Porter Airlines will seek permission to fly Bombardier’s CS100 jets out of the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on the city’s waterfront.

Jets are currently not allowed to fly out of the waterfront airport except under special circumstances.

The airline says it will also seek permission to extend the main runway at the airport by 168 metres at each end.

Porter made the announcement as it confirmed that it has signed a conditional deal to buy 12 Bombardier CS100s, with options on 18 more.

The deal also includes purchase rights for six of Bombardier’s Q400 turboprop aircraft, currently the mainstay of the Porter fleet.