Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier Swoop has high hopes for international travel this fall as it releases its winter schedule. The airline shared today that the expanded schedule will see the resumption of services to the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Time for a change

United States and Canada-based airline advocacy groups have been putting pressure on authorities to open the border between the countries. Travel has been heavily restricted between the two neighbors since the beginning of the pandemic, rocking aviation activity for over a year, and organizations are thinking enough is enough.

There have been glimmers of hope in recent weeks. For instance, Canadian Health Minister Patty Hadju spoke this week of a phased reopening plan that could begin early next month. Also, Global News reports today that US congressman and co-chair of the Northern Border Caucus Brian Higgins shared that US president Joe Biden wants the border open.

With these prospects, Canadian airlines are preparing to ramp up services. Swoop highlights that daily bookings have been matching pre-pandemic figures. Thus, along with the scale-up of flights, the carrier is going ahead with its fleet growth plans and introducing its 10th Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft before 2022 hits.

Swoop 737 Interior
Amid the restrictions, flights across the Canada-United States border have been for essential travel only. Photo: Swoop

Booking rebounds

Swoop president Charles Duncan spoke about activity heading into the second half of the year. With demand increasing, his firm is highlighting its offerings that run in line with the release of new schedules. The airline will be flying internationally from Toronto, Hamilton, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Abbotsford.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in demand for travel this summer, most especially in provinces where vaccination and re-opening plans are on track and clearly outlined. With the release of our winter schedule, those who are planning further ahead or dreaming of a vacation abroad can find our always affordable flights and Getaway packages available for booking through April 2022,” Duncan shared in a statement.

“Consumer confidence is coming back, and the message is clear, Canadians are ready to start planning that long overdue trip. When travellers are ready, we look forward to safely welcoming them back onboard our aircraft.”

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Balancing the network

Swoop is proud to announce that it will be flying to vacation hotspots such as Las Vegas, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Montego Bay. Duncan previously told Simple Flying that capacity had been down by 90% earlier this year due to the tough conditions. In contrast, US carriers were generally down between 20-30%. As a result of the restrictions, there was a refined focus on domestic routes, with moves such as new operations to Victoria and the return and addition of new routes to Kelowna.

Swoop 737 Jet
Flights on the scheduled winter service with the Boeing 737 aircraft will start from CA$40 one way. Photo: Swoop

Flair won't be the only ultra-low-cost carrier keeping an eye on border reopening progress this summer. Fellow Canadian outfit Flair Airlines, which has also been largely concentrating on domestic services in recent months, would also be keen on returning international flights as it sends its new 737 MAX aircraft to the skies.

Altogether, Swoop will be glad that there is optimism across the network again. The airline will be glad to deploy more 737s, which it dubs the perfect aircraft for its routes.

What are your thoughts about Swoop's ambitions for the end of the year? Are you looking to hit the skies with the airline soon? Let us know what you think of the carrier and its prospects in the comment section.