TORONTO, Dec. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Porter Airlines is celebrating its inaugural flight to Burlington, Vermont, today - adding an exciting new seasonal destination to its network.

U.S. Consul General Kevin M. Johnson, along with a team of state officials and business leaders joined Porter Airlines president and CEO, Robert Deluce, on the inaugural flight this afternoon. Passengers were greeted in Burlington by Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin, airport officials and other dignitaries.

"Vermont's partnership with Porter is a win-win for Vermont, Ontario, our tourism industry and local ski areas," said Gov. Shumlin. "Porter Airlines' new service will provide convenient access between Toronto and Vermont and expand two-way trade, investment and tourism to help grow our economy."

"Burlington is a gateway for Porter passengers to experience some of Vermont's best ski resorts, a vibrant community and a host of other local attractions," said Deluce. "The destination is a great complement to our existing winter network as a new destination for travellers to explore."

The Burlington schedule runs until April 8, with two weekly roundtrips on Thursdays and Sundays, except for long weekends, which offer Thursday and Monday roundtrip options. Special Porter ski packages and shuttle bus service for Jay Peak, Smugglers' Notch Resort, Stowe Mountain Resort and Sugarbush Resort are available. For more information, visit www.skivermont.com/flyporter.

About Porter Airlines
Porter Airlines is Canada's third-largest scheduled carrier, based at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.  An Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating® by Skytrax and rated second in the world in Condé Nast Traveler's 2011 Readers Choice Awards Small Airlines category, Porter is committed to offering speed, convenience and service as part of a premium travel experience. As the airline of choice for discerning short-haul passengers, our warm and effortless approach to hospitality, combined with our spotless service brings dignity and refinement back to flying.

The airline currently offers flights to Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Moncton, Halifax, St. John's, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Timmins, Windsor, New York (Newark), Chicago (Midway), Boston (Logan), and has seasonal flights to Mt. Tremblant, Que., Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Burlington, Vt.

Join VIPorter frequent flyer program to earn a free flight after as few as five one-way trips. Visit www.flyporter.com or call (888) 619-8622 for more information.

SOURCE Porter Airlines Inc.