Travellers will have access to a broader
network through enhanced commercial collaboration and
optimization
MONTREAL, Nov. 28,
2023 /CNW/ - Air Transat, air carrier subsidiary
of Transat A.T. Inc. ("Transat"), and Porter Airlines ("Porter")
are extending their existing code-sharing agreement by creating
a joint venture (the "Alliance"), transforming the current
Canadian aviation competitive landscape. By combining both
airlines' complementary networks, this Alliance offers travellers
significant benefits, including enhanced travel options across
multiple regions. The Alliance expands services between North,
Central and South America,
Europe, North Africa, Mexico and the Caribbean, integrating Porter's and Transat's
highly-complementary, non-overlapping networks at Toronto Pearson
(YYZ) and Montreal Trudeau (YUL) airports.
This feeder network strategy is designed to facilitate the
acceleration of both airlines' expansion in their respective
markets: domestic and transborder short- and medium-haul for
Porter, and international medium- and long-haul for Air Transat. It
will also foster stronger network optimization through
collaboration on scheduling and route planning. The Alliance will
be gradually implemented throughout 2024.
"This historic agreement constitutes a significant step forward
in executing Transat's strategic plan and an important milestone in
developing a more sustainable competitive network," said Annick
Guérard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transat. "We are
delighted to further extend our collaboration with Porter, a
partner that shares our customer-centric approach and values.
Through this Alliance, we will accelerate the expansion of our
transatlantic footprint by allowing us to leverage the domestic
market served by Porter, while allowing for a more efficient use of
our fleet."
"Porter is in the midst of disrupting the North American market
through a significant continental expansion that will only be
amplified by this Alliance," said Michael
Deluce, President and CEO of Porter. "The flow of passengers
on both carriers means that Porter will be able to develop a more
robust network by increasing flight frequency on key domestic and
transborder routes, and entering into new markets with less
point-to-point traffic. As we continue receiving deliveries of up
to 100 new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, our options for deploying this
fleet are even greater based on this collaboration with Air
Transat."
This Alliance is an evolution of the current codeshare agreement
between Air Transat and Porter, which has been active since
October 2022. It demonstrates the
commitment of both companies to a long-term collaboration, allowing
Air Transat and Porter to align goals, strategies and resources to
achieve their ambitions.
Air Transat brings its expertise in leisure travel, serving over
60 international destinations, and its 35-year presence in the
Quebec and Ontario markets, while Porter contributes its
17 years of expertise in facilitating air travel within
Eastern Canada and the United States with a growing
coast-to-coast presence within North
America.
About Air Transat
Founded in Montreal 36 years
ago, Air Transat is a leading travel brand voted World's Best
Leisure Airline by passengers at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline
Awards. Its program offers access to international destinations,
mainly in Europe, the Caribbean, the East and West coasts of the
U.S, South America and
North Africa. Air Transat is
recognized for its excellent customer service. By renewing its
fleet with the most energy-efficient aircraft in their category,
Air Transat is committed to a more sustainable travel industry.
Based in Montreal with major hubs
in Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Toronto Pearson
Airport (YYZ), it has near 5,000 employees with a common purpose to
bring people closer together. Air Transat is a business unit of
Transat A.T. Inc. (TSX: TRZ).
www.airtransat.com
About Porter
Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of
economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine
hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter's fleet of Embraer
E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North
American network from Eastern
Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star
Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®.
Visit www.flyporter.com or follow @porterairlines on
Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
SOURCE Transat A.T. Inc.