Porter Airlines, based in Toronto, Canada, made its inaugural flight to The Bahamas on Wednesday. The airline is now expected to make daily non-stop flights into the Lynden Pindling International Airport.
Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper made the announcement of Porter’s new flights while appearing on Canadian television during the summer.
Cooper was on hand when Porter Airlines touched down at LPIA carrying 118 passengers. He told reporters he was excited about the possibilities and expressed that Canada is an important market for The Bahamas.
The occupants of the plane were greeted by a Junkanoo group, officials of the Ministry of Tourism and airport officials. A ceremony was also held to mark the occasion.
Porter Senior Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, Eddy Eldebs shared some of the amenities available on the airline such as no middle seats. He said, “we offer free beer and wine onboard our aircraft, free premium snacks and then everybody flying back and forth between Nassau and Toronto also gets free WiFi onboard our aircraft. People seem to love it and that’s really what differentiates us in the market.”
Eldebs also revealed that Nassau is the airline’s first destination in the Caribbean. “Porter has operated since 2006 with a focus on Canada and the US markets. We’re very happy to be here today and be added this new, wonderful destination and getting access to the sun.”
Minister Cooper said The Bahamas being Porter’s first destination outside of North American says a lot about The Bahamas’ brand and reputation. He also said, “it’s going to create seamless connectivity, daily service from Toronto and more to come from Montreal and Ottawa.”
