Just as it launched its first Toronto-U.S. service, the Federal Aviation Administration proposed limitations at its first destination – Newark – and Porter Airlines is none too happy. Indeed, it has filed a complaint with the FAA, joining a chorus of airlines, airline associations and airport operators, urging the agency to drop the limitations.
Porter said the limitations – which would eliminate two of the planned seven roundtrips daily to Newark, said the restrictions undermine the viability of the new service at a critical stage in its development. It further said that the reduced schedule would mean the route would no longer be economically viable, according to its FAA filing. "As a small new entrant, even the FAA's making one round trip unworkable will have serious financial repercussions on Porter," said the filing.
Its new service between Toronto City Center Airport and Newark began March 31 and the limitations would limit the airline to five of its planned seven roundtrips daily.
Porter invested in two Bombardier Q400s and hired more than 70 people to support the new the route. Ironically, its use of the Q400s could contribute to the solution by using the airport’s cross-wind runway, if FAA would only change its procedures at Newark. During a recent flight out of Newark, Regional Aviation News, learned that FAA is not using the capacity generating capabilities of the 74-seat turboprop.
In its filing, Porter noted that turboprops can use the shorter Runway 11/29 to increase capacity, leaving slots for aircraft that need the longer runways. It also said that the Q400s fly in under-utilized, low-altitude airspace, rather than the more heavily congested approach and departure routes.