Porter Airlines Partners with The Fort Distillery for On-Board Cocktails
The Canadian carrier's passengers will enjoy classic cocktails in the sky from the locally renowned distillery
Photo: Courtesy of Porter Airlines
Porter Airlines has announced a new partnership with independent drinks supplier The Fort Distillery, providing a selection of in-flight cocktails for the Canadian carrier.
The pre-mixed ‘Tumble and Rocks’ range will become available on flights from February 1. Options include classic cocktails with punchy ABVs averaging between 20 to 35 percent.
“So, you’ve got your old-fashioned, right, which is whiskey-based. You’ve got your martini, which is a classic gin martini. And then the margarita—that’s just an awesome summer drink,” said Nathan Flim, founder of The Fort Distillery, in an interview with Global News Canada.
“The brand just really works well on an airline because it’s a single serve. It’s everything is in there. You just put it over ice, and you’re good to go.”
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The agreement is a tremendous achievement for The Fort Distillery, impressively clocking an airline partnership at only five years since its foundation. As a result, production is expected to rise by 500 percent, with the additional exposure likely to yield further opportunities.
“It’s a massive increase in production and revenue, obviously,” added Flim. “So it allows us to hire more local staff, keep using more local ingredients and just bring more economic benefit to Canada and to Alberta, and Edmonton region.”
It’s not just deliciously potent cocktails that Porter is adding. A fresh menu approach focuses on sustainable Canadian food, with options from local sources, including Toronto-made deli sandwiches and craft beers from Beau’s Brewing company in Ontario.
Photo: Courtesy of Porter Airlines
The revamp is part of Porter’s broader ‘elevated economy for everyone’ initiative, which recently saw free Wi-Fi and entertainment services added on all its flights. In addition, from February 1, passengers will be able to choose PorterReserve, which offers perks like extra legroom and speedy boarding.
“Porter is aligning our brand with premium partners who emulate our values and the distinct service that we pride ourselves in delivering,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Porter Airlines. “With a focus on high-quality products, generous service and competitive prices, our passengers will experience economy air travel in a way that no other airline is offering.”
Porter’s in-flight improvements will bolster the airline’s aspirations for growth in North America. As flights grow more expensive, passengers wanting to travel in comfort may start turning to upper-end economy fares. The Canadian airline now offers a base level of quality that few competitors can match.
