An Air Canada Boeing 737 Max aircraft arriving from Toronto prepares to land at Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, B.C., on March 12, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Apr. 27, 2019, The Abbotsford News Staff
The daily non-stop flight will be suspended for the summer season, to return in 2020 summer season
Air Canada’s regular flight between Abbotsford and Toronto is being dropped for the summer as it works out scheduling shortfalls during the Boeing 737 Max grounding.
On March 13, Air Canada grounded its fleet of 24 of the aircraft, which has been grounded around the globe, following an Ethiopian Airlines Crash on March 10 that killed all on board.
The Air Canada fleet is grounded at least until July 1, though the Toronto-Abbotsford route is being dropped for the full 2019 summer season, expected to be resumed in the 2020 summer season.
The change means the only non-stop flights Ontario from YXX until August are Swoop’s Hamilton flights (twice daily), and London flights (once daily).
Air Canada noted that it has implemented a “flexible” rebooking policy, with a full fee waiver and refund option for affected customers.
Customers originally set to travel on a 737 Max can call Air Canada at 1-833-354-5963 for information within 72 hours of their flight.
The number of daily flights from Abbotsford International Airport by carriers including WestJet has increased considerably in recent years. File photo, The Abbotsford News
Flights out of Abbotsford airport turn over border town and annoy residents, Sumas mayor says
Some residents of the small border town to Abbotsford’s south are upset about the increasing number of jets flying low over his constituents’ homes.
Sumas Mayor Kyle Christensen wrote a letter to Abbotsford council at the end of March asking the city and the airport to consider what can be done to decrease the noise from jets flying out of YXX.
“In recent years,” Christensen wrote, “we have noticed an increase in the number of flights departing from the Abbotsford Airport. Additionally, the flight patterns of a lot of these planes make a deliberate turn in a southernly direction right over or near our City.”
He continued: “The noise associated with these flights have resulted in numerous complaints from residents within the City of Sumas. We are requesting that you look in to the possibility of re-routing some of these flights so that they do not come right over the top of our community.”
Christensen wrote that added that he wanted to share his constituents’ concerns, but that he also wanted to “continue to have a good working relationship with your city and be good neighbours.”
Christensen repeated the sentiment in an email to The News, saying his only comment would be: “I really appreciate our good working relationship with the City of Abbotsford. It is my intention to maintain that for years to come.”
The letter was officially accepted by council, along with several other pieces of correspondence, at a recent meeting. Mayor Henry Braun nor any councillors commented on the letter
Airport general manager Parm Bains said that staff would be getting back to the Sumas mayor and that they would be consulting with the federal aviation authorities who regulate the country’ airspace regarding Christensen’s suggestion. While the airport has become significantly busier in recent years, Bains noted that the sheer number of daily flights has only risen from seven to 12.
By Tyler Olsen, The Abbotsford News| March 28, 2019 10:18 a.m.
A report has been released on the crash of a plane last August at Abbotsford International Airport. Abbotsford Airport Authority photo
The plane that crashed following the second day of last year’s Abbotsford Airshow didn’t have a permit to carry paying passengers and “did not meet modern aircraft safety standards,” the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) wrote in a report issued Thursday morning.
Five people were injured – two seriously – when a 74-year-old De Havilland Dragon Rapide crashed shortly after takeoff at the Abbotsford International Airport. The museum that owned the plane had sold rides to paying customers on the air show’s website, the report said.
The plane was operated by the Historic Flight Foundation, a U.S. flight museum.
The report notes that while the aircraft “was considered airworthy, it did not meet modern aircraft safety standards.” The plane had been issued a “Special Airworthiness Certificate – Experimental” by American aviation authorities that allowed it to fly. Transport Canada had issued a permit that allowed the plane to be flown to and from the air show, but which didn’t allow it to carry paying passengers.
Airshow spokesperson Jadene Mah said the Historic Flight Foundation had been selling “memberships” rather than tickets, and that the practice is common for museums that attend air shows.
Those who buy such memberships receive cards and must sign waivers saying they know they are flying on an historic aircraft.
The plane took off with four passengers at 5:31 p.m. on Aug. 11, 2018, shortly after the air show had concluded for the day.
