Canadian Aviation News

News, Fleet Information, Airport Log and more

Tag: Charlottetown YYG

  • WestJet announces largest network expansion from Edmonton in airline’s history with launch of new U.S. routes and enhanced domestic connectivity

    New transborder routes connecting Edmonton with Minneapolis and Seattle along with increased access across Canada underpins continued expansion of Alberta’s global aviation network

    EDMONTON, AB, Feb. 13, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet today revealed significantly increased transborder connectivity from Edmonton International Airport, with new non-stop service to Minneapolis, Minnesota and Seattle, Washington as part of its 2023 summer schedule. In addition, WestJet’s summer schedule from Edmonton will revitalize the city’s domestic connectivity from coast-to-coast with the airline unveiling new routes from Edmonton to London, Moncton, Charlottetown and the resumption of nonstop flights to Ottawa, Montreal, Nanaimo and Penticton.

    WestJet’s renewed commitment to the city of Edmonton will see the airline’s service increase by almost 50 per cent this summer when compared to 2022. Additionally, today’s announcement underpins WestJet’s strategic ambitions to grow its presence across Western Canada and further strengthens Canada’s east to west connectivity.

    “Since our first day of operation in February 1996 to reaffirming our commitment to the city and region almost exactly 27 years later, Edmonton is an integral part of WestJet’s beginnings and our future,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer. “As WestJet continues to own our position as the undisputed home-team carrier of Western Canada, I am grateful to be celebrating our renewed focus on Edmonton alongside our valued partners as we take strides to energize the city’s two-way tourism opportunities and bolster its accessibility for business and leisure travellers.”

    In celebration of its new Edmonton-based investments which mark the single largest expansion of WestJet’s network serving Edmonton in history, the airline, in partnership with Edmonton International Airport, was joined by valued partners from across the region at a special event held in the heart of the city’s vibrant downtown ICE District.

    “WestJet continues to invest in our region by creating important non-stop routes to critical destinations that foster business development and propel the visitor economy,” said Myron Keehn, President & CEO, Edmonton International Airport (YEG). “The more flights we have at YEG, the more opportunities we can offer Edmonton, our region, and Canada’s North, and we’re thrilled to welcome even more WestJet flights to our airport and showcase the Edmonton Region as an attractive hub for tech, sustainability, trade and tourism.”

    Rounding out Alberta’s growing and thriving aviation hub

    WestJet’s summer schedule serving Alberta builds on the airline’s foundational support of the province that will allow for its leisure, cargo and business economies to thrive like never before. With five new additions and the restart of four destinations to Edmonton’s network, WestJet will serve 21 domestic and four transborder destinations from Alberta’s capital this summer.

    Details of WestJet’s new summer service from Edmonton

    DestinationStart
    Date    		Peak Season
    Frequency    		Departure
    Time    		Arrival Time
    Minneapolis (MSP) *NewJune 25x weekly08:1511:46
    Seattle (SEA) *NewMay 195x weekly10:3011:30
    Charlottetown (YYG) *NewJune 141x weekly10:2517:58
    Moncton (YQM) *NewJune 292x weekly10:2517:57
    Penticton (YYF)1July 12x weekly11:0011:27
    Nanaimo (YCD) 1*Year-RoundYear-
    round    		2x weekly10:3011:29
    London (YXU) *NewMay 192x weekly10:2515:52
    Ottawa (YOW) 1April 306x weekly09:0014:43
    Montreal 1June 302x weekly01:0007:03
    1 Resumption of service last operated in 2021

    Additional quotes:

    “Air travel is critical to our regional economy. Direct routes to strategic business locations make our region more globally competitive. They attract investment and human capital and they connect our local companies to the global marketplace. Half of all cargo moves in the bellies of passenger planes – the increase in direct flights and the new connection to Minneapolis is a big boost for our local businesses. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these flights will have on our region.”  

    –  Malcom Bruce, Edmonton Global, Chief Executive Officer

     “These new connections serve as an important tool for further positioning Edmonton as an international hub for trade and travel in Western Canada. New routes to the US will further open up economic expansion opportunities for businesses in the Edmonton region while also bringing in visitors to explore everything our great capital city region has to offer. Thank you to the teams at the Edmonton International Airport and WestJet for making today’s announcement possible.”

    –  The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre

    “With these new flight commitments from West Jet, the future of tourism is looking even brighter. Seeing more visitors enjoying all that Alberta has to offer is something our government is excited about. Our Festivals, Parks and Mountains are second to none and we look forward to sharing them with the world.”

    –  The Honourable Todd Loewen, Ministry of Forestry, Parks and Tourism

    “With the recent announcement of WestJet increasing their services both to the United States and from coast to coast in Canada, I am pleased for the positive outcomes to the Edmonton region that are sure to follow. As Edmonton’s population continues to grow, Edmontonians’ desire to travel and feel connected does too. This is a much welcomed investment that will spark economic growth and vibrancy in the Edmonton region, and I look forward to my next transborder and domestic flights with WestJet from the Edmonton International Airport.”

    –  Edmonton Mayor, Amarjeet Sohi

    “On behalf of Leduc County, I’d like to congratulate WestJet on its exciting network expansion. The success of the airport is directly tied to the success of the region, and the more direct flights EIA has – especially to key connecting hubs in the United States – the easier it will be to connect with businesses on a global scale, which will in turn drive business development and diversification.”  

