FIRST-CLASS FLYING

Porter Airlines and island airport named among world’s best by Condé Nast Traveler readership,

Porter Airlines, and its home base Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, have earned high praise in a reader survey by Condé Nast Traveler.

The publishing giant’s 29th-annual readers’ choice awards placed Billy Bishop fourth overall among international airports, while Porter placed ninth among international airlines.

Toronto placed 37th among readers’ favourite cities.

“Canadian upstart Porter Airlines has won the loyalty of stateside customers with its frequent and reliable turboprop flights to destinations ranging from Newark and Boston to Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina,” writes Condé Nast.

“Readers appreciate the airline’s customer-friendly touches, like free Wi-Fi and refreshments; a complimentary glass of wine is served, even on short flights.”

In a written statement, Porter CEO and president Robert Deluce attributed his airline’s success to his staff.

“Our team is the main reason we have been able to sustain this level of service year after year,” he said. “This year is especially memorable with our home base, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, voted as the fourth best international airport. This goes to show that when you fly Porter, you’re getting world-class service every step of the way.”

The magazine’s 2016 awards were based on votes from 300,000 readers, ranking the world’s best cities, islands, hotels, airlines, airports and cruises. Billy Bishop is the only North American airport to crack the readers’ top 10.

Full lists of award winners will be published in Condé Nast Traveler’s November print issue, and many of the lists are already posted online.