“During the takeoff, the aircraft encountered strong, gusting crosswinds,” the report said. “It climbed to about 30 feet above ground level before descending suddenly and impacting the runway, coming to rest on its nose immediately off the right edge of the runway.”
The TSB found that the aircraft is “more difficult to handle during crosswind takeoffs than most tail-wheel-equipped aircraft, particularly from paved (rather than grass) runways.”
The report said that, “according to pilot notes, the maximum allowable crosswind component for takeoff is 17 knots. This is not a limitation of the aircraft; rather, it is a cautionary speed, meaning that operating in winds above that value would require above-average flying skills.”
Crosswinds during the plane’s takeoff were estimated to be as much as 18 knots. The plane soon “encountered swirling winds, resulting in a sudden loss of airspeed shortly after becoming airborne,” the report said.
The report also found that the aircraft didn’t have an accurate passenger manifest on board, which could make it difficult for first responders to identify passengers.
The report concludes with several “safety messages” that stress the importance of being familiar with regulatory requirements and the fact that vintage aircraft may be more difficult to control than modern planes.
It adds: “Appropriate equipment during an emergency response needs to be available to prevent further injury and property loss after a crash. In addition, not having an accurate passenger manifest can make it difficult for first responders to confirm the identity of passengers.”
The TSB is an independent agency tasked with investigating incidents and making recommendations to address safety problems.
The report won’t result in any immediate recriminations, although Transport Canada will also have access to the report, a TSB spokesperson said.
Transport Canada said in an email Thusday that its review of the incident is “ongoing.”
Mah said “experiences with vintage aircraft are an important part of the storytelling component at the Abbotsford Airshow and we will be working together with the museum operators and vintage aircraft owners in the future to see how we can continue to keep vintage aircraft as a very important component of what we do.”
She said it is important to acknowledge that such aircraft “are museum pieces” that “don’t have the same modern components that modern aircraft do.”
A new baggage claim area at Abbotsford International Airport opened last month. The new area is part of a $5 million expansion of YXX’s terminal. City of Abbotsford image A new baggage claim area at Abbotsford International Airport opened last month. The new area is part of a $5 million expansion of YXX’s terminal. City of Abbotsford image
Airport could double passenger counts after next phased upgrade, GM says
Tyler Olsen, The Abbotsford News – 28 February 2019 4:00 pm
Abbotsford’s city-owned airport has a $2-million phased expansion for a bagging and screening area on the books.
The airport has seen dramatic growth in recent years, and YXX may break the one million passenger threshold for the first time in 2019. The baggage and screening expansion will enable the airport to accommodate many more passengers over the coming years, general manager Parm Sidhu told council last week.
Money for airport expansions comes from fees and other charges levied by YXX.
Sidhu said the external terminal should be sufficient until the airport closes in on 2.5 million passengers per year. When that time comes, Sidhu says the airport would demolish the administration building to the south and expand in that direction.
The airport recently completed a $5 million expansion that added two new gates and doubled seating capacity in the YXX terminal.
#OnlyOnSwoop campaign highlights the importance of connecting through affordable travel
CALGARY, Feb. 19, 2019 /CNW/ – Today Swoop released its family focused #OnlyOnSwoop video and kicked off its associated campaign. The two-minute video features the 21-member Kryk family enjoying a surprise reunion vacation arranged by Swoop, in partnership with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).
The action follows the Kryk family, who have not all been together since 2010, to many of the top attractions in Las Vegas, while capturing the heart-warming reunion of Hamilton parents, Patricia and Lewis with their extended family.
#OnlyOnSwoop Las Vegas Family Reunion
The campaign demonstrates Swoops values of connecting Canadian travellers through more affordable airfares. Swoop aims to bring families and loved ones together, by enabling them to not only travel, but to travel more often.
“I hear from so many Canadians who could not previously afford to visit their loved ones more than once a year, if at all,” said Steven Greenway, President of Swoop. “Swoop is changing that. We’re removing the price barrier, redefining face-time and fostering the human need for connection. We are incredibly proud of this reunion, and the way it brings our values to the foreground.”
