Porter introduces brand new brews onboard
This is a special feature from the April 2025 WTCE issue of PAX International on page 24.
Café Saint-Henri’s Mr. Porter’s Blend was specially curated for the airline’s inflight service
Porter Airlines’ regional service and mission to elevate Economy air travel began in 2006. Now nearly two decades later, the airline serves every province in Canada and many destinations across North America. Amid its expansive growth, Porter has remained focused on infusing luxury into the Economy Class experience through meaningful food and beverage partnerships with Canadian-owned brands.
“We are proud of our Canadian roots and make every effort to promote Canadian products through our onboard service,” Julian Low, Vice President, Corporate Development, Porter Airlines, tells PAX International.
Julian Low, Vice President, Corporate Development, Porter Airlines
He says the airline’s vendor criteria are very specific. Brand partnerships are carefully selected through a combination of seeking collaborations and receiving proposals.
“Porter frequently scours the market for onboard products that may resonate with
our passengers,” he explains. “We make vendor decisions using a rigorous sourcing process that starts with a market assessment followed by a Request for Proposal. Only vendors that we believe fit within our brand criteria are invited to participate.”
A cross-functional team evaluates the suppliers based on quality, brand values, locality, price, reliability and what Low refers to as the “wow factor,” which he says is how Porter surprises and delights passengers.
“Every decision is critically evaluated and often includes input from our most senior leaders. That is how important the onboard service offering is to us,” he reveals.
Cracked Canoe Premium Ultra-Light Lager is onboard Porter Airlines, served in 355 milliliter cans
Brands that need no introduction
Porter's complimentary drink offerings are a signature element of the onboard experience. The latest additions to its beverage lineup include beer from Moosehead Breweries and coffee from Café Saint-Henri.
Based in Eastern Canada’s picturesque Saint John, New Brunswick, Moosehead Breweries is a historic, premium beer brand. Two beer options, served in 355 milliliter cans, are available onboard: Moosehead Canadian Lager and Cracked Canoe Premium Ultra-Light Lager.
“We selected Moosehead based on its great taste and overall commitment to quality,” Low explains.
From Montréal, Quebec, Café Saint-Henri is renowned for its direct-to-source purchasing and expertise in premium coffee.
“Our goal is to provide a premium passenger experience, working with partners that have the same high standards that we do. Both Moosehead Breweries and Café Saint-Henri are passionate about their craft and have strong Canadian roots,” he explains. “Moosehead’s overall commitment to quality matches our goal to provide a superior passenger experience—they also have great tasting beer.”
He notes that Café Saint-Henri takes great pride in its production process, bringing
high-quality and sustainably sourced coffee to Porter’s passengers. The coffee from Saint-Henri, Mr. Porter’s Blend, was specially curated for the airline’s inflight service.
“Tastebuds change at altitude, so one of the more unique parts of selecting this partner was
testing many different iterations of Mr. Porter’s Blend during actual flights to
ensure it has the premium taste our passengers expect at 30,000 feet,” explains Low.
New brand partners are introduced periodically, part of maintaining the airline’s high service standards.
“Porter’s onboard experience transforms expectations for Economy air travel. This, along with our team’s genuine approach to service, is the foundation for elevating Economy flying for everyone,” Low says.
Moosehead Canadian Lager is now served onboard, in 355 milliliter cans
Economy with class
Flying exclusively single aisle aircraft in two-by-two seating configuration, Porter boasts no middle seats. All passengers flying its E195-E2 fleet have access to free, high-speed, reliable Wi-Fi service from gate-to-gate, providing full web access, including surfing and streaming services.
“These elements are another way of distinguishing Porter’s Economy travel experience for all passengers,” he explains.
