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Category: Swoop

  • Swoop completes its Mexico route launches

    Provided by Swoop

    Airline adds Mazatlán to its list of flights inaugurated this month

    CALGARY, Jan. 20, 2019 /CNW/ – Today Swoop celebrates its final of four inaugural flights to Mexico this January. Flight WO604 departs from Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) at 11:00 a.m. PST and arrives at Mazatlán International Airport (MZT) at 4:19 p.m. PST.

    Earlier this month, Swoop celebrated initial service to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta from Hamilton and to Puerto Vallarta from Abbotsford. Today’s flight to Mazatlán will be met on arrival with a water arch, spirited mariachi band and travellers will be greeted by the Ministry of Tourism of the province of Sinaloa.

    “Mexico is a popular travel destination for Canadians, with over 1.9 million visitors annually,” said Karen McIsaac, Senior Advisor of Communications at Swoop. “This additional route to Mazatlán complements our Cancun and Puerto Vallarta destinations as top choices to frequent and is the perfect opportunity for travellers to experience choice when it comes to affordable air travel.”

    “Swoop offers multiple weekly flights from YXX to Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán which is excellent news for travellers in our region,” said Henry Braun, Mayor of Abbotsford. “The Abbotsford International Airport continues to grow and our partnership with Swoop is a significant contributor to that success. YXX now serves our region with daily flights to Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, as well as multiple weekly flights to Nevada and Mexico.”

    Flights are now available for booking through April 27, 2019. 

    Details of Swoop’s service to Mexico:

    Service Between Service Offered Weekly Frequency Total One-Way Price
    From*     
    Hamilton and Puerto Vallarta Tuesday,
    Saturday     		2 x per week $139 CAD 
    Hamilton and Cancun Monday, Friday,
    Saturday     		3 x per week $139 CAD 
    Abbotsford and Puerto
    Vallarta     		Monday,
    Saturday     		2 x per week $159 CAD 
    Abbotsford and Mazatlán Thursday, Sunday 2 x per week $159 CAD 
    †Every day low fares. Lower promotional fares may be available during select travel periods.

  • Cancun welcomes Swoop’s inaugural flight from Hamilton

    Provided by Swoop/CNW

    Three destinations in Mexico are offered this January with fares as low as $139 CAD

    CALGARY, Jan. 14, 2019 /CNW/ – Today Swoop celebrates its inaugural flight between John C. Munro HamiltonInternational Airport (YHM) and Cancun International Airport (CUN). The four-hour non-stop flight departs Hamilton at 8:00 a.m. EST and arrives Cancun at 11:59 a.m. EST.

    The Cancun International Airport and tourism partners are welcoming travellers upon landing with a water arch, live mariachi band, refreshments and gift bags.

    This marks Swoop’s third inaugural flight to Mexico this month with service to Puerto Vallarta kicking-off from Hamiltonand Abbotsford last week. Swoop will celebrate one more inaugural on January 20, 2019 between Abbotsford and Mazatlán.

    “Mexico is one of the leading value destinations this winter,” said Karen McIsaac, Senior Advisor of Communications at Swoop. “Cancun, particularly known for miles of pristine beach, is being enjoyed by more Canadians who are choosing to fly with Swoop and are spending their savings on activities to enhance their total vacation experience.”

    “Today’s inaugural flight to Cancun, Mexico marks yet another important milestone for Swoop,” said Cathie Puckering, President & CEO, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. “When Swoop launched in June 2018 they offered travellers the opportunity to get to four destinations in Canada from Hamilton. Since that time, it has continued to expand its fleet as well as destinations. Cancun is now the 11th destination that Swoop offers from Hamilton along with Halifax, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Abbotsford, Las Vegas, Tampa Bay, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Montego Bay Jamaica and Puerto Vallarta Mexico. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Swoop throughout the rest of 2019.”

    On behalf of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, its Chief Executive Officer and everyone belonging to ASUR´s team, Mr. Carlos Trueba, Cancun Airport Director, congratulated Swoop for its significant growth in Mexico and stated that this inaugural flight has a special significance because it strengthens Cancun Airport’s position as the most important in Mexico regarding international connectivity and at the same time opens a new way for Canadian and Mexican citizens to visit each other’s countries building stronger ties between the two nations that are already good friends and allies.

    Flights are now available for booking through to April 27, 2019.

    Details of Swoop’s service to Mexico:

    Service BetweenService OfferedWeekly FrequencyTotal One-Way 
    Price From*
    Hamilton and Puerto 
    Vallarta    		Tuesday, 
    Saturday    		2 x per week$139 CAD
    Hamilton and CancunMonday, Friday, 
    Saturday    		3 x per week$139 CAD
    Abbotsford and Puerto 
    Vallarta    		Monday, 
    Saturday    		2 x per week$159 CAD
    Abbotsford and MazatlánThursday, 
    Sunday    		2 x per week$159 CAD
    †Every day low fares. Lower promotional fares may be available during select travel periods.