    –  Leduc County Mayor, Tanni Doblanko

    About WestJet

    In 26 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries. 

    For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com. 

    Recent recognition includes: 
    2020/2019 Number-One Ranked Canadian Airline Loyalty Program in Member Engagement (Bond Brand Loyalty)
    2019/2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines) 
    2019 Winner Among Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines)
    2019/2018 Number-One-Ranked Airline Credit Card in Canada (Rewards Canada) 

  • WestJet brings new U.S. destinations and enhanced domestic connectivity to summer schedule as airline’s new growth strategy takes flight

    CALGARY, AB, Feb. 13, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet today unveiled 20 new routes and three new destinations to the airline’s summer schedule. Offering a comprehensive network of connectivity between Western Canada and the United States, WestJet’s summer network additions feature new non-stop service to Washington Dulles, Detroit and Minneapolis, with new routes added to Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Nashville and Seattle. In line with the airline’s previously announced strategic direction, WestJet is also expanding domestic travel options across Canada with increased frequencies and options to travel from coast-to-coast, and everywhere in between.

    “We are thrilled to be expanding our network and giving our guests substantial opportunity to explore the U.S., and Canada from coast-to-coast this summer,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer. “From increased domestic options to expanded regional and transborder connectivity throughout Western Canada, our summer schedule demonstrates our unwavering commitment to fulfilling the diverse needs of Canadian travellers and ensuring we are the friendly, reliable and affordable airline they love.”

    With strengthened domestic and transborder connectivity, WestJet will increase its service up to nearly 30 per cent in Calgary, 50 percent in Edmonton and 10 per cent in Vancouver when compared to 2022.

    Expanded U.S. network with more routes and increased access to Delta hubs

    This summer WestJet will introduce Minneapolis, Detroit and Washington D.C. (Dulles), to its network, in addition to investing in new routes and restoring service to an expansive list of U.S. destinations.

    Through its longstanding partnership with Delta Air Lines, guests connecting through Minneapolis and Detroit will gain access to two more of the U.S. airline’s major hubs. Building on WestJet’s current service to Delta hubs, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle, WestJet guests will now have access to over 150 U.S. destinations on a single purchased ticket with check-in for all flights at the first departure, baggage tagged to their final destination and lounge access for select guests. Additionally, frequent flyers of both airlines will continue to enjoy extensive reciprocal benefits any time they fly with either carrier, including earning and redeeming in their preferred program.

    Highlights of WestJet’s summer 2023 transborder and international service

    Destination Start
    Date     		Peak Season
    Frequency     		Departure
    Time    		Arrival Time
    Calgary – Austin*May 182x weekly09:4014:30
    Calgary – Chicago*May 184x weekly12:1516:40
    Calgary – Detroit1May 265x weekly12:3518:05
    Calgary – Washington D.C. (Dulles)June 23x weekly09:4516:02
    Edmonton – Minneapolis1June 25x weekly08:1511:46
    Edmonton – Seattle1May 195x weekly10:3011:30
    Vancouver – Atlanta1May 174x weekly22:2506:05
    Vancouver – NashvilleMay 192x weekly10:0016:19
    Vancouver – Orlando*May 61x weekly11:0019:52
    Winnipeg – Los Angeles3Apr 303x weekly07:0008:38
    Toronto – Bermuda3May 52x weekly07:0010:42
    *Resumption of service/ 1 Delta hub/ 3 Continuation of winter service

    Enhancing non-stop west to east connectivity

    As part of WestJet’s new strategic direction, the airline is taking strides to further provide guests with extensive opportunities to seamlessly and affordably travel across Canada. Substantially strengthening Canadian connectivity, WestJet is adding five new routes between Eastern and Western Canada, further positioning its network to support travel demands across the country.

    Destination Start
    Date     		Peak Season
    Frequency     		Departure
    Time    		Arrival Time
    Calgary – MonctonJune 143x weekly09:1516:49
    Calgary – Thunder Bay*June 293x weekly14:00/15:4518:36/20:21
    Calgary – Quebec City*May 194x weekly17:5523:55
    Edmonton – CharlottetownJune 141x weekly10:2517:58
    Edmonton – LondonMay 192x weekly10:2515:52
    Edmonton – MonctonJune 292x weekly10:2517:57
    Edmonton – Ottawa*Apr 306x weekly09:0014:43
    Edmonton – Montreal*June 302x weekly01:0007:03
    *Resumption of service

    Bringing Western Canadian communities closer through a strengthened regional network

    As Western Canada’s undisputed home-team carrier, WestJet is enhancing its aviation gateway for business and leisure travel opportunities by further strengthening regional connectivity with the resumption of non-stop flights and increased frequencies.

