Passengers visiting Newark Liberty International Airport can now experience a dose of Canadian hospitality -- not to mention specialty coffees, teas, cold beverages, free Wi-Fi and comfy seats, if only to name a few complementary perks. No, the New Jersey airport isn't getting another Tim Hortons, but rather a new lounge courtesy of Porter Airlines.
The Canadian airline, known for its upscale lounges, officially opened its third lounge on Sunday beside the airline's primary gate in Terminal B in Newark. Prior to Sunday's launch, the airline's other lounges were located only in Canada: one in Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport and the other in Ottawa's Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.
"The Newark lounge is the latest element of our desire to emphasize speed, convenience and service for all of our customers," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. "This is now a distinguishing feature for everyone who flies with us from the Greater New York and New Jersey areas."
Never Flown Porter? Take A Look At Their Three Lounges Here. Story Continues Below:
Porter Airline's Lounges
The airline has enjoyed a strong summer, with a record-breaking July, including a jump of 19.7 per cent for passengers flying the airline from last year -- the most in a month in the company's six-year history, according to the Timmins Press.
Meanwhile, in August, Porter signed a partnership with Qatar Airways, as reported by Reuters, marking the airline's first venture into international flights. Currently, Porter only flies within Canada and certain US airports, but under the agreement, passengers on Qatar's flights between Doha and Montreal and Washington-Dulles can now connect to Porter flights to Toronto and Halifax, Nova Scotia with only one ticket.
In the midst of large-scale complaints about airlines and customer service, Porter has also enjoyed a high customer satisfaction level, with a 2011 report finding happiness among business travellers the highest for any airline in 20 years. No doubt those free shortbread cookies and computer terminals in the lounge had something to do with it.
And with the airline's success with its expanding business, the Canadian federal government is hoping Porter's complementary lounge pays off for Canada in the long run.
"Entrepreneurs are the key to creating jobs and growth for the Canadian economy," said Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism) Maxime Bernier. "The opening of Porter Airlines' Newark lounge makes a great first impression on travellers coming to Canada and helps strengthen our ties with our American neighbours through improved business and leisure travel."
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