“Las Vegas is a destination that can fit any budget and we’re delighted to partner with Swoop to show that getting here is easy and affordable,” said Cathy Tull, chief marketing officer for the LVCVA. “This video helps demonstrate the wide variety of experiences that only Las Vegas can offer and how these shared adventures can create memories that will last a lifetime.”
“Our amazing Las Vegas family reunion was a magical whirlwind of love, laughter and pure joy,” said Julie Kryk, a member of the reunited family. “With the assistance and generosity of Swoop, my family was so lucky to have received this dream trip of a lifetime. We will always cherish the wonderful memories that were made along this incredible, joyous journey!”
The video shows the Kryk family wandering the Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas, exploring the beautiful desert landscape through Pink Jeep Tours, feeling like a kid at the Circus Circus Adventuredome, witnessing the high-energy acrobatics and inspiring imagery of Mystére by Cirque du Soleil and feasting at the indulgent Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace.
The #OnlyOnSwoop campaign combines a seat sale and social media campaign where entrants are given a chance to win round trip tickets for up to 6 people, anywhere Swoop flies.
Details of Swoop’s Family Sale:
Service Between
Airtransportationcharges basefare from
Taxes, fees and charges
Number ofseats availableat sale price
Total one-way price from
Edmonton and Orlando
$56.06
$92.94
25
$149 †CAD
Hamilton and Orlando
$11.54
$87.46
100
$99 †CAD
Kelowna and Winnipeg
$43.59
$25.41
100
$69 †CAD
Winnipeg and Kelowna
$33.59
$35.41
100
$69 †CAD
Hamilton and Abbotsford
$55.49
$43.51
200
$99 †CAD
Abbotsford and Hamilton
$87.17
$11.83
200
$99 †CAD
Hamilton and Montego Bay
$27.63
$111.37
50
$139 †CAD
Montego Bay and Hamilton
$42.80
$96.20
50
$139 †CAD
Edmonton and London, ON
$38.11
$40.89
200
$79 †CAD
London, ON and Edmonton
$55.79
$23.21
200
$79 †CAD
†Book by February 21, 2019 (11:59 p.m. MDT) for travel between April 29, 2019 and June 24, 2019. 1350 total seats available. Some blackout dates and restrictions apply. For more details, please visit FlySwoop.com/deals.
Details of Swoop’s Las Vegas service:
Service Between
Weekly Frequency
Total One-Way PriceFrom*
Hamilton and Las Vegas
4x per week
$179 CAD
Edmonton and Las Vegas
Daily
$139 CAD
Abbotsford and Las Vegas
3x per week until May 24, 20192x per week from May 25, 2019
$139 CAD
*Every day low fares. Lower promotional fares may be available during select travel periods.
To learn more about Swoop’s destinations, schedule and ultra-low-cost model or to enter the contest visit FlySwoop.com or connect with Swoop on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
Swoop travellers amongst the first to experience new arrival and departure terminal
CALGARY, Jan. 24, 2019 /CNW/ – Today Swoop joined the Abbotsford International Airport to celebrate the expansion of the YXX terminal.
The expansion includes two additional gates, an enlarged baggage claim area, extended CATSA pre-board security screening area and a passenger departure lounge that is double the size of the pre-existing lounge. Swoop and YXX will celebrate with a ribbon cutting ceremony, refreshments and guest speakers.
As an airport that mainly supports low-cost travel, the expansion is a direct result of the growing success of low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers like Swoop. The Abbotsford International Airport plans to expand further into discount operations in the coming years, which is a welcome strategy for Swoop as it shares the same vision.
“From day one Abbotsford has been an enthusiastic partner for Swoop,” said Steven Greenway, President of Swoop. “It’s no surprise that their open-minded approach when working with carriers and their passion for creating a stress free, seamless airport travel experience has led to record breaking passenger volumes and this impressive terminal expansion. We are confident that Abbotsford will continue to deliver valuable enhancements for years to come that mutually benefit its partners, like Swoop, and the people and businesses in the Lower Mainland.”