    Destination Start
    Date     		Peak Season
    Frequency     		Departure
    Time    		Arrival Time
    Calgary – Terrace*May 14x weekly09:40/14:1010:58/15:28
    Edmonton – Nanaimo*April 302x weekly10:3011:29
    Edmonton – Penticton*July 12x weekly11:0011:27
    Kelowna – Regina*May 212x weekly17:3020:34
    Kelowna – Saskatoon*June 22x weekly17:3520:29
    Kelowna – Winnipeg*June 23x weekly19:1523:33
    Vancouver – Regina*Jun 302x weekly20:4523:47
    Winnipeg – Victoria*April 302x weekly17:3018:28
    *Resumption of service

    Additional quotes

    “Delta is excited about WestJet’s expanded US-Canada network in summer 2023,” said Perry Cantarutti, senior vice president Alliances and International for Delta. “We already have a strong codeshare network with WestJet, and extensive reciprocal benefits for our frequent flyers. With both increased flights to Delta’s hubs in Atlanta and Seattle, as well as new WestJet flights to our hubs in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Detroit, we look forward to growing our partnership, offering new travel and connection options to more customers, and increasing competition.”

    “We’re thrilled to welcome WestJet to Minnesota and are pleased to add an important business route to Edmonton from MSP,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates MSP. “WestJet’s arrival also opens up new connections for travelers across Western Canada and the United States leveraging their codeshare with Delta Air Lines, MSP’s largest carrier.”

    “We are pleased to have WestJet begin operations at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. With the addition of WestJet, our customers will be able to fly directly from Detroit to Calgary for the first time since 2005. We’re hoping this route will also give our Canadian neighbors one more reason to visit our great region, “said Chad Newton, Wayne County Airport Authority CEO.

    “Dulles International Airport welcomes WestJet to the Washington, D.C., region with this first-ever service to Calgary,” said Chryssa Westerlund, Airports Authority executive vice president and chief revenue officer. “Calgary will become the 60th international destination from Washington Dulles, and WestJet will be our 40th air carrier. We are thrilled to welcome WestJet to Dulles and to provide customers this new link between Western Canada and Washington.”

    About WestJet

    In 26 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries. 

    For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com. 

    Recent recognition includes: 
    2020/2019 Number-One Ranked Canadian Airline Loyalty Program in Member Engagement (Bond Brand Loyalty)
    2019/2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines) 
    2019 Winner Among Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines) 
    2019/2018 Number-One-Ranked Airline Credit Card in Canada (Rewards Canada)

  • Porter Airlines launching non-stop Ottawa-Charlottetown flights

    Now serving every Atlantic Canada province

    TORONTO, Feb. 13, 2023 /CNW/ – Porter Airlines is launching direct service between Ottawa International Airport and Charlottetown Airport, with flights taking off on May 17.

    The new daily, non-stop route is to be served by 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft. Porter’s genuine hospitality and elevated onboard service, including premium snacks, and free beer and wine in glassware will be experienced by all passengers. PorterReserve, a new, all-inclusive fare, also provides dedicated airport check-in, early boarding, enhanced legroom, two checked bags and the ability to change flights without a fee.

    “Porter is continuing to invest in regional flying across Eastern Canada,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines. “Charlottetown is an entirely new destination for us and the addition of Prince Edward Island means that Porter is serving every Atlantic Canada province for the first time.”

    Porter currently serves Moncton, Fredericton, Halifax and St. John’s, N.L., in the region.

    Porter will be the only airline offering daily non-stop service between Ottawa and Charlottetown, with flights initially available until the last week of October. Introductory roundtrip fares start at $297, including taxes and fees. Connections are currently available from Charlottetown to Thunder Bay, Toronto City, and Toronto Pearson.

    “Historic Charlottetown is one of the few provincial capitals with limited air capacity to Ottawa-Gatineau. Porter Airlines’ continued growth from YOW will change that as travellers from both areas will have more non-stop options from the coast to the Capital and vice versa. YYG passengers will likely enjoy connecting at YOW, including for Porter’s excellent downtown Toronto access,” said Mark Laroche, president and CEO, Ottawa International Airport Authority.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Porter Airlines to YYG and Prince Edward Island,” said Doug Newson, CEO, Charlottetown Airport Authority. “Islanders and visitors alike have been requesting Porter for many years, so it is extremely rewarding for us to be able to announce this today. This new non-stop service to Ottawa will not only provide convenient access to the nation’s capital, but will also allow travellers the opportunity to connect to Porter’s expanding network at Ottawa International Airport.”

    Porter has more than doubled the number of regional destinations served from Ottawa in recent months. The introduction of Charlottetown is in addition to three new routes connecting Ottawa with Boston, New York-Newark and Thunder Bay beginning this spring. Porter also currently flies to Fredericton, Halifax, Moncton and Toronto City with its Dash 8-400 fleet. A Toronto Pearson-Ottawa route served with state-of-the-art Embraer E195-E2 aircraft started earlier in February. Detailed schedules can be found on www.flyporter.com.

    About Porter

    Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com or follow @porterairlines on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

  • WestJet announces domestic winter service suspensions as airline transitions strategic direction

    By WestJet | July 18, 2022

    Winter service to Charlottetown, Fredericton, Sydney and Quebec City to be suspended as of November 15, 2022

    As WestJet begins to strategically transition flying in Eastern Canada to focus on sun and leisure destinations as well as enhanced connections to Western Canada, the airline has announced the suspension of winter service to four communities in Eastern and Atlantic Canada. Effective November 15, 2022, service will be suspended to, Fredericton, N.B., Sydney, N.S., Charlottetown, P.E.I., and Quebec City, QC. Service between now and November 15, 2022, will NOT be affected.

