Showing posts with label Swoop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Swoop. Show all posts

31 October, 2023

The WestJet Group marks successful integration of ultra-low-cost airline Swoop


Over the weekend, the WestJet Group completed the integration of its ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), Swoop, into WestJet's existing 737 operations. With the integration now complete, WestJet will leverage the successes and learnings from five years of operating Canada's first ULCC across its growing airline to enhance its ability to serve a broader spectrum of guests. Instead of serving the ultra-low-cost market on only 16 aircraft, the airline's 180 strong fleet will transition to offer ultra-affordable travel options through to a premium inflight experience on each of its aircraft.

"As the first ULCC to enter the Canadian market, in 2018 Swoop pioneered the no-frills product in Canada and was best-in-class in generating ancillary revenues," said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer. "By keeping costs low, Swoop was able to offer the most competitive fares and appeal to Canadian travellers of all demographics. As we conclude this integration, we will learn from Swoop's successes to best serve our guests with diversified product offerings that meet a variety of needs."

After five years of operating a true ULCC in Canada, WestJet's experience is crucial for its low-cost strategic approach. With the largest narrow-body order book in the country, the airline is set to utilize Swoop's ultra-low-cost product, offering low fares and a range of affordable vacation packages across its narrow body fleet. WestJet's plan includes densifying the rear section of its 737 aircraft, while retaining a premium cabin up front, enabling them to provide a spectrum of in-flight offerings, from ultra-low-cost to premium, on every plane in its fleet.

"We want to commend all current and former Swoop employees on a job well done. Thank you for your hard work, commitment and passion that made Swoop possible," concluded von Hoensbroech.  

20 June, 2023

The WestJet Group to integrate Swoop first then Sunwing Airlines and continue vacation brands.


Sunwing Vacations to continue its independent operation, joining forces with WestJet Vacations to offer the most affordable packaged tours to Canadians






The WestJet Group has confirmed that future plans will see its budget operation Swoop fully integrated into the WestJet operation by the end of October, while Sunwing Airlines won't start the integration process until early 2024. For now, Sunwing Airlines will continue operating a business-as-usual plan, which will be some reprieve to the scores of staff that face an uncertain future following the takeover. 

As WestJet sweeps in with Swoop,  the airline will soon start to introduce a more low-cost-carrier mentality with low seat-only fares across its network and around 180 aircraft.  The increased size of the company will allow it to secure better rates from airports and suppliers.  Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group, Chief Executive Officer. "The integration of all jets from Sunwing Airlines, Swoop and WestJet into one fleet will provide us with the scale to enhance our collective operational resilience while offering more affordable fares and vacation opportunities across our entire network."

On the holiday side of things, Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations together will form the leading market-dominant tour operator in Canada and will continue to trade independently under their existing and respective brands, yet back office functions will be integrated into the WestJet Group. The current plan is to operate more vacation packages throughout the year and not just seasonal as is currently the case.

"Competition amongst air carriers in Canada has never been healthier and after a challenging three years, aviation is back, with passenger traffic doubling in Canada since March 2022," continued von Hoensbroech. "As the strongest airline in Western Canada and the biggest vacation provider across the entire country – the integration of Swoop and eventually Sunwing Airlines into the WestJet Group will enhance affordability and serve to increase choice for Canadians for their air travel and vacation plans."


09 June, 2023

WestJet Group and ALPA agreement ratified

WestJet Group and ALPA agreement ratified

The group will now begin integration of its ultra-low-cost subsidiary, Swoop into WestJet


This week 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.

15 April, 2022

Bob Cummings to return to the WestJet Group as President of Swoop

The Canadian WestJet Group has confirmed that Bob Cummings will return to the group as President of Swoop, the group's ultra-low-cost carrier. 

"I am delighted to welcome Bob back to the WestJet Group to lead Swoop through this pivotal time for affordable air travel in Canada," said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer. "Bob's passion and knowledge of the ULCC market, his strength in leading high-performing teams and his impressive track record with the WestJet Group, will ensure that Swoop continues to lead the way in providing Canadians with access to ultra-low fare travel."

"Swoop was created to make travel affordable and accessible for the most price-conscious travellers, and as we continue to expand and offer more schedule options, people can book with confidence when choosing our Canadian, ultra-low-cost airline," said Bob Cummings, President of Swoop. "I am elated to return to The WestJet Group's leadership team and am looking forward to working alongside Swoopsters to bring more choice, lower fares and certainty to the market."

