport could support convenient, competitive airline service.”

The new terminal includes a mix of retail, food services, duty-free, car rentals and other services. Standard complimentary Porter amenities, including business centers, lounge-style seating, beverages and Wi-Fi will be enhanced in the new building.

Scott Associates Architects Inc. is design architect for the terminal. Aviation specialists with a worldwide portfolio, Scott is known around the globe for its expertise in the planning and design of airport facilities. With the successful completion of more than 30 major airport planning, design and construction projects in over 15 countries, Scott brings to each project an extensive understanding of every aspect of an airport’s unique requirements. figure3 is providing interior design services.

The passenger’s terminal experience supports Porter’s brand promise of “flying refined” by selecting quality furniture, materials and finishes. figure3 works with companies across Canada and internationally to leverage design as a catalyst for positive change. The Maple Reinders Group is the lead terminal contractor. The company has successfully completed over 1,500 projects. Current annual volume of construction work on heavy civil and buildings is projected to exceed $200 million with individual project values ranging from $15,000 to $60 million.

Porter is more than doubling its fleet to 18 Bombardier Q400 aircraft in 2009. Significantly increased frequency on its primary Montreal-Toronto and Ottawa-Toronto routes, new service to Thunder Bay, Ont., beginning June 26, and additional U.S. destinations all feature in Porter’s short-term growth plans.