Porter Airlines Expands Service to Las Vegas with New Routes from Ottawa and Montreal
In a significant move to enhance its network and provide more travel options for Canadian passengers, Porter Airlines has announced the expansion of its service to Las Vegas.
Porter Airlines Expands Service to Las Vegas with New Routes from Ottawa and Montreal
Key Takeaways:
- Porter Airlines introduces new non-stop routes from Ottawa and Montreal to Las Vegas.
- The expansion enhances travel options for Canadian passengers and strengthens Porter's network.
- New routes will commence in November 2024, operated by Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.
Introduction
In a significant move to enhance its network and provide more travel options for Canadian passengers, Porter Airlines has announced the expansion of its service to Las Vegas. The airline will introduce new non-stop routes from Ottawa and Montreal to the entertainment capital of the world, complementing its existing service from Toronto Pearson International Airport. This expansion marks a strategic step in Porter's growth and demonstrates its commitment to meeting passenger demand in key markets.
New Routes and Schedule
Starting November 1, 2024, Porter will launch a new route connecting Ottawa International Airport (YOW) to Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). The service will operate four times weekly, with flights scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The outbound flight, PD651, will depart Ottawa at 6:00 PM and arrive in Las Vegas at 8:20 PM local time. The return flight, PD652, will leave Las Vegas at 9:35 AM and touch down in Ottawa at 5:00 PM.
Following closely, on November 2, 2024, Porter will introduce a thrice-weekly service between Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Las Vegas. These flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The Montreal to Las Vegas flight, PD657, is scheduled to depart at 5:35 PM and arrive at 8:25 PM. The return flight, PD658, will take off from Las Vegas at 8:50 AM and land in Montreal at 4:35 PM.
Strategic Importance and Market Impact
Kevin Jackson, President of Porter Airlines, expressed enthusiasm about the new routes, stating, "These new routes to Las Vegas reflect our commitment to meeting passenger demand and offering superior service across our expanding network." This expansion is part of Porter's broader strategy to strengthen its presence in key markets and provide more direct connections for Canadian travelers.
The introduction of these new routes is particularly significant for Ottawa, as Porter will be the only carrier operating direct flights between the Canadian capital and Las Vegas. Joel Tkach, Vice President of Business Development and Marketing at the Ottawa International Airport Authority, described the expansion as a "jackpot" for YOW, emphasizing the positive impact on the Ottawa community.
Growing Demand for Las Vegas Travel
Porter's expansion into Las Vegas aligns with the growing demand for travel to this popular destination. According to Steve Hill, CEO and President of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Canada is the top source of international visitation to Las Vegas. In 2023, the city welcomed 1.4 million Canadian visitors, and with these new flight options, that number is expected to grow.
Enhanced Passenger Experience
The new services will be operated using Porter's new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, which features 132 seats in a 2-2 configuration. This seating arrangement ensures that there are no middle seats, providing a more comfortable experience for all passengers. The airline offers two classes of service: PorterReserve and PorterClassic. PorterReserve passengers enjoy dedicated check-in and expedited security, while all passengers benefit from free Wi-Fi, complimentary snacks, and beer or wine served in glassware.
Broader Growth Strategy
This expansion is part of Porter's broader growth strategy, which includes plans to add direct flights from Ottawa to Florida's Gulf Coast, California, the Caribbean, and other destinations over the next two years. The airline is positioning Ottawa as a major hub, having already launched direct routes to St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Winnipeg earlier in 2024.
Porter's investment in Ottawa extends beyond route expansion. The airline has established a new crew base at YOW for pilots and flight attendants, serving about 150 crew members. Additionally, Porter has invested $65 million in building two new aircraft hangars totaling 150,000 square feet, which opened in May 2024. This facility serves as the primary maintenance base for the Embraer E195-E2 fleet and supports maintenance of the De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft.
Economic Impact
The expansion of service to Las Vegas is expected to have a positive economic impact on both the departure and arrival cities. For Ottawa and Montreal, it provides residents with more convenient travel options and could potentially attract more visitors from the United States. For Las Vegas, the increased connectivity is likely to boost tourism, benefiting the city's hospitality and entertainment industries.
Travel Rewards and Industry Recovery
Passengers booking these new routes have several options to maximize their travel rewards. While Porter Airlines doesn't currently offer a co-branded credit card in Canada, travelers can use cards that earn transferable points, such as the American Express Platinum Card or the American Express Gold Rewards Card. These cards offer strong insurance coverage, lounge access, and the ability to earn Membership Rewards points that can be used for future travel.
The introduction of these new routes comes at a time when the airline industry is recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Porter's expansion demonstrates confidence in the recovery of air travel demand and positions the airline to capture a larger share of the market as it rebounds.
Summary
In conclusion, Porter Airlines' expansion of service to Las Vegas, with new routes from Ottawa and Montreal, represents a significant development in the Canadian aviation landscape. By offering more direct connections to a popular destination, Porter is not only enhancing travel options for Canadian passengers but also positioning itself for growth in a competitive market. As these new routes take off in November 2024, they are set to bring new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange between Canada and the United States.
Q&A Section
Q: When will the new routes to Las Vegas begin? A: The new route from Ottawa will begin on November 1, 2024, and the route from Montreal will start on November 2, 2024.
Q: How often will the flights operate? A: The Ottawa to Las Vegas route will operate four times weekly, while the Montreal to Las Vegas route will operate three times weekly.
Q: What aircraft will be used for these new routes? A: The new routes will be operated using Porter's new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.
Q: What are the benefits of flying with Porter Airlines on these new routes? A: Passengers will enjoy a comfortable 2-2 seating configuration, free Wi-Fi, complimentary snacks, and beer or wine served in glassware. PorterReserve passengers will also benefit from dedicated check-in and expedited security.
Q: How does this expansion fit into Porter's broader growth strategy? A: This expansion is part of Porter's broader strategy to strengthen its presence in key markets and provide more direct connections for Canadian travelers. The airline plans to add more direct flights from Ottawa to various destinations over the next two years.
