Porter Sparks Controversy with Proposed EWR Route

U.S. airlines are protesting Porter Airlines “monopoly” at its base at Toronto Island airport saying it violates the recently completed U.S.-Canada Open Skies agreement. Porter proposes to start Toronto City Center Airport-Newark service on April 2 using Bombardier Q400s. However, six carriers, the Air Transport Association and Regional Airline Association, have filed with the DOT objecting to the Porter application. In addition to the ATA and RAA, others include Calgary's WestJet, as well as Continental, Northwest and US Airways. They are objecting to the deal cut between the airport and Porter promising the fledgling carrier most landing and take-off slots. They further state that the deal struck with Porter by the Port Authority, which runs the major New York airports, including Newark, does not meet the goal of lifting barriers to entry between the two countries. This is a battle first fought by Air Canada Jazz, which abandoned service to the market, and with the advent of Porter, wanted back in but could not gain access. Related Story