Swoop, a new Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier, announced its initial schedule release and began ticket sales on February 1, 2018. The airline revealed that it is ready to take to the skies in July 2018, with the first domestic flight scheduled on June 20, 2018 and international operations coming later in 2018.
Swoop, a “little sister” of Canadian low cost carrier WestJet, is set to operate a cross-country service from Abbotsford, Hamilton, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Halifax (Canada). On June 20, 2018 the airline is launching its first flights between Abbotsford and Hamilton and between Hamilton and Halifax. Overall, it plans to operate 45 weekly flights: 24 weekly flights from Hamilton and 27 from Abbotsford.
“Today is the first day that a real ULCC is now available to Canadians,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Strategy and the executive member, in a statement. “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.”
Swoop positions itself as Canada’s first and only ultra-low-cost carrier, meaning that ticket price covers only the bare minimum or “only the seat”, as the company puts in, while all other amenities – including a bag and legroom – are available for additional cost. “Features for purchase include a bag, movies and Wi-Fi, more legroom or less, and buy-on-board snacks and beverages. Bringing a small personal item on board is free,” is noted in a statement by the company.
“For years, Hamilton has been home to Canada’s top multimodal cargo airport,” said Hamilton Mayor, Fred Eisenberger. “Now we are home to Canada’s fastest growing airport, because of new investments like today’s announcement of the new ultra-low-cost carrier, Swoop. I look forward to many more Hamilton announcements from Swoop and thank them for choosing John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport.”
WestJet announced the name and logo for its ULCC arm in September 27, 2017, revealing the plans for Swoop to operate no-frills, lower-fare service in Canada on a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Source – AeroTime
