U.S. gets service from Canada's ultra-low-fare airline, Swoop

CALGARY, Aug. 2, 2018 Swoop, Canada's first true ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), today announced its entrance into the U.S. market with five new international flight routes available for purchase through April 27, 2019. The 2018/19 winter schedule includes routes from Mesa (Phoenix) to Edmonton; Las Vegas to Hamilton (near Toronto), Edmonton and Abbotsford (near Vancouver); and Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa Bay to Hamilton.

"Swoop's success in the Canadian ULCC space combined with the evident success of ULCCs in the U.S. affirms that North American travelers are ready for an airline to open up the border to ultra-low-cost air travel," said Steven Greenway, President of Swoop. "There has been a lot of interest in our plans for the remaining three aircraft we receive this year and revealing this schedule today is a proud moment for the whole Swoop team."

Swoop started Canadian operations on June 20, 2018 as a subsidiary of WestJet, Canada's second largest airline. Swoop operates a modern fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 189 seats and is the first ULCC in North America to offer in-seat power, Wi-Fi, and TV/movie streaming. The airline will have six aircraft in operation by the end of 2018, with four more expected in 2019.

Flights are available for booking from October 11, 2018 to April 27, 2019.

Offering completely unbundled air travel, travelers pay only for their seat and are able to customize the Swoop experience by adding the for-purchase products and services they desire including: carry-on baggage, checked baggage, priority boarding, seats with extra legroom, food, drink and inflight entertainment.

Swoop has a user-friendly mobile app that facilitates booking, booking modifications and purchasing extras. It allows for flight check in and connectivity to Swoop Stream (program steaming and Wi-Fi) on board. The Swoop app is available for iOS 10 or newer, and Android 5 or newer, and can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.

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

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McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas)

"McCarran International Airport is pleased to welcome Swoop and its new flights to Las Vegas," said Clark County Aviation Director Rosemary A. Vassiliadis, who oversees North America's eighth-busiest airport. "Canada has long been our number one source of international travelers, as nearly 1.5 million Canadians visit Las Vegas annually. With these new, ultra-low-cost offerings Swoop will soon make it even easier for more people to experience all Las Vegas has to offer."

Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport

"We are excited to welcome Swoop to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport," said Mayor Jeff Serdy, Chairman of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority. "The Greater Phoenix area has become one of the top destinations for Canadian air travelers looking to escape the cold winter weather. The addition of Swoop in Mesa increases the opportunity for even more sun-seeking visitors to come and experience the many top-quality restaurants, golf courses, and entertainment venues the Valley of the Sun has to offer."

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

"I am delighted to welcome Swoop to FLL's diverse portfolio of air carriers," said Mark Gale, CEO/Director of Aviation. "Canada is FLL's largest international market, and Swoop's new service will offer an ultra-low-cost alternative to travel to Greater Fort Lauderdale where travelers can experience the cultural and culinary amenities the region has to offer. Additionally, this service will provide a convenient, nonstop travel option for the residents of Broward County to visit the beautiful and historic city of Hamilton."

Orlando International Airport

"Canada is our largest international market and we are pleased to see that the strong ties between Orlando and Canada are about to become even stronger with new service from Swoop," says Phil Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. "Swoop's decision to make Orlando one of its first American markets speaks volumes to the value placed on this destination by travelers around the world."

Tampa International Airport

"Canada continues to be TPA's largest international market served with 46 percent passenger growth over the past four years and we're thrilled to welcome Swoop aboard as a new option for our many Canadian visitors," Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano said. "This gives even more passengers the opportunity to come visit our world-famous beaches, theme parks, restaurants, museums and all that the Tampa Bay region has to offer."

Hamilton International Airport

"We are so thrilled to offer our customers new destinations in Florida with services to Tampa Bay and Fort Lauderdale. We are also excited to see increased frequencies for returning service from Hamilton International to Orlando and Las Vegas," said Cathie Puckering, President and CEO, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. "Thanks to Swoop, customers no longer have to cross the border to access affordable travel to these popular sunny destinations."

Edmonton International Airport

"Today marks a significant milestone for Swoop as they introduce new non-stop transborder service," said Tom Ruth, President and CEO of Edmonton International Airport. "The addition of ultra-low-cost service from Edmonton to Las Vegas and Mesa will create new opportunities for passengers and emphasizes Swoop's confidence in the Edmonton Metro Region."

Abbotsford International Airport

"I'm pleased to congratulate Swoop on their launch of a trans-border flight from YXX, providing international connections and destinations for travelers from across our region," said Mayor Henry Braun. "I look forward to seeing Swoop continue to expand their flight options at YXX for our growing city and region. YXX will continue to attract an increasing number of guests, particularly those Canadians who cross the border for airline travel."