TORONTO — Porter Airlines says it has signed a deal to buy up to 80 Embraer E195-E2 jet aircraft and plans to offer flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport.

The airline says the aircraft order is valued at up to US$5.82 billion at list prices with 30 firm orders and 50 purchase right options.

Porter says the Embraer jets will enter service in the second half of next year. It plans to operate them from Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and Toronto Pearson International Airport with specific routes to be determined in advance of the aircraft deliveries.

The new aircraft will not operate from Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport on the city's waterfront where Porter offers service on turboprop aircraft.

Last week, Porter announced plans to resume flying on Sept. 8, nearly 18 months after it suspended flights due to the pandemic.

Porter will restart operations in phases, with the initial flights between Canadian destinations. Flights to U.S. cities including Boston, Chicago, New York and Washington will resume Sept. 17.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 12, 2021.

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