Hamilton, ON (February 1, 2018) – Swoop, Canada’s newest entrant to the ultra-low-cost carrier market, released on February 1 its initial schedule with an event at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. Hamilton is one of the airline’s first five destinations and its base in Eastern Canada. Airport and airline executives were joined by government officials and a team of pink balloon-bedecked ambassadors to mark the occasion.
Starting June 20, 2018, Swoop will launch six weekly flights between Abbotsford and Hamilton and six weekly flights between Hamilton and Halifax. On June 25, 2018, Swoop will start six weekly flights between Hamilton and Edmonton and between Hamilton and Winnipeg. Overall, the airline will operate 24 weekly flights from Hamilton.
The launch comes on the heels of the Airport’s recent release of 2017 passenger traffic numbers, which make it Canada’s fastest-growing airport with 80 percent year-over-year growth. With the addition of Swoop service, this momentum is expected to continue through 2018.
“We are delighted to welcome Swoop to Hamilton International Airport this coming summer season,” said Cathie Puckering, Acting President & CEO, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. “Our airport is quickly becoming a hub for convenient, affordable air travel for the growing Southern Ontario region. We are confident in our ability to support Swoop’s success by keeping costs low and passengers happy as they travel through our facilities.”
“Today is the first day that a real ULCC is now available to Canadians,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Strategy and the executive member responsible for the launch of Swoop. “We thank our launch airports for their support in getting Swoop off the ground. Low cost is the key and Hamilton and Abbotsford are examples to be followed. Keeping costs low so that the savings can be passed on to the travellers is what Swoop is all about. These airports are on the exact same page as us and we have worked side by side to make today happen.”
“It is a pleasure to help welcome Swoop for today’s announcement about their plans for service to the Greater Hamilton area,” said Bob Bratina, Member of Parliament Hamilton East-Stoney Creek. “Our government is committed to increasing the options available to Canadians by supporting competition in the airline industry, which can provide more low-cost options for travel throughout this great country.”
“This is great news for our community,” said Member of Provincial Parliament Mr. Ted McMeekin for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale. “Providing residents and Ontarian’s with more travel options in addition to our highways and public transit, helps makes it easier for people to get around. This new service will benefit residents as well as our economy.”
“For years, Hamilton has been home to Canada’s top multimodal cargo airport,” said Hamilton Mayor, Fred Eisenberger. “Now we are home to Canada’s fastest growing airport, because of new investments like today’s announcement of the new ultra-low-cost carrier, Swoop. I look forward to many more Hamilton announcements from Swoop and thank them for choosing John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport.”
Flights will operate using Swoop’s fleet of modern Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 189 seats. Airline customers are in control of what they pay, purchasing only the seat and adding the features they want without having to pay for those they don’t. Features for purchase include a bag, movies and Wi-Fi, more legroom or less, and buy-on-board snacks and beverages. Bringing a small personal item on board is free.
Details of Swoop’s new non-stop service:
| Route | Frequency | Effective |
|---|---|---|
| Hamilton – Abbotsford | Once daily except Tuesday | June 20, 2018 |
| Abbotsford – Hamilton | Once daily except Tuesday | June 20, 2018 |
| Hamilton – Halifax | Once daily except Tuesday | June 20, 2018 |
| Halifax – Hamilton | Once daily except Tuesday | June 20, 2018 |
| Hamilton – Edmonton | Once daily except Wednesday | June 25, 2018 |
| Edmonton – Hamilton | Once daily except Wednesday | June 25, 2018 |
| Hamilton – Winnipeg | Once daily except Wednesday | June 25, 2018 |
| Winnipeg – Hamilton | Once daily except Wednesday | June 25, 2018 |
| Abbotsford – Edmonton | Three daily | July 25, 2018 |
| Edmonton – Abbotsford | Three daily | July 25, 2018 |
Base fares:
| Departing | Arriving | Air transportation charges (ATC) Base fare from | Taxes, fees and charges |
Total one-way price from |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abbotsford | Edmonton | $30.02 | $8.98 | $39.00*CAD | |
| Edmonton | Abbotsford | $28.59 | $40.41 | $69.00*CAD | |
| Edmonton | Hamilton | $57.17 | $41.83 | $99.00*CAD | |
| Hamilton | Edmonton | $55.49 | $43.51 | $99.00*CAD | |
| Hamilton | Halifax | $55.49 | $43.51 | $99.00*CAD | |
| Halifax | Hamilton | $50.97 | $48.03 | $99.00*CAD | |
| Hamilton | Winnipeg | $28.94 | $40.06 | $69.00*CAD | |
| Winnipeg | Hamilton | $33.59 | $35.41 | $69.00*CAD | |
| Hamilton | Abbotsford | $55.49 | $43.51 | $99.00*CAD | |
| Abbotsford | Hamilton | $87.17 | $11.83 | $99.00*CAD | |
Visit FlySwoop.com for more information.
About John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport is a growing international gateway for affordable travel and the largest overnight express freight airport in Canada. In 2017, the airport served almost 600,000 passengers, a year-over-year increase of 80 per cent that makes it the fastest growing airport in Canada. The Airport is owned by the City of Hamilton and managed under an agreement by TradePort International Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vantage Airport Group – an industry leading investor, developer and manager of airport assets. This allows Hamilton International to incorporate best-in-class practices from around the world into its operations.
As an efficient facilitator of cargo and passenger operations, John C. Munro Hamilton International is an economic engine and responsible community partner.
Its strategic location and uncongested 24/7 operations make it an attractive option for both passenger and cargo carriers looking to serve the Southern Ontario market. flyhamilton.ca