Porter to fly to Windsor, Sault Ste. Marie

Porter Airlines is adding Windsor and Sault Ste. Marie to its scheduled stops in Ontario,the company announcedFriday morning.

Flights to Windsor will start on April 27, with up to three daily trips to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on Toronto Island. Sault Ste. Marie flights start May 4, heading for Toronto as well.

A one-way ticket starts at $89 plus taxes, and fares are already on sale, according toa Windsor International Airport official.

Expanding into secondary markets

"We look forward to bringing our unique service to Windsor and Sault Ste. Marie," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. "This expanding network provides more opportunities for passengers to choose Porter when travelling to important regional cities."

Porter connects to Ottawa, Montreal, Thunder Bay, Halifax, Boston, Chicago, and New York, the release said.

This is the second announcement for the airline in the last week.On February 17, Porter increased the frequency of flights between Montreal and Halifax, Moncton and Ottawa, and Toronto and Ottawa.

'Ive been advocating for this route for years, based on our regions business needs and tourism offerings.' Sandra Pupatello, MPP Windsor West

"Im thrilled that Porter has decided to add daily flights from downtown Toronto to Windsor. Ive been advocating for this route for years, based on our regions business needs and tourism offerings," said Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade and MPP for Windsor West. "Porters expanded service provides a boost to Ontarios economy."

"We are extremely delighted to welcome Porter Airlines to the City of Windsor," said Eddie Francis, Mayor of Windsor and Chair of the Windsor International Airport Board. "With Porter's newest expansion, Windsor has solidified its place as a key growth market for business and leisure. Three daily flights to downtown Toronto with connections throughout Canada and the U.S. ensure our residents, visitors and businesses have more choice, convenience and comfort for their travel needs."

The airline is also doubling service between Sudbury and Toronto starting April 27.

Competition for VIA Rail

Federica Nazzani, CEO of Windsor International Airport, told CBC News that Porter's presence in the market will offer consumers more choice about how they travel.

"It will compete head-on with your VIA Rail," said Nazzani. "We know that in this marketplace there's over 400,000 passengers currently taking VIA and that's also a service that goes right to downtown Toronto and I think this will compete directly with that."

Nazzani said Windsor has been working on solidifying a deal for three years.

Eying future expansion

Nazzani said Porter's presence might open up several opportunities for the Windsor airport to expand direct flights to Montreal and the United States.

"Based on our recent market study, Montrealis the second largest market for us and we see an opportunity for both Porter or Air Canada to expand service into that key market," she said.

Porter Airlines, based out of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport,is one ofCanada's fastest-growing carriers. It operates a fleet of 70-seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft.