Having announced significantly increased passenger numbers and record domestic bookings, Canadian ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC), Swoop, is to expand its domestic network, adding non-stop flights to Newfoundland and increasing service in Atlantic Canada. The airline is also adding six new routes and capacity in Ontario and the Prairies in preparation for Canada’s busy summer travel season.
The expansion will bring the ULCC’s total non-stop domestic routes to 37 served this summer.
Bert van der Stege, Swoop’s Head of Commercial and Finance said: “We saw demand for travel return in a very meaningful way over the holidays, signalling that Canadians are ready to reunite with family and friends.”
The airline’s investments in Atlantic Canada will see it begin service at three new destinations increasing capacity throughout the region by 273% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
“Swoop is pleased to support Newfoundland and Labrador’s Come Home 2022 campaign and stimulate recovery of the visitor economy with access to affordable air travel,” added van der Stege. “We know how important the re-opening of travel and tourism is for regional economic recovery and continue to call on the federal government to outline a roadmap for the recovery of air travel that is based on science and reflective of the current realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In addition and to help support its network expansion, Swoop is growing its fleet of aircraft from 10 to 16 aircraft with the acquisition of six new Boeing MAX-8 aircraft.Van der Stege noted: “The acquisition of six new aircraft in response to anticipated demand will ensure Swoop reconnects more Canadians this summer while accelerating Canada’s economic recovery.”
Meanwhile, Tammy Priddle, President and CEO of Deer Lake Airport said: “We are excited to welcome Swoop to Deer Lake as a new airline with new destinations for travellers leaving our region. It will also allow access to a new market for people in Western and South Western Ontario and for the first time in Alberta. As we are recovering it will make it easy for families and friends to reconnect more often. It will also increase access for tourists to take in the many great experiences we offer in Western Newfoundland and Labrador.”
