WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, has announced a groundbreaking decision that will reshape the nation’s air travel scene. The airline has decided to bid farewell to the low-cost brand, Swoop, a mere five years after its launch, positioning itself to directly compete with the emerging Flair Airlines. The announcement of the dissolution of Swoop is set to streamline WestJet’s operations, creating a unified expectation for its pilots and crew.
The decision came about after several rounds of negotiations with the airline’s pilots. It was reported that on June 9, an overwhelming 87% of members from the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) voted in favor of a deal. This agreement promises a notable 24% pay hike over the next four years, bringing Swoop pilots on par with those at WestJet in terms of salary and seniority.
The Transition from Swoop to WestJet
As reported by CBC, WestJet has disclosed its plans to blend Swoop into its mainline operations, with all transitions expected to be complete by October 28. In an official statement, the airline noted: “Through an expedited process, the airline anticipates a full integration into its mainline operations by the end of October. To avoid traveler 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 fate of Swoop’s current network remains somewhat uncertain. Swoop operates from bases at Abbotsford (YXX), Edmonton (YEG), Hamilton (YHZ), Toronto-Pearson (YYZ), and Winnipeg (YEG), servicing 32 destinations across Canada, the United States, Mexico, and various Caribbean destinations.
The Future of Low-Cost Travel
Acknowledging the void left by Swoop’s 16 aircraft that offered affordable low-cost fares across Canada, WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech has plans in place to ensure affordable travel options continue for passengers. Von Hoensbroech further noted: “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 a premium inflight experience.”
While Swoop aimed to revolutionize the expensive domestic air travel market in Canada, the market is now hotter than ever with Flair, Canada Jetlines, and Lynx Air all looking to grab a piece of the action.
To reassure affected passengers, WestJet told Global News, “(Westjet is) committed to ongoing engagement with valued communities and stakeholders to ensure that the airline continues to provide critical and affordable air travel to communities across Canada.”
Flair also noted that it will assess its network once Swoop exits the market and will reevaluate any routes left behind.
The dissolution of Swoop and its absorption into WestJet is a significant shift in the Canadian aviation industry. With promises of salary hikes for pilots, a broader spectrum of services for guests, and a commitment to affordable travel, this change has the potential to elevate Canada’s air travel market. It will be fascinating to see how this new chapter unfolds and what it means for passengers, employees, and competition among airlines in the country.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
