CALGARY, Alberta. February 1, 2018. Swoop, Canada’s first true ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), today announced its initial schedule release with service starting from Abbotsford, Hamilton, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Halifax.

“Swoop is travel without the flair,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Strategy and the executive member responsible for the launch of Swoop. “Buy the seat and customize the features you want. Why would you jet with anyone else? Canadians can book with us knowing that we have modern aircraft, strong financial backing and an experienced team that will get you there and back. All at fares that won't break the bank!”

“Swoop is travel without the flair.”

Starting June 20, 2018, the airline will launch six weekly flights between Abbotsford and Hamilton and six weekly flights between Hamilton and Halifax. On June 25, 2018, Swoop will start six weekly flights between Hamilton and Edmonton and between Hamilton and Winnipeg.

Swoop’s service between Abbotsford and Edmonton will start July 25, 2018 and will operate three-times daily. Overall, the airline will have 45 weekly flights: 24 weekly flights from Hamilton and 27 from Abbotsford.

Swoop is celebrating, and today, the first 2,000 seats are on us with limited $0 fares plus taxes and fees (each way) on launch routes. Seats are now available for purchase on FlySwoop.com. To confirm, this is not a typo – a limited number of introductory fares will be available where the customer will only pay the associated taxes and fees.

Routes will operate on Swoop's fleet of modern Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 189 seats. Swoop is travel without the flair – the customer is in control of what they pay, purchasing only the seat and adding the features they want without having to pay for those they don’t. 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.

Visit FlySwoop.com for reservations or connect with Swoop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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“Today is the first day that a real ULCC is now available to Canadians,” said Cummings. “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.”

"It is a pleasure to help welcome Swoop for today's announcement about their plans for service to the Greater Hamilton area," said Bob Bratina, Member of Parliament Hamilton East — Stoney Creek. "Our government is committed to increasing the options available to Canadians by supporting competition in the airline industry, which can provide more low-cost options for travel throughout this great country."

“This is great news for our community,” said Member of Provincial Parliament Mr. Ted McMeekin for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale. “Providing residents and Ontarian’s with more travel options in addition to our highways and public transit, helps makes it easier for people to get around. This new service will benefit residents as well as our economy.”

“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.”

“We are delighted to welcome Swoop to Hamilton International Airport this coming summer season,” said Cathie Puckering, Acting President & CEO, 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.”

“Establishing Abbotsford as Swoop’s West Coast base is an exciting development for the Fraser Valley and all of B.C.,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology and MLA Surrey-Whalley. “This latest partnership between Westjet and Abbotsford International Airport will lead to the creation of good jobs, boost the regional economy and give B.C. travellers an attractive new low-cost option.”

“We are very excited to welcome Swoop to our community and to the Abbotsford International Airport, as the partnership with Swoop will take YXX to a whole new level,” said Henry Braun, Mayor and Abbotsford Airport Authority Chair. “With cost-effective options for passengers, Swoop is a great fit for our city and region, and we wish them much success at YXX for many years to come.”

“The addition of Swoop to the Canadian aviation market is exciting for passengers,” said Tom Ruth, President and CEO of Edmonton International Airport. “This new option brings more choices for passengers, and we foresee an increase in the number of Canadians travelling by air.”

“We look forward to welcoming Swoop and their unique product offering to the Winnipeg market,” said Barry Rempel, President and CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority. “Having more choices for travellers is a good thing and the addition of Swoop provides passengers at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport another option to connect to the rest of the country.”

“We are pleased that Halifax has been chosen to be a part of Swoop’s initial route network,” says Joyce Carter, President and CEO of Halifax International Airport Authority. “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.”