Swoop Announces Fleet Growth, Expanded Domestic Network

Swoop announced on 09FEB that it has acquired six new Boeing MAX-8 aircraft to bring its fleet from 10 to 16 aircraft. The airline will begin receiving all six aircraft in summer 2022, according to a press release.

In addition, Swoop has announced an expanded domestic network, adding non-stop flights to Newfoundland and increasing service in Atlantic Canada, as well as six new routes and capacity in Ontario and the Prairies.

"We saw demand for travel return in a very meaningful way over the holidays, signalling that Canadians are ready to reunite with family and friends," said Bert van der Stege, Head of Commercial & Finance, Swoop. "The acquisition of six new aircraft in response to anticipated demand will ensure Swoop reconnects more Canadians this summer while accelerating Canada's economic recovery."

The expansion will bring Swoop's total non-stop domestic routes served to 37 for summer 2022 and includes a "significant" investment in Atlantic Canada.

Expansion and Investment in Atlantic Canada

Swoop's investments in Atlantic Canada will see the airline begin service at three new destinations while increasing capacity across the region by "273 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels."

"Swoop is pleased to support Newfoundland and Labrador's Come Home 2022 campaign and stimulate recovery of the visitor economy with access to affordable air travel," said van der Stege.

Newfoundland and Labrador

• YDF – YHM, 2x weekly (beginning 21MAY)
• YYT – YHM, 5x weekly (beginning 13JUN)
• YDF – YYZ, 2x weekly (beginning 20JUN)

New Brunswick

• YQM – YHM – 4x weekly (beginning 09MAY)
• YSJ – YYZ – 4x weekly (beginning 12MAY)
• YQM – YEG – 2x weekly (beginning 09MAY)

Prince Edward Island

• YYG – YHM – 4x weekly (beginning 01MAY)
• YYG – YYZ – 3x weekly (beginning 02MAY)
• YYG – YEG – 2x weekly (beginning 01MAY)

Halifax, Nova Scotia

• YHZ – YEG – 5x weekly (beginning 01MAY)
• YHZ – YOW – Daily (beginning 19JUN)

Increased Capacity in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan

Swoop's network expansion announcement also includes new routes and increased frequencies in previously announced new stations: Ottawa, Saskatoon and Regina.

Ontario

• YOW – YWG – 4x weekly (beginning 19JUN)
• YWG – YYZ – Daily (beginning 20JUN)

Saskatchewan

• YXE – YWG – 2x weekly (beginning 14JUN)
• YXE – YYZ – 2x weekly (beginning 22JUN)
• YQR – YWG – 2x weekly (beginning 16JUN)
• YQR – YYZ – 2x weekly (beginning 22JUN)

In preparation for the airline's fleet growth and network expansion, Swoop is also ramping up staffing across Canada.

van der Stege is joining WestJet in calling on the federal government to release a plan on reopening the country's travel industry. "We know how important the re-opening of travel and tourism is for regional economic recovery and continue to call on the federal government to outline a roadmap for the recovery of air travel that is based on science and reflective of the current realities of the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.

For more information on Swoop, visit its web site.