Continuing its growth into U.S. markets, Canadian carrier Porter Airlines has formed an interline agreement with Alaska Airlines.
The partnership will bring together its largely eastern presence in Canada with Alaska’s west coast hubs. The Toronto-based airline has previously announced service to Los Angeles and San Francisco beginning in January—hubs through which, via Alaska connections, passengers can access 18 western U.S. markets including Portland, San Diego, Seattle, and Phoenix. Connections via shared Canadian airports are expected to come online in early 2024, with loyalty benefits also being rolled out in 2024.
For Alaska, the fifth-largest U.S. airline, Porter is its 30th global partner. Alaska’s network is also poised to expand, having recently announced a merger agreement with Hawaiian Airlines. The $1.9 billion deal was approved by both airline boards but still faces a federal administration wary of consolidation, and a vote from Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. shareholders expected to take place in the first quarter. Combined—as of December—Alaska and Hawaiian offer 336 domestic and international routes.
“Porter Airlines opens new opportunities for our guests to travel to Canada in style,” said Brett Catlin, Alaska VP-loyalty, alliances and sales. “We’re thrilled to partner with a vibrant and growing airline.”
The interline follows a joint venture agreement Porter announced with Canadian leisure carrier Air Transat in November which, set to begin in 2024, will help Porter accelerate an expansion in domestic and transborder short- and medium-haul routes. Its ongoing continental expansion has been enabled through the addition of Embraer E195-E2s, longer-range than the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 turboprops it previously flew exclusively. Porter has firm orders for 75 of the E-Jet variant, with purchase rights for 25 remaining.
Porter President and CEO Michael Deluce noted in November, “we entered a new era when we began operating the E195-E2 earlier this year.”
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