Porter Airlines' new '2x2' seating jet for Toronto-Kelowna route

"No middle seat; you can't make it simpler for air travellers."

That was the sales pitch from Porter Airlines' Vice President, network planning and reporting, Andrew Pierce, in celebrating the inaugural direct flight from Toronto to Kelowna International Airport Wednesday morning.

Porter will fly its state-of-the-art, Brazilian made, Embraer E195-E2 jet on the route which is the quietest and most fuel-efficient aircraft in its class. And the airline is keen to highlight how, on such a lengthy domestic flight, there is no such thing as a passenger being hemmed in by the people occupying the window and aisle seat, as they are on a Boeing 737 or many wide-bodied competitors.

"How many times do you get to fly far, like four-and-a-half hours, five hours, without a middle seat to impede your personal space," Pierce said following the ceremonial water cannon greeting at YLW from fire engines as it taxied to its arrival gate.

He said the company had been looking at coming to the Okanagan since the beginning of their business plan in 2021.

'We've so looked forward to a market like this, that has summer and winter destinations and such choice for the business and leisure traveller."

Porter's schedule to Kelowna International begins with five weekly roundtrip flights, increasing to daily roundtrip flights on June 23.

Another marketing feature the airline hopes will bring it sales from a competitive market is its onboard experience which provides every passenger with complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, a selection of Canadian premium snacks, and free, fast streaming WiFi.

Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas and Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming were among many dignitaries at the inaugural arrival, including tourism and business leaders.

"It strengthens our ties to Eastern Canada, boosts our local economy, supports businesses, and highlights Kelowna’s growing appeal as a premier destination," Dyas said, in part.