Porter Airlines Launches Flights at Newly Redesigned Hamilton International Airport

Only three months after their initial announcement, Hamilton International Airport unveiled its terminal enhancements and celebrated the arrival of Porter Airlines’ first flight June 3.

Speaking to a group of media, government officials and stakeholders, Porter CEO Michael Deluce was joined by Vantage Group Chair and CEO George Casey, TradePort CEO Peter Tong and Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath.

“The partnership between the city, Porter Airlines, Vantage and TradePort allows for the continued investment in this airport and this community,” Casey opened his address. “It continues to drive the economic engine that this airport is, and most importantly, it provides Hamiltonians the air service they want and deserve. It is what sets this airport on the course for its very positive future.”

The expanded terminal at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport will enhance the passenger experience through several improvements: there’s a new front facade and entrance design, which will create a more welcoming first impression, capacity is increased to accommodate Porter Airlines’ new flights and the inside passenger area features modern facilities to provide better comfort and convenience for travellers.

Porter is introducing non-stop daily flights to Vancouver and Halifax, followed by Edmonton and Calgary on June 11. Deluce says bookings are also encouraging as Hamilton’s growing in popularity and the city and surrounding region has a lot to offer travellers.

“It’s remarkable what has been accomplished in just a few months, and that’s a testament to the Vantage team,” Deluce told the crowd. “The enhancements are a great compliment to what Porter provides with an overall travel experience that is elevated from curb to gate.

I’m happy to say that the inaugural flights on each route are nearly full, and bookings for summer are trending very well. In fact, we’ve already added a second daily flight between Hamilton and Vancouver that starts at the end of June.

We’ll continue working with our tourism partners to promote overall travel to the region, and we ask that everyone here also make Hamilton airport your first choice when traveling within our network.”

In a time of economic uneasiness in the industry, Porter Airlines is continuing to grow. In the last two years, they’ve taken delivery of 44 brand new Embraer 195s, out of an order of 100.

“You’ve seen a lot of growth over the last two years but you’re going to continue seeing growth and today here in Hamilton, is just one of those steps forward,” Deluce told Travel Market Report Canada at the event.

He hints that a big announcement is “coming very soon” regarding their winter schedule and sun destinations.  The airline has taken a bit of a soft hit south of the border but is still benefitting from “significant growth” in US traffic. Domestically, Canada is very strong.

“When it comes to Hamilton, we are extremely excited about this airport, the community around it, and the million and a half people that live closer to this airport.  With this redesigned terminal, it really is a game changer for the community.”