Vermont Doubles Winter Flights from Toronto

Ski Vermont Ushers in Second Year of Service with Porter Airlines

September 18, 2012

Burlington, VT  – A crowd gathered at Burlington International Airport today as Governor Shumlin announced Porter Airline service between BTV and Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport will double this winter. Porter Airlines has once again partnered with Ski Vermont and four Vermont Ski Resorts to provide customers with an attractive winter getaway to the Green Mountain State.   

"We were confident that getting service to Toronto, North America's fastest growing city, would be a big win for Vermont tourism and economic development, but this route launch was one of the most successful in Porter's history and here we are announcing an expansion of the service,” the Governor said. “Getting this kind of service established is tough, with a lot of moving pieces like Customs and Border Protection. It was a terrific team effort to get this done."

Governor Shumlin was joined by Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger, Agency of Commerce and Community Development Secretary Lawrence Miller, Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing Commissioner Megan Smith, Tricia Coates, the District Director for Congressman Peter Welch, and Vermont Ski Areas Association President Parker Riehle, to announce the renewed partnership.

 “We are thrilled to continue and expand on the partnership between Porter and Vermont ski resorts with the upgrade to four weekly flights between Toronto and Burlington,” said Parker Riehle, Vermont Ski Areas Association President. “It’s a win-win situation for us all, and an opportunity to expand upon tourism, trade and investment between Vermont and Ontario.”

Four weekly roundtrip options will be available beginning December 15, 2012, doubling the service options from last season. Special Porter Ski packages and shuttle bus services for Jay Peak Resort, Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Stowe Mountain Resort and Sugarbush Resort are available. For more information visit www.skivermont.com/flyporter

“Vermont warmly welcomes its northern neighbours and has much to offer in the realm of world-class winter recreation,” said Megan Smith, Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing Commissioner. “Our tourism economy also has much to gain from elevating this international relationship, and ease of entry, within a market that has a proven affinity for our brand.”

“With convenient access to so many spectacular ski hills, it’s not surprising Burlington received such a great response from our passengers in its inaugural season,” said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. “We expect another successful year and many happy passengers eager to enjoy all of the outdoor adventure Vermont has to offer.”

"Burlington International Airport is delighted to be working with the State of Vermont and our partners at Ski Vermont to expand air service from Toronto,” said Gene Richards, interim director of aviation at the airport. “This is an important step forward as we continue to integrate our marketing with the state, the business community and airlines to bring more visitors to Vermont."  

About Porter Airlines

Founded in 2006, Porter Airlines has revolutionized short-haul flying with a warm and effortless approach to hospitality and restoring glamour and refinement to air travel. An Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating® by Skytrax, and rated second in the world in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards Top Small Airlines category, Porter is committed to providing a premium travel experience. Complimentary amenities include luxurious airport lounges, Starbucks coffee, premium snacks, and wine or beer onboard. 

Flight options are available for booking through travel agencies or www.flyporter.com.

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Other media contacts:

Jen Butson, Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing
802.522.7323, Jen.Butson@state.vt.us

Brad Cicero, Porter Airlines
416.619.8593, media@flyporter.com

Photo: VSAA President Parker Riehle joins Governor Shumlin and Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger in welcoming another year of Porter Airline service to Burlington.