Porter CEO blasts critics

[Driving Rain]

Porter CEO blasts critics
NICOLE O'REILLY

Porter Airlines CEO Robert Deluce fired back at critics of the island airport yesterday, even as he announced new flights from Toronto City Centre Airport to Montreal.

A week after its inaugural flights, Porter Airlines is pleased with its progress, Mr. Deluce said yesterday during a speech to the Economic Club of Toronto in the National Club on Bay Street. Flights to Montreal will begin Dec. 11, and the airline will start booking tomorrow.

Mr. Deluce said the airline is growing despite opposition from Mayor David Miller, the call for a boycott by MP Olivia Chow, the New Democrat whose Trinity-Spadina riding faces the airport at the lakefront, and local protests.

"The future of our airline should be decided not by politicians, but by the marketplace," he said. And there is no reason for the city to take control of the Toronto Port Authority, which oversees the airport, as called for by Mr. Miller, he said.Bill Freeman, chair of Community Air, which is responsible for protests against the airline, said he believes Porter Airlines will fail. He promises to continue fighting the airport and Mr. Deluce. "We are going to be at this a long time, maybe till he runs out of money."

The airline, which has received $125-million in equity from investors, has identified 15 other cities in Canada and the United States as eventual destinations.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ ... y/National

[cyxe]

Porter CEO blasts critics
NICOLE O'REILLY

Porter Airlines CEO Robert Deluce fired back at critics of the island airport yesterday, even as he announced new flights from Toronto City Centre Airport to Montreal.

A week after its inaugural flights, Porter Airlines is pleased with its progress, Mr. Deluce said yesterday during a speech to the Economic Club of Toronto in the National Club on Bay Street. Flights to Montreal will begin Dec. 11, and the airline will start booking tomorrow.

Mr. Deluce said the airline is growing despite opposition from Mayor David Miller, the call for a boycott by MP Olivia Chow, the New Democrat whose Trinity-Spadina riding faces the airport at the lakefront, and local protests.

"The future of our airline should be decided not by politicians, but by the marketplace," he said. And there is no reason for the city to take control of the Toronto Port Authority, which oversees the airport, as called for by Mr. Miller, he said.Bill Freeman, chair of Community Air, which is responsible for protests against the airline, said he believes Porter Airlines will fail. He promises to continue fighting the airport and Mr. Deluce. "We are going to be at this a long time, maybe till he runs out of money."

The airline, which has received $125-million in equity from investors, has identified 15 other cities in Canada and the United States as eventual destinations.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ ... y/National

Good for them. Reading stuff like this makes me want to book a flight just to support them.

[. ._]

It blows my mind how many people choose to live close to an airport, then bitch about the noise.

I'd like to see a sked run of that big friggin' Antonov goin' in and out of the island. Hell, I'd pitch in on the cost of the runway extension!

-istp

[invertedattitude]

What are the other "Identified" Destinations

[spartacus]

Thunder Bay
Chicago
Detroit
Windsor
Sudbury
Boston
New York
Cleveland (I think)
Quebec City (again, I think)
Not sure about the rest......

[2milefinal]

Anything within 500 MILES of ytz ,that looks like it might make them some money.

[goldeneagle]

Good for them. Reading stuff like this makes me want to book a flight just to support them.

Simply buying a ticket makes a small but worthy statement.

I've considered buying open tickets in the names of the politicians doing all the yelling, then donating them as a political contribution. Wonder if they would issue a reciept for the donation.....

[bmc]

Good for them. Reading stuff like this makes me want to book a flight just to support them.

Simply buying a ticket makes a small but worthy statement.

I've considered buying open tickets in the names of the politicians doing all the yelling, then donating them as a political contribution. Wonder if they would issue a reciept for the donation.....

I like the way you think.

[invertedattitude]

Drives me nuts, East coast would be a perfect fit for these size airplanes... hopefully eventually they plan on expanding out here.

[Four1oh]

Drives me nuts, East coast would be a perfect fit for these size airplanes... hopefully eventually they plan on expanding out here.

where's that? Halifax?

[Boobie Toucher]

Come on Timmins run...YTS YTS YTS mmmmmmmaytag

[Dash-Ate]

They still around? Surprised they have lasted a week. Loads anyone? I did hear of a 3 pax run....

[Valhalla]

Dash-Ate,

Why are you such a sour-puss??

[Front.]

It blows my mind how many people choose to live close to an airport, then bitch about the noise.

Wannabe's?

[golden hawk]

Come on Timmins run...YTS YTS YTS mmmmmmmaytag

Home of the Lonely Repairman???