    Any guests with impacted travel will be notified beginning on July 18, 2022, either directly or through their travel agent. WestJet will strive to rebook guests with alternative travel arrangements, or guests will be eligible for a refund to original form of payment. More details are available here: https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/contact/alternate-travel-arrangements.

    “We understand this is disappointing news and we apologize for any disruption this will cause our guests and communities,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “We are undertaking these strategic changes in a responsible manner and it was critical to give our guests and the communities as much advance notice as possible.”

    WestJet recently announced how a growing, stronger, sustainable WestJet will benefit Canadians, following a strategic review to determine the best course for the airline’s sustained future success. This August, WestJet will release the airline’s full winter 2022/2023 schedule that will see significant sun and leisure flying investments for Eastern Canada along with capacity enhancements nationwide.   

    “As a national airline, we will continue to engage with these communities and stakeholders as we look to enhance service to Eastern and Atlantic Canada through direct connections to Western Canada, sun and leisure destinations,” continued Weatherill. “By making these difficult decisions now, it will ensure we can offer more of what our guests expect from WestJet and solidify our airline as the most reliable and affordable airline for many years to come.”

    Impacted routes:

    Route Peak FrequencyServiceSuspension Date
    Fredericton – Toronto  13x weeklyWestJet EncoreNovember 15, 2022
    Sydney – Halifax 7x weekly WestJet EncoreNovember 15, 2022
    Charlottetown – Toronto 3x weeklyWestJetNovember 15, 2022
    Quebec City – Toronto  21x weeklyWestJet Encore November 15, 2022

  • Air Canada’s Summer 2022 Schedule Adjustments

    2 July 2022 – Air Canada 🔗

    This week, Air Canada announced changes to its summer schedule to support unprecedented and unforeseen strains on our organization. International flights are unaffected, with a few timing changes to reduce flying at peak times. Flights adjusted are to and from our Toronto and Montreal hubs. These will be mostly frequency reductions, affecting primarily evening and late-night flights by smaller aircraft, on transborder and domestic routes. Four routes will be temporarily suspended.

    Temporary Route Suspensions:

    Montreal – Kelowna
    Montreal – Baltimore
    Montreal – Pittsburgh
    Toronto – Fort McMurray

    Frequency Reductions

    Toronto – Deer Lake: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 1 flight daily
    Toronto – Saint John: reduce 2 frequencies, now operating 1 flight daily
    Toronto – Charlottetown: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily
    Toronto – Quebec City: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 4 flights daily
    Toronto – North Bay: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 1 flight daily
    Toronto – Timmins: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily
    Toronto – Sudbury: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 3 flights daily
    Toronto – London, ON: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 4 flights daily
    Toronto – Windsor: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 3 flights daily
    Toronto – Winnipeg: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 5 flights daily
    Toronto – Edmonton: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 7 flights daily
    Toronto – Calgary: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 11 flights daily
    Toronto – Vancouver: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 14 flights daily
    Toronto – Boston: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 6 flights daily
    Toronto – LaGuardia: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 9 flights daily
    Toronto – Newark: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 6 flights daily
    Toronto – Baltimore: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily
    Toronto – Philadelphia: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 3 flights daily
    Toronto – Washington (DCA): reduce 1 frequency in August, will operate 2 flights daily (3 flights remain for July)
    Toronto – Miami: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 1 flight daily
    Toronto – San Francisco: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 3 flights daily
    Montreal – Moncton: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily
    Montreal – Fredericton: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily
    Montreal – Saint John: reduce 1 frequency, now operating total 1flights
    Montreal – Halifax: reduce 1 frequency in August, will operate total 3 flights daily (4 flights remain through August 3)
    Montreal – Ottawa: reduce 2 frequencies, now operating 6 flights daily
    Montreal – Quebec: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 4 flights daily
    Montreal – Toronto (Island): no weekend operations and Friday reduced to 3 flights daily
    Montreal – Edmonton: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily
    Montreal – Calgary: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 4 flights daily
    Montreal – Boston: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 3 flights daily
    Montreal – LaGuardia: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 4 flights daily
    Montreal – Newark: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 3 flights daily
    Montreal – Fort Lauderdale: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily
    Ottawa – Toronto (Island): no weekend operations

    Route Retimes:

    Montreal – Los Angeles
    Montreal – Las Vegas
    Montreal – Punta Cana
    Montreal – Fort Lauderdale
    Montreal – Winnipeg
    Montreal – Edmonton
    Toronto – Manchester
    Toronto – Edinburgh
    Toronto – Copenhagen
    Vancouver – Portland
    Vancouver – Regina
    Vancouver – Cranbrook

  • Swoop celebrates first route of Atlantic expansion with service to Charlottetown

    Swoop celebrates first route of Atlantic expansion with service to Charlottetown

    The ultra-not-expensive airline connects Prince Edward Island with new non-stop flights from Hamilton and Toronto.  

    CHARLOTTETOWN, PE, May 1, 2022 /CNW/ – Today, Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost airline, launched its inaugural flight to Charlottetown Airport (YYG) from Hamilton International Airport (YHM). Swoop flight WO170 took off from Hamilton this morning at 7:50 a.m. EST, receiving a warm welcome upon arrival in Charlottetown at 11:00 a.m. local time.  

