Porter Airlines will resume flights to Thunder Bay on Sept. 8 after an 18-month suspension of flights due to pandemic-associated travel restrictions.
The Toronto-based regional carrier is taking a phased approach with three flights a week to the northwestern Ontario air hub.
Other destinations returning to Porter's board include Halifax, Moncton, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, and St. John’s, NL. U.S. destinations in Boston, Chicago, New York and Washington follow on Sept. 17.
The company is recalling 500 employees. More staff will be added in subsequent months as flight frequency activity picks up.
Porter Airlines president Michael Deluce called it a 'moment-we've-been-waiting-for' announcement.
“The pandemic has progressed to the point that we can now begin restoring service across our network, focused around our main base at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Being grounded for more than a year has been incredibly difficult for everyone involved. In true Porter fashion, our team members have displayed remarkable levels of commitment, engagement and optimism over this uncertain period of time, despite the vast majority being unable to work.
"While deciding to suspend our service was the most difficult business decision we’ve made, announcing a restart of flights is the first step in a recovery process that includes recalling hundreds of team members and welcoming back passengers. We are looking forward to once again delivering Porter’s unique style of service.”
