By Fay Simmons

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

Porter Airlines yesterday launched its first-ever Caribbean route to Nassau yesterday as Canadian air travel to The Bahamas surges some 65 percent ahead of 2023 numbers.

Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation, described this growth as “astronomical” while adding that the number of travellers from Canada is far outpacing previous years and setting the stage for an even stronger tourism season.

Speaking as Porter Airlines officially launched round-trip service between Toronto Pearson International Airport and Nassau, Mr Cooper said the partnership is coming ahead of “significant” airlift expected to come in to Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) next month. 

“The growth that we are seeing from Canada is astronomical. When we look back to 2023 and we make the comparison, we're 65 percent ahead of 2023 out of Canada. When we look at 2024, we're tracking ahead as well. We add Porter Airlines before we add the significant airlift that's coming in December,” said Mr Cooper. 

Joy Jibrilu, the Nassau and Paradise Island Promotion Board's chief executive, said air travel from Canada to Nassau is at an all-time high this winter, with weekly flights almost doubling. She said this increase now accounts for 10 percent of all inbound seats to Nassau, and Porter Airlines’ arrival is set to build on this growth

“This winter, we're experiencing the highest Canada airlift on record, with weekly direct service doubling from 19 flights to 39 by the end of the year,” said Mrs Jibrilu

“This actually represents 10 percent of all inbound seats to Nassau, and is a tremendous boost for our industry. Porter joins this momentum with a reputation for elevating the passenger experience, and we are proud that your travellers will now be able to enjoy the elevated experience that our islands have to offer.”

Eddie Eldebs, Porter Airlines’ senior vice-president and chief commercial officer, said Nassau is the airline’s first Caribbean destination and the first time it has expanded beyond Canada and the US.

He added that most flights between Toronto and Nassau will operate daily, and the Montreal to Nassau route will begin in February, while Ottawa service starts next month.  

“For the first time in Porter's history, we're growing our network beyond Canada and the US and bringing Nassau into our network,” said Mr Eldebs.

“We offer daily service throughout most of the winter schedule. At one point it drops to six times a week in early January. Otherwise, we're also offering new service between Ottawa and Nassau that starts December 13, and service between Montreal and Nassau that starts February 5. Ottawa to Nassau service is six times weekly. Montreal to Nassau service is three times’ weekly during the season.”

He added that the flights are operated on Porter’s Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with 132 seats in a two-by-two configuration. The inaugural flight was nearly full, with 118 of the seats occupied. 

“Porter offers an elevated economy experience for everyone. 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 Wi-Fi on board our aircraft. People seem to love it, and that's really what differentiates us in the marketplace,” said Mr Eldebs.

“No middle seat on any Porter flight. It's a two-by-two configuration, and so that also makes it a nice experience.”