    “As Canada’s leading ultra-low fare airline, we are pleased to kick off our Atlantic Canada expansion with this inaugural flight to Charlottetown today,” said Bert van der Stege, Head of Commercial and Finance, Swoop. “This is the first of 11 inaugurals Swoop will celebrate across the region this summer as we expand our ultra-low fare offering on the east coast.” 

    In the coming weeks, Swoop will be adding service to Moncton and Saint John, NB and Deer Lake and St. John’s, NL, as well as adding frequencies on existing routes to Halifax. “With this investment, we highlight our commitment to Atlantic Canada and recognize the importance of the tourism economy,” continued Van der Stege.

    Later today, Swoop will operate its first non-stop service between Edmonton and Halifax and tomorrow, May 2, Swoop will launch non-stop Charlottetown service from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. Starting June 16, Swoop will begin non-stop service to Charlottetown from Edmonton International Airport.

    The arrival of the inaugural flight was warmly welcomed with a gate-side celebration at Charlottetown Airport, where travellers were joined by Bert van der Stege, Swoop’s Head of Commercial and Finance, James Aylward, PEI Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Jason Coady, City of Charlottetown Deputy Mayor, Doug Newson, CEO, Charlottetown Airport Authority, and Patrick MacFadyen, Vice-Chair, Charlottetown Airport Authority. Cathie Puckering, President and CEO of Hamilton International Airport, joined travellers on the inaugural flight from Hamilton.

    “We know how important affordable air travel is to the recovery of the tourism economy and are proud to mark this occasion with our partners from the City of Charlottetown, the PEI Provincial Government, Discover Charlottetown and Charlottetown Airport,” continued van der Stege. “Swoop is thankful for the ongoing partnership and support of all these organizations; and we look forward to continuing to work together to bring more ultra-low-cost options to visit Charlottetown and for Islanders to travel to Toronto, Hamilton and Edmonton.” 

    With introductory fares from Hamilton to Charlottetown starting at just $49 CAD†, Swoop is showing Canadians just how affordable experiencing the east coast can be this summer. 

    RouteStart DatePeak Weekly FrequencyOne-way total price (CAD)Base Fare (CAD)Taxes & Fees (CAD)
    Hamilton to CharlottetownMay 1, 20224x weekly$49$7.29$37.76
    Toronto to CharlottetownMay 2, 20223x weekly$49$7.29$37.76
    Edmonton to CharlottetownJune 16, 20222x weekly$109$57.73$47.31
    Charlottetown to HamiltonMay 1, 20224x weekly$49$7.29$37.76
    Charlottetown to TorontoMay 2, 20223x weekly$49$7.29$37.76
    Charlottetown to EdmontonJune 16, 20222xweekly$109$57.73$47.31

    Additional Quotes

    “Swoop’s inaugural flight to Charlottetown brings not only enthusiastic passengers but also several ancillary benefits to our city,” said Mayor Philip Brown, City of Charlottetown. “Charlottetown is a year-round destination, and the new carrier will help boost the local economy, create jobs, and offer more travel options to and from our wonderful city.”

    “We are so pleased to welcome Swoop to YYG Charlottetown Airport today as they launch the first of three new routes from our airport,” says Doug Newson, CEO of the Charlottetown Airport Authority. “Swoop’s arrival into Prince Edward Island is great news for our province’s tourism industry and offers another low fare option for Islanders wanting to explore Canada this year. We are committed to working with Swoop to ensure a successful launch in Charlottetown.”

    “Charlottetown is beyond excited to welcome this cool, low-cost carrier to our city,” says Heidi Zinn, Executive Director of Discover Charlottetown. “We are already loving the working relationship we have developed with Swoop and are so pleased to have some new direct flight markets coming to our province.”

    “We are thrilled to celebrate Swoop’s East Coast network expansion from Hamilton International this summer, starting with today’s exciting inaugural flight to Charlottetown. With this new convenient option connecting the heart of Southern Ontario to Prince Edward Island, Canadians will have the opportunity to explore beautiful destinations, reconnect with loved ones, and make new memories at an affordable price tag.”– Cathie Puckering, President & CEO, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, Vice President & Head, Canadian Network for Vantage Airport Group

    To learn more about Swoop and for flight schedules and bookings, please visit FlySwoop.com. For information on how Swoop is ensuring a safe and healthy travel experience visit FlySwoop.com/traveller-safety.

    About Swoop 

    Swoop is on a mission to make travel more affordable and accessible for all Canadians. Established in 2018 as an independent subsidiary of the WestJet Group of Companies, Swoop is Canada’s ultra-not-expensive airline. Offering scheduled service to destinations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, Swoop’s unbundled fares put travellers in control of purchasing only the products and services they desire.

    Swoop’s modern fleet of ten Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft will grow to 16 with the addition of six Boeing MAX-8 in 2022. At FlySwoop.com travellers can quickly and easily book flights, manage bookings, check-in, view boarding passes, track flights and access Wi-Fi service in-flight.

  • Air Transat and WestJet launch Transatlantic codeshare

    Air Transat and WestJet launch Transatlantic codeshare

    MONTREAL and CALGARY, AB, April 28, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Today, Air Transat and WestJet have launched a new transatlantic codeshare. WestJet’s “WS” code is now activated for sale on select Air Transat operated flights to/from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, and Croatia. Connections via Montreal and Toronto are now available for flight dates beginning May 17, 2022.

