Saturday, March 5, 2011

Air Canada to fly out of Toronto Island

Air Canada to fly out of Toronto Island
The country’s largest airline will resume flying out of the Toronto Island airport on May 1 creating competition for Porter Airlines for the first time in nearly five years.

Air Canada said Friday it planned to start service with up to 15 daily non-stop return flights between downtown Toronto and Montréal’s Trudeau International Airport, one of the busiest and most competitive routes in the country.

Tickets will go on sale Monday, March 7, Air Canada said.

Air Canada made the announcement Friday after reaching agreements with Porter Aviation Holdings Inc., which owns the terminal building, and The Toronto Port Authority, which operates the airport.

Air Canada last provided service out of the island airport in February 2006.

Porter Aviation, which owns Porter Airlines, began offering service at the island airport on October that year.

Porter’s owner Robert DeLuce said he welcomed the competition.

“We’re already used to competing directly with other carriers, including Air Canada, whether it’s from Pearson (International Airport) where it serves the same market,” Deluce said in an interview. “We’re going to continue providing the same exemplary service to our customers that we have all along.”

Air Canada said its service will use Bombardier Dash 8 Q-400 aircraft operated by Sky Regional Airlines Inc., an associated company of Skyservice Business Aviation.

“Air Canada is extremely pleased to return to Toronto Island and expand the range of travel options for our customers,” said Ben Smith, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer.

The Toronto Port Authority said opening the airport to new carriers is a key element of its long-term business plan.

via thestar

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