Canada-based Porter Airlines has completed the modernization of its entire aircraft fleet consisting of De Havilland Canada DHC-8-400s, which are expected to recommence operations from September 8, 2021.
The original Expliseat seats have been replaced with lighter and slimmer TiSeat E2s along with “new carpeting, lavatory enhancements, new sideboards, and updated LED lighting,” added Porter in a statement on August 31, 2021.
Porter said the TiSeat E2s are 50% lighter than the previous ones and will reduce almost 1,000 lbs (453.5 kilograms) of weight from the aircraft, eventually expected to save approximately 500,000 liters (132086.026 gallons) from annual fuel consumption.
The airline, therefore, estimated that the new seats would help the company reduce almost 1,200 metric tons of CO2 emissions in flying-based operations annually.
Kevin Jackson, executive vice president, and chief commercial officer of Porter Airlines commented on the upgrades: “Passengers have come to expect a refined travel experience when they fly with us and our refreshed, clean, modern cabin will enhance their journey when we return to the skies on Sept. 8.”
Porter has a fleet of 29 De Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8 aircraft and plans to offer services to Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton, Halifax, St. John’s, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Timmins, Windsor, New York (Newark), Chicago (Midway), Boston, and Washington (Dulles).