Porter Airlines Chairman Don Carty Inducted to Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame

Donald (Don) Carty’s storied aviation career was recognized with his induction into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame (CAHF) during a formal ceremony held at Porter Airlines’ aircraft maintenance facilities at Ottawa International Airport.

Porter says that as the founding and continuing Chairman of the Board, Carty has been instrumental in overseeing the company’s rise over two decades to a fast-growing North American airline known for its passenger-friendly service model.

Induction into the Hall is the highest honour in Canadian aviation, recognizing a lifetime of achievement and a legacy that continues to inspire. For more than fifty years, CAHF has celebrated the vision and courage of those who have helped shape aviation in Canada. 

Carty’s industry experience extends to the global stage, most notably as past Chairman and CEO of AMR Corporation and American Airlines, the world’s largest airline during his tenure. He has also served prominently as President and CEO of CP Air, later rebranded to Canadian Pacific Air Lines, Chairman of Virgin America, and a Board Member of Hawaiian Airlines.

“This recognition by Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame is a genuine career highlight,” said Carty. 

“Every stop in my journey has been unique, with each airline having its own influence on the industry. My time with Porter continues to be among the most enjoyable things that I’ve done. It’s a shining example of having a vision that no one else did and then working incredibly hard to see it through to reality against long odds in the eyes of many people. I’m extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished to date in redefining the way Canadians fly today,” he added.

During Carty’s long career he has seen and participated in several seismic changes to the aviation industry.

“During my 20-plus years at American, I witnessed transformative industry shifts – from deregulation and open skies policies, to launching the world’s first major airline loyalty program,” Carty said. 

“CP Air and Canadian helped to form the foundation of competitive air service in the country that exists in different forms today. And Virgin America and Hawaiian demonstrated exceptional service innovations and operational standards that made everyone get better. Aviation is a remarkable business and it continues to be as dynamic as ever.”

Robert Deluce, Porter’s founder, Executive Chairman and 2017 CAHF inductee, recalled Carty’s influence during the airline’s early years: 

“Don was vital to stress testing our business plan and lending the highest degree of credibility to our efforts. This was particularly meaningful with investors, who valued Don’s global perspective. The fact that Don continues to lead our Board of Directors and that all of our initial investors remain with the company today speaks volumes about his influence. He remains among the most influential leaders in the history of our industry.”

Michael Deluce, Porter’s current CEO and a founding executive member emphasized the intangible influence that Carty offered: 

“We were attempting to do something unique at the time by revitalizing Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and making it a real alternative to what was previously in the market. This wasn’t a straightforward process and we had to consistently find creative ways of achieving our objectives. Don was always available to offer advice and support whenever it was needed. It’s something that I continue to value with our relationship today.”