Category Archives: Swoop (WestJet)

WestJet Group and ALPA agreement ratified, Swoop to be merged into WestJet

Today, the second collective bargaining agreement between WestJet and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the certified union representing WestJet and Swoop pilots, was ratified.

“The WestJet Group is pleased to have reached an industry-leading agreement in negotiation with ALPA that recognizes the value and instrumental contributions of our current and future pilots,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group, Chief Executive Officer. “This agreement bolsters our ability to provide certainty and career opportunities across our organization for years to come while ensuring the competitive sustainability of the WestJet Group.”

The agreement is in effect from January 1, 2023, and will be in place until December 31, 2026.  

As negotiated in the collective agreement, the WestJet Group will now begin integration efforts of its ultra-low-cost airline, Swoop. Through an expedited process, the airline anticipates a full integration into its mainline operations by the end of October. To avoid traveller impact, Swoop will operate its existing network through to the end of its published schedule on October 28. Swoop employees will move to WestJet.

“The WestJet Group is confident in the outcome of this negotiated decision and the path forward to integrate Swoop into WestJet’s operations,” continued von Hoensbroech. “We continue our strategy toward providing reliable, affordable travel across the WestJet Group, leveraging the valuable experiences and learnings from the Swoop business model. This integration will enhance our ability to serve a broader spectrum of guests. Instead of only 16 aircraft serving the ultra-low-cost market, each aircraft, in our 180-strong fleet, will offer ultra-affordable travel options through to a premium inflight experience.”

Swoop current route map:

WestJet Group begins flight cancellations in anticipation of WestJet and Swoop pilot strike

WestJet Group has made this announcement:

As the WestJet Group prepares for labour action by WestJet and Swoop pilots, the airline has started taking down its network. This action ensures the airline can avoid abandoning aircraft in remote locations without support and enables the proactive communication with guests and crew to minimize the potential for being stranded. The decision to cancel flights comes as the WestJet Group remains in a stalemate with the union regarding unreasonable wage expectations that if realized would permanently damage the financial viability of the group’s future.  

“We are extremely disheartened to find ourselves in a place where we have to activate our contingency plan and subsequent takedown of our network as a result of the strike notice served by ALPA and their inability to accept a reasonable offer. We deeply regret the disruption this will have on the travel plans of our guests and the communities and businesses that rely on our critical air service,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer, the WestJet Group. “We remain at a critical impasse with the union and have been left with no choice but to begin taking the painful steps of preparing for the reality of a work stoppage.”  

Given that a tentative agreement has not yet been reached, the WestJet Group is parking the majority of its 737 and 787 fleet, in a measured, phased and safe approach. WestJet Encore, WestJet Link as well as limited 737 flights will continue to operate during this time. 

“We remain at the bargaining table, unequivocally committed to achieving a deal as soon as possible, but are equally ready to weather labour action for as long as it takes to arrive at a reasonable outcome,” continued von Hoensbroech. “Any guest impact is too high of a cost in the wake of these negotiations and we sincerely apologize that valued guests were caught in the middle of an avoidable conflict.” 

Swoop restores flights to Orlando

Swoop on May 6 celebrated its first flight since 2020 to Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Swoop recently published a new summer schedule, extending service to key leisure markets, with connectivity year-round. In addition to the service to Orlando, Swoop will also be offering non-stop flights from southern Ontario to Las Vegas, Cancun, Kingston and Montego Bay in Jamaica, Punta Cana and Varadero.

Route Peak Weekly 
Frequency  		One-way total 
price (CAD)  		Base Fare (CAD)  Taxes & Fees (CAD)  
Hamilton to Orlando 
(MCO) 		2x weekly $99.00$2.89$96.11
Hamilton to Las Vegas 4x weekly $99.00$2.89$96.11
Hamilton to Cancun  3x weekly  $129.00$21.53$107.47
Toronto to CancunDaily$139.00$20.24$118.76
Toronto to Montego Bay3x weekly$149.00$21.29$127.81
Toronto to Kingston3x weekly$189.00$61.19$127.81
Toronto to Punta Cana3x weekly$179.00$54.84$124.91
Toronto to Varadero3x weekly$159.00$34.09$124.91
†Everyday low fares terms and conditions: Seasonal start and end dates apply and are indicated in the booking flow. | Fares are valid until May 9, 2023, or while seats last. | Prices displayed are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is made and accepted. 

