Canada’s ultra-low-fare airline Swoop earlier this week announced an incredible summer expansion in 2020. Named after WestJet’s desire to 'swoop' into the Canadian marketplace with an ultra-low-cost business model, Swoop operates a fleet of nine Boeing 737-800 next-generation aircraft.

Rather than basing its aircraft at Calgary International Airport (YYC), Swoop strategically decided to use Ontario’s John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) as its hub in the east and Edmonton International Airport (YEG) as its western Canadian hub.

Swoop is expanding in Winnipeg

More recently Swoop has started offering a non-stop service out of the Manitoban capital of Winnipeg to 11 domestic and international destinations in Canada the United States and Mexico.

The new routes for summer 2020 include an inaugural flight from Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG) to Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). This will be Swoop's second route from Manitoba, offering Canadians the chance to soak up the sun on Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta’s tropical beaches.

In total, Swoop now flies to nine destinations from Winnipeg which include both year-round and seasonal destinations.

Victoria, Kamloops, and San Diego are new for summer 2020

Other new summer 2020 destinations include direct flights to Victoria and Kamloops in British Columbia and San Diego, California, in the United States. Summer is a busy travel time for Canadians, which has Swoop increasing the frequency of flights between Hammonton and Winnipeg, Edmonton to Abbotsford and Abbotsford to Winnipeg.

When talking about Swoops rapid growth and its new summer routes in a press release Swoop President Steven Greenway said:

“In only 18 months, Swoop has experienced significant growth, and we are excited to continue this momentum with the release of our 2020 summer schedule.

“By introducing Swoop to more markets, we are achieving our mission of providing Canadians with accessible summer travel opportunities throughout North America.”

The ultra-low-cost airlines new and increased frequency routes are:

  • Edmonton to Kamloops four times weekly
  • Winnipeg to London four times weekly
  • Winnipeg to Victoria five times weekly
  • Edmonton to San Diego three times weekly
  • Edmonton to Abbotsford 24 times weekly
  • Hamilton to Winnipeg 10 times weekly
  • Abbotsford to Winnipeg seven times weekly
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Swoop has three new summer routes. Photo: Swoop

When speaking about the new flight to Victoria President and CEO of Victoria Airport Authority Geoff Dickson said,

“We are very pleased to welcome Swoop to Victoria International Airport with new service to Winnipeg.

“We are one of the lowest cost airports in Canada and that makes us a natural fit with the low-cost business model of Swoop. We look forward to a growing partnership and welcome the new destination and travel options for our local community and visitors to our region.”

Managing Director of Kamloops Airport (YKA) Ed Ratuski echoed the sentiments expressed by Geoff Dickson saying,

“We are very pleased to welcome Swoop to Kamloops Airport this coming summer season.

“The return of service between Kamloops and Edmonton will be welcomed by our community and offer great opportunities for adventures on both ends of the route.”

When speaking about the new flight to Mexico, President, and CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority, Barry Rempel said,

“Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG) travelers will have more options this summer thanks to two new direct routes from Swoop.” “We are pleased to grow our partnership with Swoop as they continue to expand our community’s connectivity, giving travelers new places to discover and bringing more people to Winnipeg to explore everything our city has to offer.”

San Diego County Regional Airport (SAN) Authority boss Kim Becker was also upbeat about the new service saying,

“Expanding flight services and destinations continue to be a priority for us at San Diego International Airport.

“We are proud and excited to welcome Swoop with service to Edmonton as our newest travel destination, bringing even more offerings to our passengers in San Diego and Canada.”

Swoop should try and bring American tourists to Canada

Swoop seems to be going from strength to strength and was clever in its approach by utilizing underserved Canadian airports. British Columbia, in particular, would be very popular with American tourists visiting Victoria and Vancouver during the summer and Kamloops during the winter.

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Swoop should expand flights to the USA. Photo: Swoop

Skiing in British Columbia is regarded as having some of the best conditions found anywhere on the planet. Swoop could take advantage of this by offering flights during the winter from American cities to Kamloops where skiers have a choice of five resorts to choose from including Canada’s second-largest Sun Peaks.

What do you think about Swoop's new flights? Please let us know in the comments.