Over 5 million passengers travelled since inaugural flight

TORONTO, Oct. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Five million passengers later, Porter Airlines marks its fifth birthday on Oct. 23.

Celebrations this weekend include as many as 140 free flights given away to passengers on Sunday, October 23 - one return trip to one passenger on every flight operated that day.

Porter has operated over 136,000 flights in its history and this week carried passenger number five million, who was recognized with five one-way flights anywhere the airline flies.

"Five years of successful flying is directly attributable to the dedication of our employees and the loyalty of our passengers," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. "Everyone involved can be proud of the contribution we've made to redefine the flying experience for millions of people by focusing on service and energizing competition in the markets we serve. Our 'flying refined' motto is upheld daily by our team and it's something that separates Porter from the competition."

Porter reintroduced basic amenities to short-haul flying. Complementary food and beverage service, including beer and wine onboard, leather seating and comfortable legroom are just some of the service standards passengers have come to expect. It also upped the ante with sophisticated passenger lounges that are open to all of its customers in select airports. These are just some of the features that remind people of the golden age of air travel in the 1960s and make the Porter experience unique.

"We've taken a measured approach to growth over the last five years while also making strategic investments in people, infrastructure and aircraft," said Don Carty, Chairman of the Board for Porter Airlines. "These investments created a foundation that is paying off today and will continue to do so for the next five years and longer."

Porter now serves 16 destinations in Canada and the U.S.  Burlington, Vermont, and Timmins, Ontario, will be the newest cities in the network within three months.

The Porter team has grown to approximately 1,300 employees, up from 200 when the first flights departed five years ago. An expanding fleet now includes 24 70-seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft. Two additional aircraft are being delivered in November.

About Porter Airlines

Porter Airlines is Canada's third-largest scheduled carrier, based at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.  Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline^® in the World Airline Star Rating^® by Skytrax, committed to offering speed, convenience and service as part of a premium travel experience. A refined journey begins on the ground with comfortable airport lounges and service-oriented team members.  The experience continues seamlessly in the air with spacious interiors and well-appointed crew.  Passengers enjoy complimentary services, including free in-flight wine, beer and premium snacks, all aboard modern aircraft. 

The airline currently offers flights to Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Moncton, Halifax, St. John's, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Timmins, Windsor, New York (Newark), Chicago (Midway), Boston (Logan), and has seasonal flights to Mt. Tremblant, Que., Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Burlington, VT.

Join VIPorter frequent flyer program to earn a free flight after as few as five one-way trips. Visit www.flyporter.com or call (888) 619-8622 for more information.

SOURCE Porter Airlines Inc.

Image with caption: "Porter Airlines 5th Birthday Card. (CNW Group/Porter Airlines Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20111021_C6234_PHOTO_EN_5253.jpg

Image with caption: "Porter Airlines Q400 Aircraft at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. (CNW Group/Porter Airlines Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20111021_C6234_PHOTO_EN_5254.jpg

Video with caption: "Video: Porter Airlines - 5 Millionth Passenger". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20111021_C6234_VIDEO_EN_5257.mp4&posterurl=http://photos.newswire.ca/images/20111021_C6234_PHOTO_EN_5257.jpg&clientName=Porter%20Airlines%20Inc%2E&caption=Video%3A%20%20%20Porter%20Airlines%20%2D%205%20Millionth%20Passenger&title=PORTER%20AIRLINES%20INC%2E%20%2D%20Porter%20Airlines%20celebrates%205%20years%20of%20%27Fl