Canada’s airlines Part 3: Porter’s future rests on controversial expansion from Billy Bishop

Porter Airlines enters 2014 with its future hinging on a decision on proposed expansion plans at is major base and headquarters at Toronto Billy Bishop Airport. It is a high stakes gamble for Porter, which has created a political firestorm over its vision for the airport that occupies a sensitive space on Toronto's waterfront.

The issue is so divisive that a firm decision on approving structural changes to the slot-controlled airport was postponed until 2014 as opponents of the plan raised concerns over financing of the project that includes an extension of the airport's main runway to support jet operations.

Perhaps Porter believes its track record in successfully launching service from Billy Bishop in 2006 and, for a time, beating back Air Canada's return to the airport allows for some confidence in its efforts to convince city officials of the merits of airport expansion. But if the carrier fails in its attempt to chart a new course for the airport, Porter may need to refocus its long-term business strategy.