Bob spent 13 years with the WestJet Group, filling many roles and was responsible for the start-up and launch of Swoop, he will begin this new role on Monday, April 18th. 







.


Follow this site here.

26 September, 2021

CUPE Members agree new contract with Swoop



CUPE Flight Attendants working at Swoop, WestJet’s ultra-low-cost carrier, have signed off on their first collective bargaining agreement. Members voted today to ratify the tentative collective agreement reached in September. The five-year agreement includes wage improvements, and momentum towards industry-standard scheduling and pay rules.

“This is the first-ever collective agreement for our membership at Swoop. Ratification of this deal is proof positive that certifying with CUPE has been instrumental in our members’ pursuit of fair working conditions,” said CUPE 4070 President Chris Rauenbusch. “Reaching this deal was not easy in light of the circumstances caused by the global pandemic. I’d like to thank both our union and our bargaining committee for working so hard to find a path forward despite the challenges of the past 18 months.”

CUPE represents over 200 Flight Attendants at Swoop. The parties have been engaged in collective bargaining towards a first union contract since February 2020.

CUPE also represents cabin crew at WestJet mainline and its subsidiary WestJet Encore.



More top stories you might be interested in.....


Follow this site here.



11 September, 2021

WestJet's budget carrier Swoop reaches tentative agreement with CUPE union

CUPE and Swoop have reached a tentative first collective agreement for flight attendants at the ultra low cost carrier. CUPE Local 4070 represents approximately 200 flight attendants at Swoop.

CUPE has represented flight attendants at Swoop since June 2019. The parties have been engaged in collective bargaining towards a first union contract since February 2020.

CUPE Local 4070 President Chris Rauenbusch called this “a remarkable testament to the hard work of the union bargaining committee particularly during the worst crisis our industry has ever seen.” Rauenbusch noted that COVID-19 travel restrictions and layoffs made achieving this milestone “an absolutely monumental task.”

“In the past seven months, we have achieved agreements for our members with WestJet, WestJet Encore and now Swoop,” said Rauenbusch. “To achieve constructive agreements for all three bargaining units, especially during a pandemic is remarkable.”

13 November, 2020

"Trusted Travel Getaways" introduced by Swoop to help Canadian's enjoy safe winter holidays......

The Canadian budget carrier Swoop, has introduced "Trusted Travel Getaways" for its packaged vacations designed to enable Canadians to enjoy a warm-weather vacation with confidence this winter. This limited offering of vacation packages aims to provide travellers with enhanced peace of mind throughout their travel journey. Trusted Travel Getaways will operate to Montego Bay, Jamaica, departing from Toronto beginning December 19. 

Launched in partnership with IHG® Hotels & Resorts, travellers will be provided with accommodation at the Holiday Inn Resort® Montego Bay All-Inclusive. As an added measure of comfort, travellers will receive complimentary access to mandatory pre-travel COVID-19 testing to ensure that all passengers on-board a departing Trusted Travel Getaway flight have proof of a negative COVID-19 test.  

26 October, 2020

Swoop kicks off its winter schedule with inaugural flights from Toronto Pearson


The Canadian budget airline from WestJet -  Swoop has launched its operations at Toronto Pearson Airport, safely completing flights from Toronto to destinations in Montego Bay, Edmonton, Kelowna and Halifax. The inaugural operations continue this week with additional flights to destinations such as Abbotsford and Cancun.  


On Monday Swoop launched its operations at Toronto Pearson Airport, safely completing flights from Toronto to destinations in Montego Bay, Edmonton, Kelowna and Halifax. The inaugural operations continue this week with additional flights to destinations such as Abbotsford and Cancun.  

This begins the airline's winter schedule which includes the return to Kelowna International Airport and the addition of non-stop service to popular sun destinations. With its accessible and affordable airfares, Swoop is connecting more Canadians in the GTA with a safe and responsible travel option.

04 September, 2020

The Canadian ultra-low-fare-carrier Swoop expands its offering from Toronto Pearson Airport and Edmonton


The Canadian ultra-low-fare-carrier Swoop has just released its winter schedule, unveiling the new markets as it begins operations from Toronto Pearson International Airport next month.

Swoop's winter schedule includes the restart of operations at Kelowna International Airport and the addition of non-stop service to popular sun destinations. These consist of flights from Toronto to Montego Bay, Cancun, Las Vegas, Orlando and Tampa Bay.  

"Our winter schedule is in response to a growing rebound in travel, as we know travellers are eager to plan their next getaway," says Charles Duncan, President, Swoop. "We remain committed as ever to making affordable air travel accessible for Canadians who are looking to reconnect with family and friends over the holidays or are looking for a change in scenery this winter."

