Comments on: Bold venture: An analysis of Porter Airlines’ growth strategy

By: Dania H

Dania H — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 02:32:26 +0000

In reply to Andy. You are forgetting a very important point here that Porter caters to the economy air travel market, not the luxury market!

By: Andy

Andy — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 16:40:56 +0000

I think what may have been one of Porter’s key strength was serving it’s Toronto hub from the Island airport. That was the key to the passenger experience compared to the oft-maligned Pearson experience. Despite reasonable seat pitch, the Dash 8 planes themselves are cramped, just like the new E2s are. This is an RJ, not a narrow body without the middle seat. The A220 would have delivered a better customer experience. So let’s be honest… It was just about the aircraft availability to meet his growth plans, it was not about passenger experience as you are dumping into misery at Pearson and squeezing into a cramped plane.

By: Paul

Paul — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 12:55:13 +0000

Cancelling at least 20% of their scheduled expansion flights in March is not the sign of smart expansion. An obvious weakness is not securing enough staffing and/or being able to train staff in time for promised flights on new routes.

The recent industry-wide growth has lead to competition for qualified personel and Porter most definitely over-estimated their ability to put people in place for a quick expansion. Instead of building on their solid reputation they are simply shooting themselves in the foot by disappointing customers.

By: Frederick K. Larkin

Frederick K. Larkin — Sat, 22 Apr 2023 23:19:27 +0000

In reply to Rbran. Hi Rbran, thanks for taking the time to read the article. Porter's new E195-E2 jets do not have IFE (in-flight entertainment) systems installed, by design. They are equipped with Viasat Wi-Fi systems that enable passengers to use their personal device to communicate with their family and friends, watch videos/movies and listen to music on their favourite entertainment platforms.

By: Frederick K. Larkin

Frederick K. Larkin — Sat, 22 Apr 2023 22:59:36 +0000

In reply to Mike.

Hi Mike, thanks for taking the time to read the article. Porter’s product is similar to other airlines’ premium economy or economy plus offerings. PD’s product includes food and beverage. It has been designed to not compete directly with the basic economy service provided by other domestic carriers. Porter’s “Flying Refined” marketing tagline implies its premium offering and its non-discount pricing.
A company’s culture can be estimated by reviewing its employee turnover, its ability to attract and retain talented individuals and by judging the attitude of its employees towards their customers, their workmates and their employer. Having dealt with numerous Porter team members, including recent recruits as well as those who have been around since the beginning, I believe that Porter’s corporate culture is a healthy one.

By: G Kuiken

G Kuiken — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 19:02:42 +0000

In reply to James McEwan. Your right on Wardair it was a gem. Flew Calgary to Vancouver in am and got a full breakfast of eggs and bacon on china plates with real cutlery. Coffee was hot and service was unmatched. By touch down everything was ship, shape. Max you are missed.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 13:55:51 +0000

Can you please clarify what you mean when you say ( in the “Threats” section) “To be fair, Porter’s service offering does not compete directly with the Y-class products of its competitors. “. Are you insinuating that PD has a better economy product?
Also, I was wondering how you evaluate a corporate culture? In this case, you are making the argument that their “positive attitude toward its team members” is what’s driving this, but how do you know this?

By: Frederick K. Larkin

Frederick K. Larkin — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 21:25:09 +0000

In reply to James McEwan. Thank you James for your comment. Max Ward was an admirable individual and an amazing entrepreneur. Wardair was not included in this list, as it was acquired by Canadian Airlines International. The carriers named flew into history as a result of financial difficulties.

By: Rbran

Rbran — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 19:18:14 +0000

Unfortunately these planes aren’t very pleasant to fly in for anything more than a couple of hours as it’s quite claustrophobic once you get on and you can tell it’s a regional jet when you get on (a stretched Regional jet is what it is). It’s Definitely inferior for anything 2+ hrs that it’s competitors fly who also have ife which porter doesn’t

By: James McEwan

James McEwan — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 17:00:07 +0000

In your final words you missed one of the best and most beloved airlines in Canada,”Wardair”.Max Ward was one of the worlds best men that new how to run an airline and how to make people love that airline,a great shame that the carrier is no longer around as even today the service Wardair provided could not be beaten.
I wish Mr Deluce all the best for the future of his airline as it definitely seems to be heading in the right direction,we could use another notable carrier in Canada.

James McEwan