Two signs that the Island Airport is only getting bigger and better

Billy Bishop Airport’s proximity to the city—plus the free cookies in the departure lounge—have already won over many Torontonians flying within the region. Now, the airport is poised to become a gateway to more destinations. Today, Porter Airlines announced an interline agreement that will allow passengers to buy flights from Singapore Airlines that leave from the Island Airport and connect through Newark, with baggage checked all the way through to Singapore. (The airline already has similar deals with Qatar Airways and South African Airways.) Meanwhile, this weekend, the Toronto Star reported that the Toronto Port Authority wants to hire special armed constables for Billy Bishop, which would enhance security and potentially allow the airport to set up a pre-clearance area for U.S. customs, something Porter has been trying to accomplish since last year. Neither of these developments, however, are likely to be as popular as the new underground pedestrian walkway, which should be finished by spring 2014—bringing the world’s shortest ferry ride to an end.

• Singapore Airlines signs agreement with Porter Airlines [CTV News] • Island airport needs own police force, Toronto Port Authority says [Toronto Star]