In 2025, internet connectivity has become essential for many passengers who wish to stay connected while flying. However, providing reliable onboard WiFi can be challenging for airlines due to infrastructure complexities. Porter Airlines, a Canadian carrier founded in 2006, partners with Viasat to offer connectivity on its flights.
Porter Airlines provides free WiFi to all passengers on its Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. Passengers receive 30 minutes of free access by watching an advertisement. For longer access, they must join the VIPorter frequent flier program and log in. The airline’s WiFi is available from boarding but requires devices to be in airplane mode during taxi, take-off, and landing.
The high-speed connection supports streaming services like Netflix but prohibits voice and video calls for passenger comfort. Each seat on the Embraer E195-E2 has power outlets to prevent battery depletion mid-flight.
Viasat’s Director of Airline Programs, Elaine “Laney” Hind, explained their satellite technology: “Geostationary satellites are launched 23,000 miles above the earth’s surface… One of our latest constellations is called Viasat Three.” Viasat serves several major airlines including American Airlines and United Airlines.
Don Buchman, Viasat’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of Commercial Aviation, expressed enthusiasm about working with STARLUX Airlines: “Through this expanded relationship… we look forward to not only providing high quality connectivity.”
To connect to Porter Airlines’ WiFi, passengers follow four steps: activate airplane mode on their device; enable WiFi and select “Porter-WiFi”; open a browser and type “porterwifi.com”; choose an option for uninterrupted access or watch an ad for 30 minutes free.
VIPorter members enjoy benefits based on tier status. Basic members earn five points per dollar spent with no minimum spend requirement. The highest tier offers seven points per dollar spent plus other perks like complimentary seat selection and checked bags.
Porter Airlines operates over 70 aircraft from bases in Eastern Canada including Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW). Its fleet includes De Havilland Canada Dash 8-Q400s and Embraer E195-E2s with more on order.
The airline primarily uses the E195-E2 for routes from Ottawa and Toronto Pearson International Airport serving destinations such as Calgary (YYC), Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Palm Springs (PSP), Phoenix (PHX), San Diego (SAN), San Francisco (SFO), Tampa (TPA), Vancouver (YVR).
Upcoming destinations include Charlottetown (YYG) and Deer Lake (YDF) starting June 2025. Porter Airlines is currently the largest operator of the Embraer E195-E2 globally.