    On May 4, 2022, Air Transat’s “TS” code will be activated on select WestJet flights, and from that date Air Transat will also offer itineraries connecting select WestJet flights with appealing Air Transat European destinations. 

    “We are very excited to launch this codeshare agreement with WestJet,” said Michèle Barre, Vice President, Network, Revenue Management and Pricing of Air Transat.  “The complementarity of our respective networks allows us to offer more alternatives to our customers, providing them with a quality and affordable product. This partnership is part of Air Transat’s development strategy, enhancing our long-standing presence in the transatlantic market.”

    “This new codeshare with Air Transat complements our growing global network, allowing WestJet to offer guests exciting new destinations in Europe,” said John Weatherill, Chief Commercial Officer, WestJet.  “As our guests return to travel, these new options will connect North America and Europe in new ways and benefit guests on both sides of the Atlantic.” 

    With this new codeshare, guests now have more options for their transatlantic travel, and will enjoy conveniences such as a single purchase for connecting flights, the ability to check in for all flights at their first departure, and baggage checked through to their final destination.

    Once activated, both Air Transat and WestJet codeshare ticket sales will be available via the carriers’ websites and call centers, as well as via major GDS systems and travel agencies.

    Subject to connectivity between their scheduled flights, Air Transat and WestJet will both offer the following transatlantic routings:

    WestJet
    Operated Flights
    Air Transat “TS”
    Codeshare
    Applied    		Connection
    Via    		Air Transat Operated Flights
    WestJet “WS” Codeshare Applied
    Deer Lake
    St. John’s
    Halifax
    Sydney
    Fredericton
    Moncton
    Charlottetown
    Montreal
    Quebec City 
    London, ON
    Ottawa
    Thunder Bay
    Toronto
    Winnipeg
    Regina
    Saskatoon
    Boston
    N.Y. LaGuardia    		Montreal

    Toronto    		France:  Bordeaux, Marseille, Nantes, Nice 

    Italy:  Lamezia, Rome

    Spain: Malaga  

    Portugal:  Faro

    Switzerland: Basel-Mulhouse

    Croatia: Zagreb

    About Air Transat

    Founded in Montreal 35 years ago, Air Transat is a leading leisure travel brand. Voted World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, it flies to international and Canadian destinations, striving to serve its customers with enthusiasm and friendliness at every stage of their trip or stay, and emphasizing safety throughout. It is renewing its fleet with the greenest aircraft in their category as part of a commitment to a healthier environment, knowing that this is essential to its operations and the magnificent destinations it offers. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc., a world-renowned holiday travel provider that has achieved Travelife certification in 2018 in recognition of its sustainability commitments.

    About the WestJet Group of Companies 

    In 26 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic.

    Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline’s Safety Above All hygiene program. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium.

    For more information about everything WestJet, please visit www.westjet.com

  • Flair Airlines strengthens commitment to Kitchener-Waterloo with new aircraft and 50+ new jobs

    • Canada’s independent low fare airline will base a third aircraft in Kitchener-Waterloo
    • Each aircraft brings increased passengers, greater connectivity, and approximately 50 additional direct and indirect jobs to the region
    • New service to Charlottetown and Saint John from Kitchener-Waterloo starts in June

    Kitchener, Ontario, February 23, 2022 – Today, Flair Airlines, Canada’s everyday low fare airline, announced the expansion of its base today at Region of Waterloo International Airport. A total of three aircraft will be based at the airport, bringing economic growth and greater connectivity to the region. With every new aircraft comes new routes, and Flair is pleased to add more destinations out of YKF, with the announcement of service to Charlottetown and Saint John, both beginning in June. Charlottetown will be flown two times per week on Thursdays and Sundays, while St. John will be flown three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

    “Kitchener-Waterloo is an incredibly important part of the Flair network and we’re excited to expand our base here,” said Stephen Jones, President and CEO, Flair Airlines. “Strengthening our ties with Region of Waterloo International Airport will allow us to serve more destinations from the airport in the future, as well as create new jobs for the region. As the airport completes extensive renovations, we feel that it is the perfect time to reaffirm our commitment to the region and grow with the airport.”

    Flair first established a base in Region of Waterloo International Airport with two aircraft. Flair maintains bases in Vancouver, Edmonton, Ottawa, Toronto, and Kitchener-Waterloo. The addition of the third aircraft will make Region of Waterloo International Airport one of Flair’s largest bases.

    Each aircraft brings approximately 50 jobs to the region, bringing the total to approximately 150 jobs, both directly and indirectly, including customer service agents, ground handlers, cabin crews, maintenance staff, and more. From Kitchener-Waterloo, Flair flies to Calgary, Cancun, Edmonton, Fort Lauderdale, Halifax, Kelowna, Orlando-Sanford, Vancouver, and Winnipeg. Service to Deer Lake, Newfoundland begins in June.

    Service to Charlottetown Airport begins on June 9, with service to Saint John beginning on June 8. One-way fares to Charlottetown and Saint John, including taxes and fees, begin at $29. There are limited seats and availability for the fares. Both routes are available for booking at https://www.flyflair.com.

