I've been reading a lot more about the news on Porter and found some nice articles that discuss the issues and opinions.
The articles are a bit too long to cut and paste everything, so I have paraphrased some main points from these articles, and supplied links to the articles.
I've tried to balance both sides, but perhaps my editorial bias comes through..
(I also tend to think now that the added time savings for TCCA over Pearson would be at least an hour, rather than 30-45 minutes)
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Some history and background..
Wiki TCCA
Some Pictures of Porter Airlines..
Photo Gallery
Montreal Gazette- New airline takes a flyer on luxury
"..the overall concept was to create a brand for Porter that could follow in the footsteps of such firms as Canadian hotelier Four Seasons, whose name is now synonymous with luxury around the globe."
".. Porter could add a second destination -- likely Montreal -- before the end of the month. There are also plans to venture across the border to Chicago, Washington and New York by early next year once more aircraft are delivered."
"Several observers have noted that previous airlines, namely the short-lived Roots Air, have tried -- and failed -- to make the concept of an upscale airline work in Canada. They also warn that Toronto's island airport has historically struggled to attract passengers because it lacks a fixed link to the mainland.
Porter is hoping that a new ferry -- which runs between two new terminals -- will be enough to lure business from Pearson International Airport."
"The approach is evident in everything from the hotel-lobby-like departure lounge, complete with a self-serve espresso bar, to the supple beige leather seats that line the cabins of Porter's Bombardier-built Q400 turboprop aircraft."
"The airline should also benefit from the expertise of its chairman, Don Carty, a former CEO of American Airlines with 35 years of industry experience. He was involved in a failed takeover attempt of Air Canada in 1999, and is on the board of the yet-to-be-launched Virgin America south of the border.
Mr. Carty acknowledged recently that Air Canada can be a ferocious competitor and will try to protect its dominant market position, but stressed Porter will hold its own, thanks to the economics of its aircraft, unique location at the island airport and $125-million in investor capital at its fingertips."
PRICE Comparisions..
Does new airline offer best Value?
Porter is the most expensive at $120 each way, for a total of $321.54 including taxes and surcharges. Westjet placed second at $111 each way, for a total of $302.46. Air Canada’s fares are the same as Westjet but the airline offers a $24 discount if no bags are checked and no changes to the itinerary are made, resulting in a total of $277.02.
However, the average cab ride from Toronto’s financial district to the Island airport is less than $10, compared to approximately $45 to Pearson. This adds $90 to the cost of flying both Westjet and Air Canada, resulting in totals of $392.46 and $367.02 respectively.
Porter becomes the cheapest travel choice at $341.54, about $25 less than Air Canada. Porter customers can save $14.50 by taking public transit ($5.50 round-trip) or save $20 by riding the airline’s free shuttle bus from Union Station.
Anecdotal account..
Toronto Star-Serving reality of commerce
"but at 6:25 a.m. when I arrived — along with most of those on the same flight — there was not a single protestor in sight. I respect the importance of their views and their care for the waterfront community, so I was willing to lend an ear. . "
"Perhaps the airline is seen to serve an elite few, enriching people who don't give back? But what I am convinced of is that Porter Airlines does not simply serve business — but rather the reality of commerce in a great city. I headed to Ottawa for a meeting — and then was strangely back in Toronto by 11:30 a.m. for a meeting downtown; a seemingly unheard of act for much of the past decade. I didn't make anybody rich; I didn't even sit beside a titan of business. I sat beside others who apparently can produce things better, work better, improve their productivity, perhaps serve a not-for-profit agency and any possible assortment of tasks and perhaps a few passengers with far less mighty ambitions, like me.
The plane trip was extraordinarily quiet — in fact, the air conditioning system was louder than the propeller noise (and I sat in row 8 beside the prop). Upon my return to Toronto, there were a number of Toronto Police keeping an eye on things, but other than a few reporters, the terminal, the parking, the entire area was empty but for travellers and employees. As I drove from the terminal area up to Front St., all I could think of was perhaps even those who oppose the idea of a downtown airport have found that it is hard to heed a rally cry when there are simply so many other pressing issues regarding the waterfront and the city. "
I'm a NIMBY, hear me roar.
Globe and Mail-Porter Air set to fly amid call for boycott
"Some of the inhabitants of the Toronto Islands and lakeshore condos are calling for a consumer boycott of Porter Air, the new shuttle service that launches from the city centre airport Monday morning. But while they've got the backing of Mayor David Miller, the anti-airport crowd likely won't find many supporters among those who work in the office towers a few blocks inland.
"Just the ease of being able to get there in a few minutes, compared with the Gardiner [Expressway], has got to be inviting," said Anne Bell, a partner with an accounting service firm on King Street West. "There wouldn't be any reason why myself and my associates wouldn't look into it in the future."
Jonathan Pollack, a media executive who works on University Avenue and travels regularly, said he'd consider flying with Porter because the island airport is "exceptionally convenient."
Another Bay Street frequent flier added: "All business travellers know the hassle of getting to Pearson [International Airport] from the downtown core. And they're pissed off enough with Air Canada that they're willing to give anything else a shot."
