Connect Airlines looks to muscle in on Porter Airlines’ turf

Even in a pandemic, people are launching new airlines. The latest is Connect Airlines, which looks to offer flights out of Toronto Billy Bishop City Airport to destinations in the northeast and midwest US starting in October 2021. Porter Airlines, operating out of YTZ since 2006, already flies to several US destinations including Boston, Chicago, Newark and Washington-Dulles, as well as more than a dozen Canadian destinations. Porter’s operations are currently suspended through May 19 due to the pandemic. The company behind Connect Airlines is based in Boston as a jet charter operator called Waltzing Matilda Aviation. WMA says Connect Airlines will use Canadian-built Q400 turboprop aircraft, the same aircraft used by Porter. Connect Airlines is geared to “day-tripping business travellers” looking for direct flights into Toronto’s downtown core. The airline’s operations are still subject to regulatory approvals.<br/>