Porter Airlines exercises further options on two Bombardier Q400s

    TORONTO, July 16 /EMWNews/ - Porter Airlines is exercising two

existing options for Bombardier Aerospace Q400 aircraft. This represents

aircraft 13 and 14 in the Porter fleet from an original order of 10 firm

and 10 options.



    The two aircraft are valued at approximately $52 million U.S. based on

list prices. Six Q400s are delivered and currently in service. Within one

year, the fleet will double in size to 12 aircraft and the full order of 20

is expected to be delivered in less than two years.



    "Porter is continuing its steady, successful growth curve with the

confirmation of this order," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of

Porter Airlines. "We've been able to maintain a full level of customer

service while adding aircraft, employees and destinations at a time when

many carriers are making difficult decisions about the future."



    Porter was recently recognized by Bombardier for achieving 99.59 per

cent dispatch reliability, the highest in the world for all Q400 operators.



    "The Q400 continues to serve Porter well as the ideal aircraft for our

regional routes," added Deluce. "The passenger comfort, fuel efficiency and

reliability help us deliver a unique passenger experience."



    "Final assembly for the Q400 aircraft is done at Bombardier's Toronto

site, so Porter Airlines' operation is an ideal showcase for the airliner,"

said Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "The lower

CO2 gas emissions and quiet operation of the airliner make it ideally

suited to the Toronto City Centre Airport and similar downtown airfields

such as London City Airport in the United Kingdom. The Q400 aircraft is

truly a 21st century turboprop."



    Total firm orders for the Q400 aircraft now stand at 308, with 200

delivered as of April 30, 2008.



    Porter operates a 70-seat version of the Q400, one of the most

fuel-efficient aircraft in its class, burning less fuel per seat than most

regional and narrow-body jets. With leather seating, extended legroom and a

667 km/h cruising speed, the Q400 sets new standards for comfort, fuel

efficiency and low emissions.

    About Porter Airlines



    Porter Airlines Inc. is a regional passenger carrier based at Toronto

City Centre Airport. The airline serves Toronto, New York (Newark), Ottawa,

Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax and Mt. Tremblant. Porter plans to fly to at

least 17 short-haul Canadian and U.S. destinations. Visit http://www.flyporter.com

or call (416) 619-8622 or (888) 619-8622 for more information.