With safety as its number one priority, Swoop has implemented a robust set of measures to safeguard a safe and healthy travel and work environment for its travellers and crew. This includes stricter boarding processes allowing for shorter queue wait times, traveller screening measures, increased sanitization, and enforcing face masks to be worn for the duration of the flight.

26 August, 2020

Swoop to start operations from Toronto Pearson Airport from 25th October

Going to YYZ from 25 October                                                                                   Photo Swoop
Swoop the Canadian low-cost-carrier from WestJet has confirmed it will be starting operations at Toronto Pearson Airport from 25th October as part of its recovery strategy.

"Travel is beginning to rebound, and we want to help encourage Canadians to reconnect with family and friends or plan that long-awaited vacation," Charles Duncan, President, Swoop, said, adding: "With the robust health and safety measures we have put in place on each of our flights, travellers in Toronto will now have more affordable air travel options than ever before."

The budget carrier has said it will include a mix of domestic and international routes from Toronto Pearson Airport, with the full details appearing in the airline's winter schedule which will be out in September.

"We welcome Swoop's decision to begin operations at Toronto Pearson," says Deborah Flint, President and CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. "The industry has changed significantly, and we are focused on world-class health and safety measures that will ultimately reinvigorate travel at Pearson and throughout the region."

As part of the WestJet Group,  Swoop has welcomed 2.5 million travellers in its two years of operations, who have, according to a recent economic impact study, saved $159 million in direct fare savings in 2019. Today's announcement builds on the firm's recovery plan to remain Canada's ultra-low-cost carrier of choice. The airline also confirmed it would continue to serve Hamilton as part of its route network.







Recommended for you...




01 August, 2020

Air Canada, WestJet Cabin Crew Unions implore Federal Government to ‘Let Us Work’, or bail us out

The Unions representing the Cabin Crew Members of Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, WestJet, Swoop and WestJet Encore are calling on the Trudeau Government to safely remove domestic and most international travel restrictions to let our Airlines fly and Let Us Work. If Mr Trudeau and his Government will not let us fly, the Unions demand that the Federal Government bailout our sector until we can succeed with assurances our members will be compensated.

18 June, 2020

Swoop Seeks Airport Partners to Lead Economic Recovery

                               Swoop, Canada's leading Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) and an independently operated subsidiary of the WestJet Group of Companies, today issued a 'Request for Proposal' (RFP) seeking strategic airport partners in North and Central America and the Caribbean. The airline is interested in hearing from airports who share an entrepreneurial, consumer-driven mindset to collaborate with the ULCC to stimulate travel and support economic recovery.

"We believe the key to recovery lies in strategic collaboration, creativity and innovation to get travellers moving back through airports and into the skies," said Charles Duncan, President, Swoop. "We are encouraged by early signs of recovering demand for ultra-low fares and are eager to collaborate with airports across the region to re-think how we, as an industry, approach affordable and accessible air travel."

05 June, 2020

Swoop Announces Support for Canada's Healthcare Workers Through The Frontline Fund

Swoop announced a new charitable initiative with The Frontline Fund, raising funds in support of Canada's healthcare workers and hospital foundations.

Swoop is Canada's ultra-low fare airline of choice, on a mission to make air travel more affordable and accessible for Canadians. Learn more at www.FlySwoop.com 

Beginning Thursday, June 4, Swoop will be making disposable masks available at check-in, for a suggested minimum donation of $2.00, with 100 percent of after-tax proceeds going directly to The Frontline Fund until August 31, 2020.  Additionally, Swoop will donate $5.00 per traveller, per booking from new bookings made during the month of June1.

16 April, 2020

The Canadian dream turns sour as 1700 pilot jobs to go at WestJet....

According to an internal memo seen by news outlets including Reuters, the Canadian airline WestJet will be announcing the lay off more around 1,700 flight deck crew over the next two months.

WestJet will lay off 700 pilots effective May 1 and the remaining 1,000 on June 1 the memo warns as the airline struggles to cope with mounting losses after the outbreak of coronavirus COVID-19.

“We continue to negotiate with the company to protect our members’ interests while preserving as many pilot positions as possible,” said pilot union Air Line Pilots Association.

19 March, 2020

Swoop Suspends All International Flights, Commits to Bringing Home 2,349 Canadian Travellers

- Swoop is altering its international operations to help with the global efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19. At the end of the operating day on Sunday, March 22, Swoop is suspending all international and transborder flights and will begin its efforts to bring home the 2,349 Swoop travellers who are currently outside of Canada. This suspension will be in place until May 31, 2020.