“YXX is one of Canada’s fastest growing airports, having just completed a $5 million terminal expansion without increasing direct or indirect airline fees,” said Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun. “YXX is very proud to offer one of the most competitive airport platforms in Canada. We look forward to another record year at YXX with the addition of more domestic and international routes, providing our region with our more travel options. Together, working with Swoop, we are making air travel more accessible for Canadians”.
Swoop currently operates two domestic routes from Abbotsford to/from Edmonton and Hamilton, and three international routes between Las Vegas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. On January 22, 2019 Swoop released its summer schedule which included new daily service from Abbotsford to/from London, ON beginning May 24, 2019 and the extension of the popular Las Vegas service throughout the summer.
Flights are available for booking now through October 26, 2019.
To learn more about Swoop’s destinations, schedule and ultra-low-cost model visit FlySwoop.com or connect with Swoop on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
Airline increases weekly flights by 40% and adds its seventh aircraft to the fleet
CALGARY, Jan. 22, 2019 /CNW/ – Today Swoop released its full summer schedule with non-stop flights available for booking from April 28, 2019through October 26, 2019. Along with three new destinations of London ON, Kelowna BC and Oakland CA, the schedule boasts five new domestic markets, two new transborder markets and an extension of two international routes.
The new domestic markets include service between London and Halifax six times per week and daily service from London to/from Abbotsford and Edmonton. Service between Kelowna and Winnipeg will be offered three times a week. The schedule also sees the return of the seasonal route between Abbotsford and Winnipeg four times per week.
Edmonton will enjoy increased transborder capacity with thrice-weekly flights to/from Oakland and a weekly flight to/from Orlando.
Internationally, Swoop will continue its Hamilton service to Montego Bayand Cancun, with a weekly return flight throughout the summer.
Amongst the routes that will end for the summer are Hamilton to Puerto Vallarta and Tampa Bay, and Abbotsford to Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán. Edmonton to Mesa will take a short hiatus and suspend service at the end of May before resuming October 5, 2019.
“The summer 2019 schedule focuses on realizing economies of scale,” said Steven Greenway, President of Swoop. “We have created a schedule that leverages our existing network while expanding to a limited number of strategic destinations. Our travellers having been eager for the summer schedule, and we are delighted to have now released the full details.”
Details of Swoop’s summer schedule:
Domestic Markets
WeeklyFrequency
Service Offered
Total One-WayPrice From†
Edmonton and Hamilton
14x
Daily
$139 CAD
Edmonton and Abbotsford
16x
Daily
$59 CAD
Hamilton and Halifax
13x
Daily
$139 CAD
Hamilton and Winnipeg
6x
Daily except Saturday
$89 CAD
Hamilton and Abbotsford
12x
Daily
$159 CAD
Edmonton and Winnipeg
6x
Daily except Saturday
$69 CAD
New Domestic Markets
London and Halifax
6x
Daily except Saturday(starts May 24, 2019)
$139 CAD
London and Abbotsford
7x
Daily(starts May 24, 2019)
$159 CAD
London and Edmonton
7x
Daily(starts April 28, 2019)
$139 CAD
Abbotsford and Winnipeg
4x
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri(starts May 24, 2019)
$129 CAD
Kelowna and Winnipeg
3x
Mon, Wed, Fri (starts May 24, 2019)
$119 CAD
Transborder Markets
Edmonton and Mesa
2x
Wed, Sat(ends May 25, 2019 andresumes October 5, 2019)
$159 CAD
Edmonton and Las Vegas
7x
Daily
$139 CAD
Abbotsford and Las Vegas
2x
Thu, Sun
$119 CAD
Hamilton and Las Vegas
4x
Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun
$159 CAD
Hamilton and Fort Lauderdale
2x
Mon, Fri
$149 CAD
Hamilton and Orlando
3x
Mon, Wed, Sat
$159 CAD
Hamilton and Tampa
3x
Wed, Thu, Sat(ends May 22, 2019)
$119 CAD
New Transborder Markets
Edmonton and Oakland
3x
Tue, Thu, Sun(starts May 26, 2019)
$159 CAD
Edmonton and Orlando
1x
Sat(starts June 1, 2019)
$199 CAD
International Markets
Hamilton and Montego Bay
1x
Sat
$199 CAD
Hamilton and Puerto Vallarta
1x
Sat(ends May 18, 2019)
$139 CAD
Hamilton and Cancun
1x
Sat
$139 CAD
Abbotsford and Puerto Vallarta
2x
Mon, Sat(ends May 20, 2019)
$159 CAD
†Every day low fares. Lower promotional fares may be available during select travel periods.
