The Canadian ultra-low-cost offshoot of WestJet, Swoop is joining in the celebrations with its home base of Abbotsford International Airport to celebrate the expansion of the YXX terminal.
The expansion includes two additional gates, an enlarged baggage claim area, extended CATSA pre-board security screening area and a passenger departure lounge that is double the size of the pre-existing lounge. Swoop and YXX will celebrate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, refreshments and guest speakers.
As an airport that mainly supports low-cost travel, the expansion is a direct result of the growing success of low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers like Swoop. The Abbotsford International Airport plans to expand further into discount operations in the coming years, which is a welcome strategy for Swoop as it shares the same vision.
"From day one Abbotsford has been an enthusiastic partner for Swoop," said Steven Greenway, President of Swoop. "It's no surprise that their open-minded approach when working with carriers and their passion for creating a stress free, seamless airport travel experience has led to record-breaking passenger volumes and this impressive terminal expansion. We are confident that Abbotsford will continue to deliver valuable enhancements for years to come that mutually benefit its partners, like Swoop, and the people and businesses in the Lower Mainland."
"YXX is one of Canada's fastest growing airports, having just completed a $5 million terminal expansion without increasing direct or indirect airline fees," said Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun. "YXX is very proud to offer one of the most competitive airport platforms in Canada. We look forward to another record year at YXX with the addition of more domestic and international routes, providing our region with our more travel options. Together, working with Swoop, we are making air travel more accessible for Canadians".
Swoop currently operates two domestic routes from Abbotsford to/from Edmonton and Hamilton, and three international routes between Las Vegas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. On January 22, 2019, Swoop released its summer schedule which included new daily service from Abbotsford to/from London, ON beginning May 24, 2019, and the extension of the popular Las Vegas service throughout the summer.