Swoop is Canada's ultra-low fare airline of choice, on a mission to make air travel more affordable and accessible for Canadians. Learn more at www.FlySwoop.com (CNW Group/Swoop)

26 February, 2020

Swoop Paints the Skies Pink in Celebration of Pink Shirt Day







he ultra-low-cost carrier encourages Canadians to #LiftEachOtherUp
Today on Pink Shirt Day, Swoop is calling on Canadians to #LiftEachOtherUp through an exciting social media campaign in support of anti-bullying initiatives. Canada's ultra-low fare airline is partnering with CKNW Kids' Fund's Pink Shirt Day and donating $20,000 to programs supporting children's healthy self-esteem across Canada.


"We are thrilled to be the official social media sponsor of Pink Shirt Day, helping to create positive spaces where people can say 'no' to bullying behaviour and say 'yes' to encouraging and supporting each other," says Steven Greenway, President, Swoop. "Pink Shirt Day is a powerful day to highlight the importance of compassion and how kind words and small actions can have meaningful impacts in our communities."

24 February, 2020

Swoop Names Bert van der Stege, Head of Commercial



 Swoop is delighted to announce Bert van der Stege will be joining its operations as Head of Commercial effective Feb. 24. With more than 20 years of international aviation experience, Bert brings a wealth of knowledge, most recently from his position as Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at the Halifax International Airport Authority.
"I am thrilled to have Bert as part of Swoop's executive team," says Steven Greenway, President, Swoop. "Bert has built an incredible reputation for himself within our industry and with his strategic and innovative approach to airline operations, I know he will help us continue to deliver on our mission to make air travel more affordable for Canadians."

15 January, 2020

Canadian budget airline Swoop launches the Loonie seat sale

The Canadian ultra-low-cost airline, independently operated as part of the WestJet Group of companies, Swoop is launching a really special fare, that it promises is not an early April fools joke.....

It is starting The Loonie Seat Sale........which sounds very strange, indeed, to some outside Canada would seem insulting or at the least politically incorrect - but only until you learn that the loonie here is what the Canadians call their one-dollar coin and is not to be confused with looney! Although, looking at the promotional graphics the airlines marketing team are using to promote the fare you could be forgiven for thinking they were mocking the afflicted 

 Yep, the ultra-low-cost-carrier is living up to its mantra, and offering 100,000 seats for a base fare of just a $1 - obviously before taxes and fees.

09 January, 2020

Swoop grows its East Coast network

The ultra-low-fare airline's 10 aircraft allows for flights between Hamilton and St. John's, Moncton and Charlottetown
 As part of it's 2020 summer schedule, Swoop, Canada's ultra-low-fare airline and subsidiary of WestJet Airlines Ltd., announced its East Coast network expansion, with flights between Hamilton, Ontario and St. John's, NL; Moncton, NB; and Charlottetown, PEI. The new service will begin in June as Swoop receives its tenth aircraft.


"The growth of our fleet means more opportunities for Canadians as we continue our mission of making air travel simple, affordable and accessible for every traveller," said Steven Greenway, President, Swoop. "Our growth in Eastern Canada is an exciting milestone for Swoop, proving our ability to develop our network domestically, while also adding to our U.S. and international destinations,"
The tenth aircraft means greater opportunities for Canadians to travel throughout North America, increasing the airline's weekly frequencies to popular domestic, U.S. and international destinations.
The new service between John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport and St. John's, Moncton and Charlottetown will run from June through October 2020, serving those travellers looking to experience Canada's exceptional East Coast.
"This announcement by Swoop is very exciting as these new routes into the Maritimes will allow customers from Hamilton to explore even more destinations from coast to coast within Canada," said Cathie Puckering, President & CEO, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. "These new services will offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of Atlantic Canada and are a fantastic complement to the current Swoop schedule in Hamilton which includes destinations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean."

06 January, 2020

WestJet's Swoop welcomes its two-millionth traveller.....................



                                   Over the weekend, Swoop, Canada's ultra-low-fare airline and subsidiary of WestJet Airlines announced that it has carried two million travellers since its first flight took off in June 2018. 
To commemorate this milestone achievement, Swoop presented an unsuspecting guest with a round-trip flight to anywhere Swoop flies. The lucky traveller, Travis Pickering, was surprised by Swoop on-board a flight from Edmonton International Airport (EIA) to McCarran International Airport with his wife and two children.

Search