Swoop, Canada's leding ultra-low fare airline, will grow its fleet from 10 to 16 aircraft with the acquisition of six new Boeing MAX-8 aircraft. The ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) confirmed it will begin receiving all six aircraft this summer as the airline rapidly expands to meet peak season travel demand.
Alongside this fleet growth, Swoop will significantly expand its domestic network, adding non-stop flights to Newfoundland and increasing service in Atlantic Canada. The ULCC will also add six new routes and capacity in Ontario and the Prairies in preparation for Canada's busy summer travel season. The airline's announced expansion comes as Swoop reports significantly increased passenger numbers and record bookings domestically.
"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."
Today's announced expansion will bring the ULCC's total non-stop domestic routes served to 37 this summer and includes a significant 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. "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."
In preparation of the airline's fleet growth and network expansion, Swoop is ramping up staffing across Canada, creating jobs to support economic recovery and stimulating hospitality and tourism sectors from coast-to-coast.
United expand services to Cape Town
United plans to expand service to Cape Town by offering three nonstop flights per week, year-round, between New York/Newark and Cape Town International Airport, subject to government approval. The new schedule starts on June 5. United will fly a 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft that includes 48 lie-flat, United Polaris business class seats, 21 United Premium Plus seats and 39 seats in Economy Plus.
United is the only airline to offer nonstop flights between the US and Cape Town and offers more flights to South Africa than any other North American carrier.
"By offering flights to Cape Town year-round, we're making it even easier for our customers to visit one of the world's best destinations," said Patrick Quayle, United's senior vice president of international network planning and alliances. "United's direct flights from New York/Newark cut the usual travel time to Cape Town by more than five hours, giving visitors extra time to enjoy the beauty and majesty of South Africa.