Myrtle Beach Message Board

Porter eyes new U.S. routes
Iain Marlow Business Reporter
Published On Sat Oct 31 2009 – Toronto Star
Porter Airlines plans to expand its service from Toronto Island Airport down to Myrtle Beach, S.C., among other U.S. destinations, and could start these flights in 2010.
Though Porter president and chief executive Robert Deluce declined to state any sort of launch date – saying neither he nor officials in Myrtle Beach were ready to make a formal announcement – he did say the airline was in "serious discussions" with U.S. partners.
"It's certainly a location we're clearly interested in," Deluce said about Myrtle Beach. "It's an interesting destination – great golfing, great beaches."
He said he also wants his intercity airline to start flying into Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.
Deluce's comments come weeks after the Toronto Port Authority announced it had been in discussions with other airlines interested in staking territory at the downtown airport, popular among business travellers for its intercity routes across Canada, as well as to Boston, Chicago and New York.

TORONTO/November 12, 2009 – Golfers, families and friends can get away to Myrtle Beach’s famous golf courses and sandy beaches more easily than ever with Porter Airlines’ new winter seasonal service.

Porter is offering twice-weekly roundtrips between Toronto City Centre Airport (TCCA) and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on Thursdays and Sundays beginning February 28, continuing until May 30. One-way fares start at $179, plus taxes. The only non-stop service from Canada to Myrtle Beach saves passengers time by flying right to the beach. Connections are available in Toronto from Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City and Thunder Bay.

“Myrtle Beach is an excellent leisure destination for our passengers. It appeals to everyone from families to sports enthusiasts,” said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. “It is a good match with our successful seasonal program in Mont Tremblant. We now provide top flight golf and ski options to suit all tastes.”

With courses suited to every level of golf enthusiast, the real challenge will be deciding where to play. The Grand Strand is also a wonderful destination for families. With almost 100 kilometres of warm, sandy beaches and sunny weather, an unforgettable vacation awaits in Myrtle Beach. Take the family for a stroll on the beach, build a sandcastle, go fishing, do some dolphin watching, visit the area’s quaint shops, or enjoy some scrumptious Carolina coastal cuisine at one of the many family-friendly restaurants, located just steps from the beach. The destination offers travellers the perfect balance between family fun and relaxation.

“Porter is steadily building its presence in the United States with a simple formula of flying folks where they want to go, when they want to get there, all with the world-class service that makes flying Porter a real pleasure. I'm thrilled Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is now a Porter destination and another vital link in the Canada-Carolina connection," said Ambassador David Wilkins, Porter Airlines board director, past U.S. Ambassador to Canada and South Carolina Speaker of the House.

“The Canadian travel market is colossal for the Myrtle Beach area,” said Brad Dean, president and chief executive officer of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce/Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Porter’s new international service from Toronto will inspire even more Canadian guests to visit the area through these fast and affordable flights. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Porter into Myrtle Beach.”