Swoop announces new domestic routes coming this spring

Swoop (WestJet) Boeing 737-8CT SSWL C-GDMP (msn 60131) FLL (Ken Petersen). Image: 948839.

Swoop has announced its expanded summer schedule, with several new routes and added flight frequencies.

As part of this summer’s domestic expansion, Swoop will be adding new service between London, ON (YXU) and Abbotsford (YXX), and will restart seasonal service between Hamilton (YHM) and Charlottetown (YYG). The ULCC will also return popular service to Deer Lake, NL (YDF) with enhanced connectivity from southern Ontario, with flights operating six times weekly from Hamilton (YHM) and Toronto (YYZ).

Swoop will operate daily flights from southern Ontario into Halifax (YHZ) and St. John’s (NL) and near daily flights to Charlottetown (YYG). West coast connectivity will continue to soar with a 67% increase in flights operating to Abbotsford (YXX).

Route Peak 
Weekly
Frequency 		Lowest one-
way total 
price (CAD) 		Base 
Fare 
(CAD) 		Taxes & 
Fees (CAD) 
Hamilton to Deer Lake2x weekly$59.00$15.23$43.77
Deer Lake to Hamilton2x weekly$59.00$16.14$42.86
Toronto to Deer Lake4x weekly$79.00$28.84$50.16
Deer Lake to Toronto4x weekly$79.00$32.62$46.38
Hamilton to Charlottetown3x weekly$59.00$16.14$42.87
Charlottetown to Hamilton3x weekly$49.00$11.53$37.47
London to Abbotsford4x weekly$49.00$25.29$23.71
Abbotsford to London4x weekly$39.00$22.84$16.16
Toronto to Los Cabos2x weekly$179.00$65.88$113.12
Edmonton to Los Cabos2x weekly$119.00$8.68$113.32
Abbotsford to Los Cabos1x weekly$109.00$35.43$73.57
Edmonton to Puerto Vallarta2x weekly$139.00$28.66$110.34
Abbotsford to Puerto Vallarta2x weekly$119.00$55.43$73.57

*Seasonal start and end dates apply and are indicated in the booking flow. | Fares are valid until March 7, 2023 or while seats last. | Prices displayed are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is made and accepted. | Seats at these fares are limited, and may not be available on all flights. | Non-refundable.

Top Copyright Photo: Swoop (WestJet) Boeing 737-8CT SSWL C-GDMP (msn 60131) FLL (Ken Petersen). Image: 948839.

Swoop aircraft photo gallery:

Swoop aircraft photo gallery

Swoop restarts the Hamilton – Montego Bay route

Swoop operated the last of its seasonal restarts with Saturday’s nonstop flight from Hamilton to Montego Bay. This winter Swoop offers more than 100 sun flight options per week so Canadians can escape the cold and enjoy beach vacations at affordable prices.

Swoop has expanded its winter schedule to include over 100 sun flights per week to destinations across the U.S., Mexicoand the Caribbean. As of today, Swoop offers eight sun-flying routes from Hamilton with 24 flights per week, providing travellers flexibility and convenience at an ultra-low price.


Route Peak Weekly Frequency One-way total price (CAD) Base Fare (CAD) Taxes & Fees (CAD) 
Hamilton to Fort Lauderdale 2x weekly$99.00$6.92$89.13
Hamilton to Montego Bay2x weekly$159.00$47.33$111.67
Hamilton to Cancun 2x weekly $139.00$38.36$97.70
Hamilton to Las Vegas4x weekly $129.00$35.49$90.56
Hamilton to Orlando7x weekly$99.00$6.92$89.13
Hamilton to Puerto Vallarta2x weekly$159.00$58.35$97.70
Hamilton to St. Pete-Clearwater3x weekly$109.00$16.44$89.61
Hamilton to Punta Cana2x weekly$199.00$90.68$108.32
†Seasonal start and end dates apply and are indicated in the booking flow. | Fares are valid until January 31, 2023 or while seats last. | Prices displayed are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is made and accepted.

Route Map:

Swoop Route Map

Top Copyright Photo: Swoop (WestJet) Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-GYLP (msn 42844) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 959276.

Swoop aircraft photo gallery:

Swoop aircraft photo gallery