To learn more about Swoop’s destinations, schedule and ultra-low-cost model visit FlySwoop.com or connect with Swoop on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
Supporting Quotes
Edmonton “Swoop’s growing list of Canadian and US routes from EIA is an investment in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region,” said Tom Ruth, President and CEO of Edmonton International Airport. “Popular destinations and low fares are creating exceptional travel options while supporting tourism and business growth in our region.”
Kelowna “We are excited to welcome Swoop to YLW,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. “Having an ultra-low-cost-carrier in Kelowna is an incredible opportunity for the community, as it opens up doors to travellers from all over the country.”
London “Today’s announcement is wonderful news for London and our region of Ontario,” said Mike Seabrook, CEO of London International Airport. “We’re focused on being the “Easy and Comfortable” airport and Swoop’s new service is a perfect fit. Our passengers will be able to get to more destinations with direct flights the easy and comfortable way.”
Abbotsford “I’m pleased to congratulate Swoop on their 2019 summer schedule, providing new daily service to London, Ontario from YXX and the extension of international service to Las Vegas twice weekly for the summer season,” said Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun. “This is great news for travellers from across our region and I look forward to seeing Swoop continue to expand their flight options at YXX for our growing city and region.”
Halifax “We’re so pleased to have a new connection between Halifax and southern Ontario,” said Joyce Carter, President and CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority. “The addition of another ultra low-cost route will provide more opportunities for travellers to connect with family and friends across the country and allow us to welcome even more visitors to the East Coast this summer.”
Winnipeg “We are pleased to work with Swoop to add more flights and destinations to meet customer needs at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport,” said Barry Rempel, President and CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority. “Our community continues to grow and benefit with these additions and we’re excited that this summer, travelers will have new options to enjoy all that Winnipeg has to offer.”
Oakland Bryant L. Francis, Director of Aviation at the Port of Oakland notes, “It is with a great deal of enthusiasm that I welcome Swoop and its new service to Oakland International. It is very exciting to begin 2019 with the announcement that OAK’s global roster of destinations will extend to Canada for the first time. We trust that business and leisure travelers in both metropolitan areas will benefit from this new connectivity, and we look forward to growing with our partners at Swoop as they expand further into US and Canadian markets.”
Orlando “Swoop’s decision to expand service from Edmonton to Orlando is one we applaud,” said Phil Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “Enhancing Canadian service options provides our friends to the north a greater opportunity to enjoy all that Orlando and Central Florida have to offer.”
Hamilton “Swoop’s announcement is another great milestone for the Airport as it expands its year-round program for passengers traveling from Hamilton,” said Cathie Puckering, President & CEO of John C. Munro HamiltonInternational Airport. “The increased frequencies in domestic travel will offer customers more opportunities to explore Canada from coast to coast. In addition, Swoop’s service from Hamilton will continue this summer to several U.S. and international markets such as Las Vegas, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Cancun and Montego Bay and is an exciting development for our customers with summer travel plans to these popular destinations.”
Airline adds Mazatlán to its list of flights inaugurated this month
CALGARY, Jan. 20, 2019 /CNW/ – Today Swoop celebrates its final of four inaugural flights to Mexico this January. Flight WO604 departs from Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) at 11:00 a.m. PST and arrives at Mazatlán International Airport (MZT) at 4:19 p.m. PST.
Earlier this month, Swoop celebrated initial service to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta from Hamilton and to Puerto Vallarta from Abbotsford. Today’s flight to Mazatlán will be met on arrival with a water arch, spirited mariachi band and travellers will be greeted by the Ministry of Tourism of the province of Sinaloa.
