Canadian regional airline Porter Airlines celebrated 15 years of operation last week.

The regional airline first began running short-haul flights in 2006. It now serves 22 destinations across Canada and the US, with a fleet of 29 aircraft and ~1,500 members of staff.

“The pandemic reminds us of Porter’s entrepreneurial beginnings 15 years ago and the challenges associated with building a branch from scratch,” said Porter Airlines’ president and CEO Michael Deluce. “The difference today is that we have a loyal customer base and an experienced team.

“It will take time to get back to where we were two years ago, but we’re ready to do this work. I want to recognise our entire team for persevering through the most difficult of circumstances, while contributing to a culture that values respect, passion and innovation.

“This is the strong foundation we will build on as Porter comes back better than ever.”

In 2020, Porter temporarily suspended operations due to Covid-19, resuming flights on 8 September 2021. Today, approximately 88 per cent of the airline’s staff have been recalled to work.

In July, Porter announced it would extend its service to destinations throughout North America with the introduction of 80 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft into its fleet.

The new aircraft will enter into service from the second half of 2022, focusing on introducing routes from Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and Toronto.

Porter said the investment “enhances competition, elevates passenger series levels” and will create as many as 6,000 new jobs on 80 aircraft deliveries.