    About Flair Airlines

    Flair Airlines is Canada’s leading low fare airline and its greenest airline, on a mission to provide affordable air travel that connects them to the people and experiences they love. With an expanding fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, Flair is growing to serve over 30 cities across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. For more information, please visit www.flyflair.com.

  • Swoop Announces Significant Fleet Growth and Domestic Network Expansion

    Swoop Announces Significant Fleet Growth and Domestic Network Expansion

    • Canada’s leading ultra-low fare airline to add six new Boeing MAX-8 aircraft
    • Airline to introduce non-stop service to Newfoundland this spring – enabling Canadians to reconnect coast-to-coast
    • Domestic network expansion adds 14 new non-stop routes including service to Deer Lake and St. John’s, Newfoundland; and Saint John, New Brunswick

    CALGARY, AB, Feb. 9, 2022 /CNW/ – Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low fare airline, today announced it will grow its fleet from 10 to 16 aircraft with the acquisition of six new Boeing MAX-8 aircraft. Canada’s fast growing ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) confirmed it will begin receiving all six aircraft this summer as the airline rapidly expands to meet peak season travel demand.

    Alongside this fleet growth, Swoop will significantly expand its domestic network, adding non-stop flights to Newfoundland and increasing service in Atlantic Canada. The ULCC will also add six new routes and capacity in Ontario and the Prairies in preparation for Canada’s busy summer travel season. The airline’s announced expansion comes as Swoop reports significantly increased passenger numbers and record bookings domestically.

    “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,” said Bert van der Stege, Head of Commercial & Finance, Swoop. “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.”

    Today’s announced expansion will bring the ULCC’s total non-stop domestic routes served to 37 this summer and includes a significant investment in Atlantic Canada.

    Significant Expansion and Investment in Atlantic Canada

    Swoop’s investments in Atlantic Canada will see the airline begin service at three new destinations while increasing capacity across the region by 273 per cent 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,” said 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.”

    Newfoundland and Labrador

    • Deer Lake – Hamilton, 2x weekly (May 21)
    • St. John’s – Hamilton, 5x weekly (June 13)
    • Deer Lake – Toronto, 2x weekly (June 20)

    New Brunswick

    • Moncton – Hamilton – 4x weekly (May 9)
    • Saint John – Toronto – 4x weekly (May 12)
    • Moncton – Edmonton – 2x weekly (May 9)

    Prince Edward Island

    • Charlottetown – Hamilton – 4x weekly (May 1)
    • Charlottetown – Toronto – 3x weekly (May 2)
    • Charlottetown – Edmonton – 2x weekly (May 1)

    Halifax, Nova Scotia

    • Halifax – Edmonton – 5x weekly (May 1)
    • Halifax – Ottawa – Daily (June 19)

    Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan to benefit from increased domestic capacity

    Today’s network expansion announcement also includes new routes and increased frequencies in previously announced new stations: Ottawa, Saskatoon and Regina.

    Ontario

    • Ottawa – Winnipeg – 4x weekly (June 19)
    • Winnipeg – Toronto – Daily (June 20)

    Saskatchewan

    • Saskatoon – Winnipeg – 2x weekly (June 14)
    • Saskatoon – Toronto – 2x weekly (June 22)
    • Regina – Winnipeg – 2x weekly (June 16)
    • Regina – Toronto – 2x weekly (June 22)

    Demand for affordable travel equates to record new bookings and job opportunities across Canada

    Throughout the pandemic the ULCC model has proven especially resilient, with Swoop carrying around one million travellers in 2021. Despite ongoing travel restrictions Swoop saw strong demand for both domestic and international travel over the peak holiday period, a trend that has continued into the new year. The airline further demonstrated operational resilience, ranking amongst the most reliable airlines in Canada/North America, with a flight completion rate of 99.4 per cent and on-time arrival of 78 per cent in 2021.

    In preparation of the airline’s fleet growth and network expansion, Swoop is ramping up staffing across Canada, creating jobs to support economic recovery and stimulating hospitality and tourism sectors from coast-to-coast.

    Full Details of Swoop’s New Domestic Routes

    RoutePeak
    Weekly
    Frequency    		Start DateTotal one-
    way fare
    (CAD)     †    		Base
    Fare
    (CAD)    		Taxes and
    Fees (CAD)
    Hamilton to Charlottetown4x weeklyMay 1, 2022$49.00$1.29$47.71
    Edmonton to Halifax5x weeklyMay 1, 2022$179.00$118.40$60.60
    Toronto to Charlottetown3x weeklyMay 2, 2022$59.00$5.14$53.86
    Hamilton to Moncton4x weeklyMay 9, 2022$79.00$27.84$51.16
    Toronto to Saint John4x weeklyMay 12, 2022$59.00$5.14$53.86
    Hamilton to Deer Lake2x weeklyMay 21, 2022$59.00$9.23$49.77
    Hamilton to St. John’s5x weeklyJune 13, 2022$99.00$45.54$53.46
    Winnipeg to Saskatoon2x weeklyJune 14, 2022$59.00$3.12$55.88
    Winnipeg to Regina2x weeklyJune 16, 2022$59.00$3.12$55.88
    Winnipeg to Ottawa4x weeklyJune 19, 2022$65.00$6.83$58.17
    Halifax to OttawaDailyJune 19, 2022$60.00$0.10$59.90
    Edmonton to Charlottetown2x weeklyJune 19, 2022$179.00$118.40$60.60
    Toronto to Deer Lake2x weeklyJune 20, 2022$99.00$40.54$58.46
    Toronto to WinnipegDailyJune 20, 2022$69.00$13.99$55.01
    Edmonton to Moncton2x weeklyJune 20, 2022$179.00$118.40$60.60
    Toronto to Regina2x weeklyJune 22, 2022$59.00$19.12$39.88
    Toronto to Saskatoon2x weeklyJune 22, 2022$69.00$25.64$43.36
    †Special introductory fares are limited quantity. Book by February 23, 2022 for travel between June 1 and July 15, 2022.

