Porter Airlines says it will add six planes to its fleet and triple the size of its Toronto lounge, a controversial expansion opposed by some waterfront residents who say the regional carrier detracts from efforts to revitalize the city's waterfront.

Robert Deluce, Porter Airlines president and CEO, said Thursday construction on the Toronto Island Airport's lounge will be completed by Dec. 31 before the independent carrier begins service to U.S. destinations including Newark, N.J., in 2008.

Porter Airlines announced plans Thursday to triple the size of its Toronto lounge and add six planes to its fleet.
(CBC)

"This growth is part of our original plan to serve at least 17 Canadian and U.S. destinations, and we will continue delivering on Porter's 'flying refined' promise as we enter new markets," Deluce said in a release issued Thursday.

Porter Airlines serves Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax. In June, the airline said it aimed to introduce service to as many as nine U.S. destinations, including Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Cincinnati and Cleveland.

Community Air, a group of Toronto Island residents and activists, has opposed expansion of the airport, citing congestion, noise and air quality concerns.