Airline with free beer and wine set to fly out of Victoria airport

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Brad Cicero, Porter Airlines director of communications and public affairs, says Porter is the only airline in North America that operates the E195-E2 aircraft. (Brendan Mayer/News Staff)Brad Cicero, Porter Airlines director of communications and public affairs, says Porter is the only airline in North America that operates the E195-E2 aircraft. (Brendan Mayer/News Staff)

A new airline is about to take flight at Victoria International Airport (YYJ).

The inaugural Porter Airlines flight between YYJ and Toronto Pearson International Airport will be on Wednesday (Sept. 20).

“It’s really exciting to come to a new community,” said Brad Cicero, Porter Airlines director of communications and public affairs. “The response in Victoria has been great. The flights are full on the first day.”

Porter conducted a proving flight on Monday to test operations.

“The proving flight is really valuable for our teams at the airport,” Cicero said. “They get to see the aircraft beforehand and get ready for when passengers arrive. We can make sure the bridge setup will work.”

Passengers will be flying in the 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.

“We’re the only airline in North America that operates the E195-E2,” Cicero said. “It’s very fuel-efficient, and its engines are made in Canada.”

The airline is scheduled to arrive daily at YYJ at 1:04 p.m. and depart the airport at 2 p.m.

“I think it’s great for this community to have our year-round service every day,” Cicero said.

Porter’s flights include free alcoholic beverages, snacks and Wi-Fi.

“I was just using the Wi-Fi,” Cicero added. “It’s super fast.”

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AirlinesVictoria International Airport