Porter Airlines is a regional airline headquartered at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on the Toronto Islands in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Porter operates regularly-scheduled flights between Toronto and locations in Canada and the United States using a fleet of 24 (2011) Canadian-built Bombardier Dash-8 Q 400 turboprop aircraft.

The airline's maiden flight took place on October 23, 2006 to Ottawa. When flights began, airline passengers were at first blocked by protesters at the ferry dock, urging a boycott of the service. Although on-site protests eventually stopped, Toronto Port Authority (TPA) continues to monitor Porter's operations. The TPA confirmed at its annual meeting of September 12, 2008, that Porter was fined for breaking noise curfews in its operations following complaints from local residents. The TPA commissioned a study to reduce noise from Porter's takeoffs and landings.

The TPA and Porter remain partners in the expansion of the airport. In January 2009, the TPA announced plans to purchase a new, larger passenger ferry to support Porter's expansion plans. The ferry is to be financed out of an improvement fee to be charged to passengers. 

In April 2009, Porter announced that it would build a new terminal at the island airport, with Canadian Customs, restaurants, car rental kiosks, expanded lounge space and office space.The building is 150,000 square feet (14,000 m2) in size, and the firts phase was opened in  March 2010. Second phase was opened in June 2011. The terminal cost CA$50 million.

In 2011 the national carrier Air Canada obtained 30 takeoff and landing slots at the Toronto Island Airport. Porter continues to hold 156 slots. Flying under the Air Canada Express brand, they will be mirroring Porter’s offerings with modern Bombardier Q400 regional jets outfitted with leather seats and complimentary booze.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Centre Airport, is located on an island in Toronto Harbour, just offshore of the city’s downtown business and tourism districts. The airport is connected to the mainland by modern ferries carrying passengers across a modest 121 metre (400 ft) gap, often noted as the world’s shortest scheduled ferry run. Toronto Island Airport, is operated by the Toronto Port Authority. The airport opened to flights in 1939.

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https://www.flyporter.com/

Photo source: Porter Air