With the installation of a E195-E2 flight simulator after certification by Transport Canada, Porter Airlines says it is ready to begin formal pilot training ahead of the launch of flights on the new aircraft later this year.

Porter previously announced an order for up to 100 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft and Airline executive VP and COO Paul Moreira hails the endeavour as “another step forward in our growth plans.”

The simulator, the first of its kind in North America, is located at FlightSafety International’s Toronto Learning Centre, where over 650 Porter pilots will receive training for both the E195-E2 and Dash 8-400. Pilots are able to experience all aspects of real-world flying, including full motion simulation and actual airport environments, in a controlled setting.

Porter Airlines finalized an eight-year agreement with FlightSafety International last year to continue as the airline’s exclusive pilot training partner.

Porter intends to begin flying the E195-E2 aircraft later in this year. The airline currently offers flights to Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Fredericton, Moncton, Halifax, St. John’s, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Timmins, Windsor, New York (Newark), Chicago (Midway), Boston and Washington (Dulles), and has seasonal flights to Mt. Tremblant, Que., Muskoka, Ont., and Myrtle Beach, S.C.