  • Swoop inaugurates the first commercial flight from Hamilton to Puerto Vallarta

    News provided by Swoop/CNW

    AppleMark

    CALGARY, Jan. 8, 2019 /CNW/ – Today Swoop celebrates its first of four inaugural flights to Mexico.  Flight WO660 departs John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) at 8:00 a.m. EST and arrives at the Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) at 12:28 p.m. CST.

    This is the first time an airline has offered service to Puerto Vallarta from the Hamilton International Airport. Travellers can also enjoy flights from Hamilton to Cancun beginning January 14, 2019 and Abbotsford to Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán beginning January 12, 2019 and January 20, 2019 respectively.

    The Puerto Vallarta International Airport and tourism partners are welcoming the arrival of the first Swoop aircraft and its travellers with a water arch, refreshments, gift bags and a lively mariachi band.

    “Not only are we celebrating Swoop’s entry into its fourth country in under six months of operation, but also a brand-new route for the Hamilton airport”, said Karen McIsaac, Senior Advisor of Communications at Swoop. “Swoop continues to write a progressive narrative in the history of Canadian air travel, benefitting the thousands of Canadians that choose to fly with us every day and influencing growth in the tourism industry.”

    “Today’s inaugural flight on Swoop from Hamilton to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is an exciting one for the Airport and our customers,” said Cathie Puckering, President & CEO, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. “Puerto Vallarta is a brand-new destination offered for the first time from Hamilton and is a popular destination for Canadian and U.S. customers heading south to escape the cold winter weather. Hamilton is proud to fulfil this demand and see its list of sun destinations continue to grow in 2019.”

    “Puerto Vallarta’s airport has been enjoying a continual increase in flights in the past two seasons and these new flights are a sign on the continuous interest in Puerto Vallarta’s tourism offerings,” said Javier Aranda Pedrero, General Director, Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board. “Our guests will find that Puerto Vallarta can offer an exceptional warm and sunny vacation at every budget.”

    Flights are now available for booking through to April 27, 2019.

    Details of Swoop’s service to Mexico: 

    Service BetweenService OfferedWeekly FrequencyTotal One-Way
    Price From*
    Hamilton and Puerto
    Vallarta    		Tuesday,
    Saturday    		2 x per week$139 CAD
    Hamilton and CancunMonday, Friday, 
    Saturday    		3 x per week$139 CAD
    Abbotsford and Puerto 
    Vallarta    		Monday, 
    Saturday    		2 x per week$159 CAD
    Abbotsford and MazatlánThursday,
    Sunday    		2 x per week$159 CAD
    *Every day low fares. Lower promotional fares may be available during select travel periods.

  • WestJet sets new record for guests flown

    Provided by WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership/CNW

    Over 82,000 guests choose Canada’s favourite airline for their holiday travel on Friday, Dec. 21

    CALGARY, Dec. 21, 2018 /CNW/ – As the busy holiday travel season continues, WestJet today set a new record for guests flown in a single day for the fourth time this year. The group, including WestJet, WestJet Encore, Swoop and WestJet Link flew 82,618 guests, surpassing the previous record of 80,219 guests set on August 7, 2018. 

    AppleMark

    “On behalf of the WestJet Group, thank you to our guests for choosing to fly us for their holiday travel,” said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. “WestJet employees from across our network extend best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season.” 

    For tips on how to best navigate the busy Christmas travel season, please visit the WestJet Blog.

  • WestJet, Swoop and ALPA receive arbitrator’s award on first collective agreement for pilots

    Provided by WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership/CNW

    CALGARY, Dec. 21, 2018 /CNW/ – WestJet today said that it has received the award of the arbitrator, Mr. William Kaplan, in the interest arbitration between WestJet, Swoop and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).

    The arbitrator’s award, which is binding on all parties, follows mediated negotiations and formal arbitration hearings that have taken place since May 2018. The award sets the terms for the first collective agreement including all outstanding terms and conditions of employment for pilots at WestJet and Swoop.

    “Today’s award provides WestJet the ability to grow, operate a sustainable business and to compete effectively in the current operating environment,” said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. “The conclusion of this first agreement allows us to now turn our attention to the arrival of WestJet’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner and our transition to a global network carrier. I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with our pilots as we deliver on our global future.”

    ALPA represents approximately 1,600 WestJet and Swoop pilots not including WestJet Encore. WestJet Encore pilots are represented by ALPA in a separate bargaining unit, which is currently engaged in collective bargaining with the company.

