Following its controversial re-opening in October, and the introduction of services initially to Ottawa, Porter Airlines flights between Toronto City Airport and Montreal have been increased to nine round-trips each weekday. Saturday's schedule includes two round-trips, plus four on Sundays. The Montreal route began 11 December, with four weekday return flights.
"Passengers are responding to the time savings of up to two hours they gain on round-trip flights by flying from the island airport and the focus that Porter has on service," said Porter Airlines president and CEO Robert Deluce. "It's the perfect time to offer more flights on the Montreal ” Toronto route with business travel picking up after the holidays." Porter recently took delivery of a fourth 70-seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft.
Situated on an island less than two miles from the city centre, and dating back to the 1930s, Toronto City Airport has always been the centre of, sometimes very bitter, debate. Some island residents and environmentalists opposed the whole concept, whilst many people in the city see the operation as another boost in both business and leisure terms, comparing it to London City Airport (which was initially fought against by many, including Ken Livingston who later opened its railway extension). An innovative state-of-the-art ferry links the airport to the mainland (a 120m two-minute journey), and passengers can make use of a brand new terminal building.