After building a strong brand with its regional turboprop service from YTZ, Porter Airlines is going transcontinental with a new fleet of Embraer E195-E2 jets. Competitors take note: Porter is coming out swinging, with an economy class product featuring free and fast WiFi and no middle seats.

TravelPulse Canada joined a preview flight from Toronto Pearson to sample an economy class flying experience that Porter CEO Michael Deluce describes as “unlike anything available in North America.”

With a range of over 4,800 kilometres and a 2 X 2, 132-seat configuration, the new Brazil-built jets also deliver a serene flight, with a noise footprint up to 76% smaller than previous-generation narrow body aircraft. The E2 has the lowest fuel consumption per seat and per trip among 120-150 seat aircraft and emits 165,000 fewer annual metric tons of CO2 than older-generation Airbus A319 narrow-bodies.

But it is Porter’s inflight economy product that will likely cause the most waves with passengers – and the most headaches for its competitors.

Given the 2 X 2 seating, there are no middle seats, and seat pitch is comfortable throughout the plane – 91.4 cm (36”) in the first four rows (PorterReserve), 85 cm (34”) in the next five (PorterClassicStretch) and 75 cm (30”) for the remaining 24 rows (Porter Classic). Seat width is 46.5 cm (18.5”).

Fast, free streaming WiFi and a range of inflight entertainment is the other big Porter promise with its new jets, and it worked well during the preview flight, available even before takeoff. That amenity alone is a significant marketplace advantage.

“We’re building on what we’ve established in the past 16 years, redefining what’s expected from air travel,” said Deluce. “The convenience of Billy Bishop and a service philosophy that touches every passenger has helped us build a loyal following. People have continually asked for more, and we’re proud to be the North American launch customer for this aircraft.”

Deluce says that in recent years most airlines have put a tight focus on premium passengers with all-inclusive fares and budget conscious travellers with fares where every amenity comes at a price. In the process, the economy class experience has become “dehumanized,” he said.

“We’re challenging the definition of economy air travel, taking away the pain points and celebrating the economy passenger that makes up 90% of people who fly,” Deluce added.

Porter’s inflight service has been popular since its inception, with its short-haul flights featuring free local beers and wines, served in actual glassware, along with upsized snacks.

With its new jet service, Porter will offer two economy choices: Porter Classic, with drinks, snacks and free WiFi; and Porter Reserve, which adds extra legroom and a fresh meal.

Guests on the preview flight were able to experience a Porter Reserve lunch service, starting with a meal box that contained a seven-layer Mexican dip with lavash crackers and olive puff pastries. Entrée choices included a meat-free soba noodle bowl, a tropical salmon poke and a croissant sandwich with chicken salad. Porter Classic passengers can purchase meals if they desire.

TravelPulse Canada spoke to several industry members who joined the preview flight. Their reviews were strongly positive.

“The Embraer E195-E2 is a beautiful aircraft that provides a smooth ride and is quiet like riding in an electric car,” said Ravi Kumar, Chief Operating Officer for Huntington Travel.

“Porter Airlines is a great addition to the Pearson International Airport in Toronto. This will provide an opportunity for Porter to feed International flights with traffic originating from other Canadian and U.S. cities,” Kumar added.

Thomas Rummel, Vice President, Rewards at Loyalty One, called the preview flight an “excellent experience,” adding that Porter will set “a new benchmark for Economy Class travel in North America when its new E195 jets take to the skies in February.”

Rummel praised the new Porter jet experience for its “great hardware and amazing software.” He told TravelPulse Canada: “No middle seats is a huge selling point. Combined with free and fast WiFi, Porter is really raising the bar.”

Porter founder and member of the Canadian Travel Hall of Fame Robert Deluce was all smiles as he watched the company take a great leap forward under the stewardship of son Michael.

“I never doubted this moment would come,” he said. “And now is absolutely the right time.”

The first three E195-E2s will be based at YYZ, operating flights to Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Ottawa International Airport (YOW), and Montreal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL). The first commercial flight is set for February 1. A dozen new destinations are expected to be announced in the coming days.