Using an ultra-low-cost-carrier model, Canadian WestJet’s new airline brand Swoop is scheduled to start flights this summer connecting regional gateways across Canada. The low-fare carrier will operate 24 weekly flights from Hamilton and 27 from Abbotsford, both in Canada.
Starting 20 June, the airline will fly six times per week between Abbotsford and Hamilton, as well as between Hamilton and Halifax. On 25 June it will commence six weekly flights between Hamilton and Edmonton and between Hamilton and Winnipeg. A service between Abbotsford and Edmonton will begin on 25 July and operate three-times daily.
Praising the regional airports it is working with on the launch, WestJet’s executive vice-president, strategy, and the executive member responsible for the new brand’s launch, Bob Cummings said:
We thank our launch airports for their support in getting Swoop off the ground. Low-cost is the key and Hamilton and Abbotsford are examples to be followed. Keeping costs low so that the savings can be passed on to the travellers is what Swoop is all about. These airports are on the exact same page as us and we have worked side by side to make today happen.
Cummings described the no-frills airline as “travel without flair” saying passengers can purchase the seat and then pay accordingly to customise it with the features they want, such as bags, movies, Wi-Fi, more legroom and onboard snacks and beverages.
“We are delighted to welcome Swoop,” said Cathie Puckering, acting president and CEO at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. “Our airport is quickly becoming a hub for convenient, affordable air travel for the growing Southern Ontario region. We are confident in our ability to support Swoop’s success by keeping costs low and passengers happy as they travel through our facilities.”
Joyce Carter, president and CEO of Halifax International Airport Authority, added to Puckering’s comments saying: “We are pleased that Halifax has been chosen to be a part of Swoop’s initial route network… Low fares stimulate demand and open up additional opportunities to explore our beautiful country and connect with family, friends and colleagues from coast-to-coast.”
Meanwhile, Barry Rempel, president and CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority declared that “having more choices for travellers is a good thing and the addition of Swoop provides passengers at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport with another option to connect to the rest of the country.”