    Additional Quotes

    • “Welcome Swoop to Newfoundland and Labrador! This is good news for the province as travel restrictions begin to ease and we prepare to host friends, family, and guests for Come Home Year in 2022. While offering travellers another airline option for leisure travel, this will also help spur economic recovery and the building of important business connections.”

    –      The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

    • “We’re delighted to welcome Swoop Airlines to the Saint John Airport. We are committed to exceeding passenger expectations and travellers will love Swoop’s ultra-low fares and direct service from Saint John to Toronto.”

    –       Alexander (Sandy) Ross, Saint John Airport (YSJ) President and CEO

    • “The Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport is very excited to welcome ultra-low fare airline Swoop to our airport and to New Brunswick! This is great news for our region and the traveling public, with a May 6th launch date and non-stop flights to both Hamilton and Edmonton from YQM in 2022, We are proud to be one of the 28 airports where Swoop operates and look forward to further growing their presence and activity at YQM. Fly Swoop!”

    –       Bernard F. LeBlanc, President & CEO GMIAA – Managing Director YQM 

    • “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 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 & Labrador.”

    –        Tammy Priddle, President and CEO, Deer Lake Airport

    • “We are pleased to welcome Swoop as our newest airline partner. This link to Hamilton will enhance access to Ontario and provide travellers with a new and exciting option that we haven’t had before.”

    –       Peter Avery, Chief Executive Officer, St. John’s International Airport Authority

    • “We are excited to see Swoop’s announcement of two new destinations for Prince Edward Island. This new service from Toronto and Hamilton, along with Swoop’s new flights from Edmonton this summer, is welcome news for our Island’s tourism industry and for Islanders looking for additional low fare travel options.”

    –       Doug Newson, YYG Charlottetown Airport CEO

    To learn more about Swoop please visit FlySwoop.com and for information on how Swoop is ensuring a safe and healthy travel experience visit FlySwoop.com/traveller-safety.

    About Swoop

    Swoop is on a mission to make travel more affordable and accessible for all Canadians. Established in 2018 as an independent subsidiary of the WestJet Group of Companies, Swoop is Canada’s ultra-not-expensive airline. Offering scheduled service to destinations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, Swoop’s unbundled fares put travellers in control of purchasing only the products and services they desire.

    Swoop’s modern fleet of ten Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, will grow to 16 with the addition of six Boeing MAX-8 in 2022. At FlySwoop.com travellers can quickly and easily book flights, manage bookings, check-in, view boarding passes, track flights and access Wi-Fi service in-flight.     

  • Charlottetown Airport numbers up in 2021, but there’s a long way to go

    From CBC News 🔗 link to source story

    ‘We’re pleased with where we are compared to 2020’

    Yakosu Umana · CBC News · January 28, 2022

    Charlottetown Airport CEO Doug Newson says his team is in discussions with several airlines, and hopes to have a schedule of operators ready for summer in the coming weeks. (Jane Robertson/CBC )

    The number of passengers flowing through the Charlottetown Airport in 2021 was an improvement from the “abysmal” year that was 2020, according to CEO Doug Newson.

    The airport had 111,160 passengers in 2021 compared to around 71,000 the previous year, when the pandemic began.

    That makes up roughly 29 per cent of the record-breaking number of passengers in 2019, which was more than 383,000. 

    “We’re pleased with where we are compared to 2020,” Newson said. “But still have a long way to go to get back to normal.”

    Last year, the Charlottetown Airport saw its best days during the end of July and into the first week of August. It was one of their busier weeks, Newson said. 

    “We had three new flights starting, and within a five-day period two new airlines and a new flight to Calgary, and people travelling, people coming to the airport to pick up their family,” he said.

    “We are hoping to see similar numbers or even better as we approach the summer of 2022.”

    Summer plans well in the works

    Newson thanked the federal government for providing financial support for smaller airports nationwide.

    He said the Charlottetown Airport would have had “significant” financial loss if not for the aid, but the airport still isn’t where it needs to be financially. 

    Newson says he wants travelers to feel safe when coming to the Charlottetown Airport. (Tony Davis/CBC)

    “We just hope that in 2022, [we] will not see another setback where we’re at 30 per cent of normal levels,” he said.

    Newson said his team is in discussions with several airlines, and hopes to have a schedule of operators ready for summer in the coming weeks. 

    “Swoop has announced new service to Edmonton, we expect WestJet to be back on Calgary, but we are also expecting some other new flights for this summer,” he said.

    “Even with the uncertainty we’re going through today, I think most of them have to move forward with summer plans here very soon and are quite optimistic that P.E.I. will be a popular destination for domestic tours in the summer.”

    With files from Angela Walker