THUNDER BAY -- Porter Airlines will launch its new Thunder Bay crew base this week.
The company says the base—the fourth in the Porter network—is creating at least 40 new local jobs for pilots and flight attendants.
So far, about 20 of those positions have been filled.
Porter spokesperson Brad Cicero says "we're right on track. We were looking toward the end of January to officially get the base up and running...the crew will be flying as of this week as well."
Cicero said the company received hundreds of job applications from across Canada.
"It's quite varied, actually. We do have a handful of people who are already with Porter and who have transferred from other bases. We did hire some people locally from other airlines, and in other cases people have decided to move from other parts of the country to Thunder Bay."
Cicero said a lot of people appreciate working in a smaller community, noting that Porter's other bases are in Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.
"The north has its own appeal, I think, for a number of people," he commented. "They're from there, they have connections there and appreciate the ability to work there and do something that they love."
The process of hiring, training and phasing in the remaining 20 employees will continue in the coming months.
A dedicated crew room for the Porter staff has been established at Thunder Bay Airport. "It's a relatively modest space, it's a place for them to come and go and do their briefings before and after flights," Cicero said.
He called the establishment of the crew base "a big step" for Porter, saying it will benefit the airline's service in Thunder Bay and provide a platform for future growth.
Company CEO Robert Deluce will travel to the city Thursday for the official opening.
