Porter Airlines Is Making Flying Economy Cool With A New Kuwalla Collaboration

Flying economy might not be the ultimate flex, but Porter Airlines is looking to change that with a little help from Canadian streetwear brand Kuwalla Tee.

As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, the Toronto-based airline has teamed up with the Montreal clothing label to release a limited-edition crewneck that proudly declares, “I Only Fly Economy.” It’s a cheeky statement that flips the traditional idea of airline status on its head, suggesting that the cheap seat might actually be the cool seat.

The collaboration, dubbed the Cabin Crewneck, is available as of October 21, 9 AM EST exclusively through porter20.com, with a retail price of $130 CAD. Available in two versions, the “I Only Fly Economy” Cabin Crewneck and Mr. Porter’s Cabin Crewneck, the sweater comes in Porter’s signature sky blue with a relaxed, unisex fit and embroidered details featuring the airline’s recognizable raccoon mascot, Mr. Porter.

For Porter president Kevin Jackson, the collaboration is about more than putting an airline logo on a piece of clothing. It’s an extension of the company’s philosophy that the smallest details can make the biggest difference.

“We partnered with Kuwalla Tee because they’re a Montreal business that focuses on getting everyday essentials right — the fit, the fabric, the details most people never think about until they put something on,” Jackson told Complex Canada. “That’s the same attention we put into flying. It mattered to us that we worked with a Canadian brand that cares how things are put together.”

Jackson says the crewneck was a natural choice because it combines comfort and style for travel days, while its name also pays tribute to the airline’s crew members who deliver the passenger experience.

Of course, the real conversation starter is the slogan itself. At a time when airlines increasingly market premium cabins, upgrades and exclusive lounges as status symbols, Porter is making a case for the passengers sitting in economy.

“Porter is known for providing an exceptional flying experience that happens to focus on economy travellers,” Jackson said. “This represents approximately 90% of people who fly and we’ve consistently focused on bringing enjoyment back to this group. There’s no reason that you can’t have a great economy experience, which is what the line represents.”

The collaboration is just one part of Porter’s 20th anniversary merchandise drop. The airline is also releasing a collection of limited-edition items, including a plush version of its Mr. Porter mascot ($28.99), a commemorative embroidered cap ($44.99) and a 1:100-scale model of its Embraer E195-E2 aircraft ($109.99). The collection follows the airline’s Little Things Blind Boxes, which launched in August and sold out in less than three days.

The Cabin Crewneck and anniversary collection are available as of October 21, 9:00 AM EST exclusively at porter20.com, while quantities last, with shipping expected to begin in mid-November.

And while a $130 crewneck might cost more than some economy fares, at least this one comes with bragging rights.