It’s a big day at the Ottawa International Airport.
Porter Airlines and the Ottawa International Airport Authority (OIAA) are celebrating the opening of new 150,000-square-foot aircraft hangars, a $125-million joint investment aimed at showcasing each organization’s commitment to the future of the Ottawa-Gatineau Region and the Canadian aviation industry.
The hangers will serve as the maintenance home for Porter’s growing fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and existing De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft.
“Porter currently has 33 Embraer E195-E2 in our fleet with an order of up to 100, and we expect delivery of the 47th aircraft by the end of the year,” Michael Deluce, CEO Porter Airlines, told CityNews Ottawa. “Porter will continue to develop our network in YOW to destinations across Canada and in the U.S., utilizing both the E195 and Dash 8 aircraft.”
Deluce adds that Porter will continue to build an east/west and north/south connecting hub, with new markets and increasing frequency in existing markets. He said Florida in particular has seen great success from Ottawa and Porter anticipates that frequency will grow this winter.
The project is also creating 200 local skilled jobs.
“Porter is hiring 200 local team members, including 160 Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs),” Deluce said. “Other positions will include shop technicians, store clerks and administrative support.”
The construction of the hangars also supported an additional 150 jobs.
