Porter Airlines launches first Western Canada transborder service

Canada-based Porter Airlines announced Monday the start of a seasonal, nonstop flight between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). The new route, the carrier’s first transborder service from Western Canada, will operate daily through April 19, expanding the airline’s North American footprint and providing additional options for leisure and business travelers.

The flights will be operated on Porter’s Embraer E195‑E2 aircraft, configured with 132 seats in a “no‑middle‑seat” layout that the airline markets as a higher‑comfort product. The service joins Porter’s existing year-round Toronto‑to‑Phoenix schedule and a seasonal Ottawa‑to‑Phoenix connection, and it is expected to feed further U.S. destinations via Porter’s codeshare partnership with American Airlines.

“Being able to give travelers more convenient options to travel from Vancouver is a pivotal moment for Porter,” said Andrew Pierce, Vice President of Network Planning and Reporting at Porter Airlines. “This route makes Phoenix’s unique desert and mountain landscape more accessible to our passengers in the west and offers travelers a seamless connection to additional destinations in the U.S., through our codeshare partner, American Airlines.”

Industry officials in both cities welcomed the addition. Chad Makovsky, Aviation Director for the Phoenix Airport Authority, said, “We’re excited for Porter’s growth in the Phoenix market. Their partnership and commitment mean that travelers have more high‑quality, convenient options between Phoenix and Canada. We look forward to welcoming travelers on Porter’s first transborder route from Vancouver.”

At Vancouver International Airport, Russ Atkinson, Director of Air Service Development, highlighted the broader economic implications. “We are pleased to support Porter Airlines’ growth at YVR and celebrate this new service from Vancouver. The new non‑stop route to Phoenix strengthens connectivity for British Columbians, adds capacity for a key leisure and business destination, and supports economic activity while providing travelers with greater choice.”