    WestJet will meet with ALPA leadership in early January 2019 to review the terms of the award and work towards finalizing the collective agreement. Due to the scope and complexity of the work required, the airline will not provide further comment at this time. WestJet remains committed to working directly with the pilots’ representation. The details of the collective agreement will be communicated when finalized.

  • Montego Bay welcomes Swoop’s sold-out inaugural flight from Hamilton

    Provided by Swoop/CNW

    Swoop celebrates its first international flight with every day low fares from $149

    CALGARY, Dec. 16, 2018 /CNW/ – Today Swoop celebrates its first international flight from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) to Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

    The sold-out flight departs Hamilton at 8:00 a.m. EST and arrives in Montego Bay at 12:10 p.m. EST. Travellers will be greeted upon landing in Montego Bay with a celebratory water arch, met with live entertainment and donned with local customary decorative beads.  

    “Today marks yet another significant layer of Swoop’s history,” said Karen McIsaac, Senior Advisor of Communications at Swoop. “We are honored to have the support of the Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica joining us in the celebration alongside the many dignitaries present at Sangster International Airport today. Swoop is heading the charge to make international travel more affordable than ever before.”

    “I am extremely delighted to welcome Swoop Inc. on the occasion of the airline’s inaugural flight to Montego Bay, Jamaica,” said Her Excellency Laurie J. Peters, Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica. “The introduction of Swoop’s service is another demonstration of the long-standing and extensive aviation linkages between Canada and Jamaica and a true example of the close people-to-people ties between both countries.”

    “MBJ welcomes Swoop’s new service from Hamilton, Canada,” said Rafael Echevarne, CEO, MBJ Airports Limited. “We congratulate Swoop on this new service and are delighted that Montego Bay, Jamaica was chosen as the first Caribbean route. We look forward to this service and the additional passengers from Canada. Welcome to Montego Bay and Jamaica.”

    “Today’s inaugural flight to Montego Bay, Jamaica marks an important milestone for Swoop as it continues to expand the growing list of destinations it serves,” said Cathie Puckering, President & CEO, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. “Swoop began operation in June with domestic service and has since added U.S. destinations to Florida and Las Vegas in the fall. This connection, between Hamilton and Montego Bay, is a special one as both airports are part of the Vantage Airport Group. This new service is sure to excite Canadians eager to escape the cold winter months ahead.”

    Flights are available for booking through to April 27, 2019.

    Details of Swoop’s service to Montego Bay, Jamaica:

    Service BetweenService OfferedWeekly FrequencyTotal One-Way Price From*
    Hamilton and Montego BayWednesday, Sunday2 x per week$149 CAD
    *Every day low fares. Lower promotional fares may be available during select travel periods.

    Swoop is the first Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier to provide sun-service from Canada to the U.S. and Caribbean. Swoop travellers out of Abbotsford and Hamilton can look forward to three new destinations in Mexico; Puerta Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cancun service begins in January 2019.

    To learn more about Swoop’s destinations, schedule and ultra-low-cost model visit FlySwoop.com or connect with Swoop on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

  • Swoop reveals core summer schedule with fares priced from $59

    News provided by CNW/Swoop

    Airline extends key routes in preparation for its full summer schedule release

    CALGARY, Nov. 27, 2018 /CNW/ – Today Swoop released its core summer schedule with flights available for booking from April 28, 2019 through to October 26, 2019. The release extends many routes and sets the stage for the publication of the full summer schedule in the next few months, which is expected to add both frequency and new markets.

    “The schedule released today confirms our commitment to serving our core airports through the summer of 2019,” said Karen McIsaac, Senior Advisor of Communications at Swoop. “Our ability to continue offering these routes substantiates our success and aids Swoop in acquiring the loyalty of our travellers in these markets.”

    The schedule extends service in Swoop’s five domestic markets of Halifax, Hamilton, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Abbotsford as well as the transborder destination of Las Vegas.

    Service BetweenService OfferedWeekly FrequencyTotal One-Way
    Price From*
    Edmonton and HamiltonDaily10 x per week$139 CAD
    Edmonton and AbbotsfordDaily12 x per week$59 CAD
    Edmonton and WinnipegDaily7 x per week$69 CAD
    Edmonton and Las VegasDaily7 x per week$99 CAD
    Hamilton and HalifaxDaily7 x per week$119 CAD
    Hamilton and WinnipegDaily7 x per week$89 CAD
    Hamilton and EdmontonDaily10 x per week$139 CAD
    Hamilton and AbbotsfordDaily14 x per week$99 CAD
    Abbotsford and EdmontonDaily12 x per week$59 CAD
    Abbotsford and HamiltonDaily14 x per week$99 CAD
    Winnipeg and EdmontonDaily7 x per week$69 CAD
    Winnipeg and HamiltonDaily7 x per week$89 CAD
    Halifax and HamiltonDaily7 x per week$119 CAD
    *Every day low fares. Lower promotional fares may be available during select travel periods.

