The Canadian Transportation Agency granted fledgling carrier, Porter Airlines, an Air Operator Certificate, paving the way for the launch of its service from Toronto City Center Airport in mid-October.

"We are very pleased to have moved beyond the approvals stage and into the final phase of our commercial launch plans," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. "We can now focus on the final preparations necessary to deliver a passenger-focused travel experience."

Porter will announce fares and schedules and begin accepting reservations in the coming days with the inaugural route - Toronto-Ottawa - programmed for startup with 10 roundtrips each weekday plus weekend service. The airline has designed a catchment area of 500 nautical miles from the Greater Toronto area, serving it with 10 Bombardier (BBD) Q400s.