Air Transat and Porter Airlines Forge Transformative Joint Venture to Enhance Canadian Air Travel

Air Transat and Porter Airlines Forge Transformative Joint Venture to Enhance Canadian Air Travel

Toronto, Canada - Air Transat and Porter Airlines have announced a groundbreaking joint venture, set to reshape the Canadian aviation landscape. This alliance, an extension of their existing code-sharing agreement, aims to offer Canadian travelers enhanced connectivity and a broader network of destinations.

Key Features of the Alliance:

• The joint venture combines the strengths of both airlines, integrating Air Transat's international medium- and long-haul routes with Porter's domestic and transborder short- and medium-haul services.
• This strategic collaboration will be centered around Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and Montreal Trudeau (YUL) airports, leveraging the complementary, non-overlapping networks of both carriers.
• The alliance is designed to accelerate the expansion of both airlines in their respective markets and foster stronger network optimization through collaborative scheduling and route planning.
• Implementation of this alliance will be gradual, unfolding throughout 2024.

Benefits for Travelers:

• The alliance will offer travelers access to a more extensive network, covering regions in North, Central, and South America, Europe, North Africa, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
• Customers of both airlines will benefit from increased travel options and enhanced connectivity across multiple regions.

Statements from the Airlines:

• Annick Guérard, President and CEO of Transat, highlighted the alliance as a significant step in executing Transat's strategic plan, emphasizing the opportunity to expand their transatlantic footprint and make more efficient use of their fleet.
• Michael Deluce, President and CEO of Porter, noted that the alliance would amplify Porter's ongoing North American expansion, allowing for increased flight frequency on key routes and entry into new markets.

Background and Expertise:

• Air Transat, recognized for its leisure travel expertise, serves over 60 international destinations and has a strong presence in the Quebec and Ontario markets.
• Porter Airlines, known for its elevated economy air travel experience, has been expanding its network across North America, with a growing coast-to-coast presence.

Sustainability and Fleet Expansion:

• Air Transat is committed to a more sustainable travel industry, renewing its fleet with energy-efficient aircraft.
• Porter is in the process of receiving up to 100 new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, which will further enhance its network capabilities in collaboration with Air Transat.

This alliance represents a significant evolution from the current codeshare agreement active since October 2022. It underscores the long-term commitment of both companies to align their goals, strategies, and resources for mutual growth and success in the competitive aviation market.