    In the coming months, Swoop will finalize the remaining additions to the schedule including incorporating plans for their seventh aircraft, which is expected to be delivered in May of 2019. For now, travellers can get ahead of booking their summer travel at ultra-low-fares starting at $59 CAD all-in.

    To learn more about Swoop’s destinations, schedule and ultra-low-cost model visit FlySwoop.com  or connect with Swoop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  

  • From Hamilton to Florida: Swoop celebrates new routes

    News provided by travelweek.ca

    Wednesday, November 21, 2018 Posted by Travelweek Group

    HAMILTON — Swoop celebrated its three new routes to Florida out of Hamilton yesterday with an official launch party attended by media, agents and industry partners.

    After receiving its final approval to operate to the U.S., the low-cost airline launched its full schedule of U.S.-bound flights on Oct. 27 following a slight delay. The new routes fly out of Hamilton, ON, Abbotsford, B.C., and Edmonton, AB to Las Vegas, Phoenix and three Florida hotspots: Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa Bay.

    To help celebrate the new flights, representatives from VISIT FLORIDA, Visit Orlando, Visit Tampa Bay, Experience Kissimmee and Greater Fort Lauderdale were on hand to welcome guests and promote the destination. According to Sana Keller of Pulse Communications, which represents VISIT FLORIDA, the new flights are expected to drive more Southwestern Ontario traffic to the Sunshine State.

    From Hamilton to Florida: Swoop celebrates new routes

    “Canada is the top country for international visitation to Florida, which is why we’re here tonight in partnership with Swoop and our destination partners promoting Swoop’s new flights to Florida,” she tells Travelweek. “We are so excited to have these new flights, which will help promote Florida!”

    Keller also added that VISIT FLORIDA is looking forward to another ‘Moments of Sunshine’ campaign, which kicks off in January 2019. The campaign will include advertising, social media, an experiential activation, public relations initiatives, a partnership with Expedia and much more.

    “Be on the lookout for these ‘Moments of Sunshine’ throughout the coldest months ahead,” she said.

    For more information go to visitflorida.com and flyswoop.com.

  • Swoop introduces FlyDay Fares – Weekly sale-fare program gives new meaning to T.G.I.F

    News provided by Swoop

    20181029_155200CALGARY, Nov. 8, 2018 /CNW/ – Tomorrow Swoop will debut a new weekly feature on its website aimed to stimulate travel to new destinations while easing the cost of booking during the advertised period. FlyDay Fares are sale-fares released on the airline’s website every Friday at 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. MST. The markets offered vary from week-to-week but share the commonality of providing great value.

     “FlyDay Fares are a fun way to play with spontaneous travel,” said Karen McIsaac, Senior Advisor of Communications at Swoop. “Let the weekly sale determine which city you will explore next or check back every Friday for a sale-fare on that certain trip you’ve been planning. The weekends just got a little more Swooper.”

    FlyDay Fares are available to view and book on FlySwoop.com. Travellers can choose to check back weekly during the sale window or sign-up for emails to be notified of the FlyDay fares of the week. T.G.I.FlyDay!

    To learn more about Swoop’s destinations, schedule and ultra-low-cost model visit FlySwoop.com  or connect with Swoop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

  • Thousands of Swoop passengers inconvenienced as airline cancels flights to U.S.

    ROSS MAROWITS | CALGARY | THE CANADIAN PRESS | 

    Swoop

    Thousands of Swoop passengers have been forced to make alternative last-minute flight plans after the WestJet Airlines discount subsidiary cancelled 16 flights in the coming days between Canada and the United States.

    Flights have been cancelled between Abbotsford, B.C., and Las Vegas, and between Hamilton and Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, according to its website.

    Swoop said it hasn’t received a final approval required to operate to the United States that it had anticipated having well in advance of the first flights.

    It has cancelled 24 flights until Oct. 27, including eight that were to have taken place since last week.

    The airline that launched service in Canada in June apologized for the inconvenience the cancellations have caused.

    “We know how disruptive it is to all of our travellers when they have travel plans in place and we’re just hoping that we can help work with them to help minimize their disruption as much as possible,” said spokeswoman Karen McIsaac.

    Swoop said employees are directly contacting travellers to offer rebooking on alternate airlines or full refunds plus $100 to $200 in compensation per passenger per travelling segment.

    “Our focus is on doing what’s right for the travellers and all our focus and attention at this point is on minimizing the overall disruption that this has caused and therefore hoping to regain some of that confidence in our travellers,” she said in an interview.

    Swoop has leased an available WestJet aircraft to operate flights between Edmonton and Las Vegas until Oct. 26.