Nieuport Statement Concerning Porter Airlines and the Vital Future of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

Toronto, ON, March 19, 2020 – The following is a statement from Neil Pakey, CEO of Nieuport Aviation, in response to the decision by Porter Airlines to halt business activities until June 1, 2020:

“In this unprecedented period businesses and organizations are doing whatever is possible to ride out the current storm, help their people, and prepare to join the global recovery when it is time to do so. It is unfortunate but understandable that Porter Airlines announced Wednesday that it is “temporarily suspending all flights at the close of operations on Friday, March 20, with plans to resume service on June 1”. Nieuport feels for their staff and family and looks forward to working with Porter and welcoming them back as soon as it is ready.

Despite the temporary suspension of service by Porter, our primary airline, Nieuport is determined to keep Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport open for our other airline partner Air Canada, and to be available for additional flight operations that will be needed during the current crisis. Nieuport will continue to work with our stakeholders and partners including all levels of government and their agencies.

Nieuport has made significant investments in the terminal and continues to believe it has a bright future as a gateway to national and international travellers and commerce. The Toronto City Airport is a vital transportation link and will make a necessary contribution to our upcoming economic and social recovery.”

About Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (https://www.billybishopairport.com)

Offering service to more than 20 cities in Canada and the U.S., with connection opportunities to more than 80 international destinations via airline networks, Billy Bishop Airport is an important international gateway and a key driver to Toronto’s economy, generating more than $470 million in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year and supporting 4,740 jobs, including 2,080 directly associated with the airport operations. Owned and operated by PortsToronto, Billy Bishop Airport is renowned for its unique travel experience, efficiency and customer service and has recently won a series of passenger-driven awards, including being named one of the top airports in North America in both the Airports Council International’s (ACI) Airport Service Quality Awards and Skytrax World Airport Awards. Billy Bishop Airport was also ranked as the fourth Best International Airport by Condé Nast Traveler in 2017.

About Nieuport Aviation (http://www.nieuport.com)

Nieuport Aviation is owned by institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management, which are core infrastructure investors with a long-term investment horizon and ongoing access to capital, including investments on behalf of millions of Ontario and Canadian families. In addition to managing the Passenger Terminal, Nieuport Aviation offers passengers a free bus shuttle service between the airport and downtown Toronto, helping to provide a seamless travel experience.