Porter Airlines to be launch carrier at new Montreal Metropolitan Airport

Porter Airlines is set to transform air travel in Montreal by bringing its elevated passenger experience to the revitalized Montreal Metropolitan Airport (MET). Service begins on June 15, with 12 routes being introduced across Canada.

Passengers flying from MET will step into a unique, modern terminal featuring an open concept departure lounge with comfortable seating throughout.

YHU Infrastructure Partners developed and operates the new terminal, focusing on creating a more enjoyable airport experience that puts passengers at ease. Its compact and efficient design saves travellers substantial time when departing or arriving.

Located in Longueuil on Montreal’s South Shore, the airport’s location offers a more convenient air travel option for greater than 50% of the region’s population and provides easy access to downtown and Montreal’s central neighbourhoods.

MET, formerly called Montreal Saint-Hubert Airport, will be a significant boost for the local economy, including the travel and tourism sectors.

Michael Deluce, CEO, Porter Airlines, said that: “The new MET terminal development represents an exceptional private investment in transportation infrastructure that Greater Montreal will benefit from for generations. Porter is bringing a wide range of flight options to the airport, along with a genuine commitment to the community.”

Deluce added: “Our philosophy is to treat everyone with care and this is perfectly complemented by the overall travel experience passengers will enjoy at MET. We are eager to begin this journey with an unprecedented amount of new service.”

Yanic Roy, CEO, MET – Montreal Metropolitan Airport, said that: “MET is very proud to count on Porter Airlines as a leading strategic partner in enhancing connectivity for Greater Montreal across Canada. With Porter’s strong presence at MET, the opening of the new terminal is built on solid foundations and promises a reliable and forward-looking future for the greatest benefit of passengers.”

And Charles Roberge, president and CEO, YHU Infrastructure Partners, pointed out that: “As Porter prepares to begin operations at MET, passengers will quickly notice a different kind of airport experience. The terminal has been designed to make every step before boarding simpler, faster and more comfortable — from arrival at the Terminal to the gate. With its compact layout and a simple, streamlined passenger flow, travellers can move through the terminal with ease and spend more time relaxing before their flight. Together with Porter’s elevated onboard service, this creates a seamless and refreshing travel experience.”

Porter’s inaugural MET flight schedule puts Montreal at the centre of a cross-country network. Twelve coast-to-coast routes are starting within a week:

• Quebec City (YQB) June 15 7x weekly
• St. John’s (YYT) ** June 15 7x weekly
• Toronto City (YTZ) June 15 27x weekly
• Toronto Pearson (YYZ) June 15 20x weekly
• Vancouver (YVR) June 15 14x weekly
• Edmonton (YEG) June 16 7x weekly
• Calgary (YYC) June 17 7x weekly
• Halifax (YHZ) June 17 14x weekly
• Charlottetown (YYG) ** June 18 7x weekly
• Winnipeg (YWG) ** June 18 7x weekly
• Moncton (YQM) ** June 19 7x weekly
• Hamilton (YHM) June 22 14x weekly

*Note: MET’s official airport designation code is YHU

**Seasonal route

All flights are now available for booking at www.flyporter.com and through travel agencies.

MET will be served by both the 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 and the 132-seat Embraer E195-E2. There are no middle seats on any Porter flight.

Montreal has been a central part of Porter’s strategy since it began flying to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) when the airline was founded in 2006. MET’s opening allows for a rapid 91% expansion of Porter’s peak summer capacity in the region, including six new non-stop destinations. There are as many as 244 weekly departures from the city–138 from MET and 106 from YUL.

New flights at MET complement Porter’s continuing commitment to Montreal-Trudeau.

By serving both airports, Porter is offering passengers more choice, flexibility, and convenience in selecting their flights and destinations.

In the last three years, Porter has introduced 52 E195-E2s into its fleet. This enabled rapid growth throughout North America, including transcontinental flights in Canada and the U.S., plus service to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

The airline continues expanding its network, which currently includes 112 routes across 49 year-round and seasonal destinations.

Its arrival at MET is part of this plan to have an even stronger presence across Canada. A partnership with regional airline Pascan, based at MET, also provides improved connectivity throughout Quebec’s regions and the Maritimes. Passengers are able to purchase a single ticket that includes flights on both airlines, with seamless baggage connections.