Porter Airlines’ plans remain in limbo as its competitors work to sustain their long-term viability

Roughly a year ago in Apr-2013 Canada's Porter Airlines declared bold plans for the next phase of its business, underpinned by a move to operate larger Bombardier CSeries jets to broaden its product reach to destinations in Western Canada and the US.

But a year later Porter finds itself in, arguably, self-imposed limbo as the necessary and controversial approvals to operate the CSeries from the airline's main base and headquarters at Toronto Billy Bishop airport have been mired in politics, and for the moment remain frozen pending further study.

A decision to put off approving or denying Porter's planned addition of the larger CSeries narrowbodies at the island airport and the necessary changes to support the carrier's operation of the jets occurred just as non-refundable deposits on the aircraft were due to Bombardier.

All of the push and pull during the last year has resulted in two glaring questions - why did Porter base its future on a scheme rife with controversy, and does the carrier have a plan B?