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Porter Airlines to offer flights from Hamilton to 4 major Canadian cities starting in June

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TradePort International Corporation unveiled plans today for a significant enhancement of the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport terminal facilities with the introduction of flights by Porter Airlines, its new strategic airline partner.

The partnership was facilitated by the new 49-year management lease — and $400-million deal — between the City of Hamilton and TradePort in September of last year. TradePort is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vantage Group.

“Under the new lease, efforts to expand air service, enhance the passenger experience, and deliver safe, sustainable, and efficient operations will continue – starting with planned terminal upgrades that will begin immediately,” Vantage Group said in a press release.

Airport enhancements will include an updated exterior frontage with new and expanded canopies to improve curb operations, and a refresh of terminal interiors from check-in counters and passenger screening areas to gate seating and baggage claim.

“Integration of architectural elements and finishes inspired by the region’s natural geography will lend the airport a unique sense of place, while new digital signage and lighting upgrades will enhance the overall travel journey. Future enhancements will include passenger jet bridges to connect the terminal directly to aircraft – a first for Hamilton International – and terminal infrastructure upgrades to position the airport for future expansion to accommodate expected air traffic growth,” read the statement.

Porter will launch its service at the airport in June of this year, introducing daily flights from Hamilton to four Canadian cities: Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax and Vancouver.

Company CEO Michael Deluce noted that Hamiltonians and their neighbours have long deserved a commitment such as what Porter is making.

“We see significant opportunity in this market to expand our network across North America and believe that the community can support these initial flights – which will position us to consider offering additional service from Hamilton,” the CEO said.

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horvath called the investment a “major win” for the city, adding that it will significantly transform the airport’s passenger service offerings.

She said that Hamiltonians and surrounding residents — including herself — have longed for more passenger options to serve travellers.

“I am looking forward to getting back to collecting my VIPorter points, ” she joked at the press event.

WATCH MORE: City announces $400-million deal to upgrade Hamilton’s airport

John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport is the third-largest cargo airport in Canada.

The latest economic impact study reports the airport facilitated 156,000 tonnes of cargo in 2021 alone.