“Mexico is a popular travel destination for Canadians, with over 1.9 million visitors annually,” said Karen McIsaac, Senior Advisor of Communications at Swoop. “This additional route to Mazatlán complements our Cancun and Puerto Vallarta destinations as top choices to frequent and is the perfect opportunity for travellers to experience choice when it comes to affordable air travel.”
“Swoop offers multiple weekly flights from YXX to Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán which is excellent news for travellers in our region,” said Henry Braun, Mayor of Abbotsford. “The Abbotsford International Airport continues to grow and our partnership with Swoop is a significant contributor to that success. YXX now serves our region with daily flights to Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, as well as multiple weekly flights to Nevada and Mexico.”
Flights are now available for booking through April 27, 2019.
Details of Swoop’s service to Mexico:
Service Between
Service Offered
Weekly Frequency
Total One-Way Price From*
Hamilton and Puerto Vallarta
Tuesday, Saturday
2 x per week
$139 CAD
Hamilton and Cancun
Monday, Friday, Saturday
3 x per week
$139 CAD
Abbotsford and Puerto Vallarta
Monday, Saturday
2 x per week
$159 CAD
Abbotsford and Mazatlán
Thursday, Sunday
2 x per week
$159 CAD
†Every day low fares. Lower promotional fares may be available during select travel periods.
Travellers can enjoy the sunny shores of Mexico with one-way flights from $159 CAD
CALGARY, Jan. 12, 2019 /CNW/ – Today Swoop celebrates its inaugural flight from Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) to Puerto Vallarta’s Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). Swoop flight WO600 departs from Abbotsford at 12:20 p.m. PST and arrives in Puerto Vallarta at 7:02 p.m. CST.
This marks Swoop’s second inaugural flight to Puerto Vallarta this week, the first from Hamilton, Ontario on January 8, 2019. Travellers can also enjoy flights from Hamilton to Cancun beginning January 14, 2019 and Abbotsford to Mazatlán beginning January 20, 2019.
“Mexico is an important market for Swoop, with an estimated 1.9 million Canadians visiting every year,” said Karen McIsaac, Senior Advisor of Communications at Swoop. “We are pleased to see many first-time snowbird vacationers on our flights to Mexico which is confirmation of our mission to bring affordable fares to more Canadians, allowing them to travel more often.”
“Swoop offers multiple weekly flights from YXX to Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán which is excellent news for travellers in our region,” said Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun. “The Abbotsford International Airport continues to grow and our partnership with Swoop is a significant contributor to that success. YXX now serves our region with daily flights to Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, as well as multiple weekly flights to Nevada and Mexico.”
“Puerto Vallarta’s airport has been enjoying a continual increase in flights in the past two seasons and these new flights are a sign on the continuous interest in Puerto Vallarta’s tourism offerings,” said Javier Aranda Pedrero, General Director, Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board. “Our guests will find that Puerto Vallarta can offer an exceptional warm and sunny vacation at every budget.”
Flights are now available for booking through to April 27, 2019.
Details of Swoop’s service to Mexico:
Service Between
Service Offered
Weekly Frequency
Total One-Way Price From*
Hamilton and Puerto Vallarta
Tuesday, Saturday
2 x per week
$139 CAD
Hamilton and Cancun
Monday, Friday, Saturday
3 x per week
$139 CAD
Abbotsford and Puerto Vallarta
Monday, Saturday
2 x per week
$159 CAD
Abbotsford and Mazatlán
Thursday, Sunday
2 x per week
$159 CAD
*Every day low fares. Lower promotional fares may be available during select travel periods.
Javier Aranda, Director of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board (Middle) celebrates the arrival of Swoop’s flight at the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. He is joined by Steven Greenway, President of Swoop; Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Riviera Nayarit CVB; Susana Rodriguez, Director of Tourism of the Coast for the State of Jalisco; Saul Salabria, Director of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport and members of Puerto Vallarta’s Mariachi.
January 8, 2019, Puerto Vallarta – Canadians in Hamilton and Abbotsford will have an easier way to reach Puerto Vallarta this winter as Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost airline, has announced service into Puerto Vallarta’s International Airport (PVR) with the addition of two new routes. British Columbia’s Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) will enjoy twice weekly service beginning January 12, 2019 and Ontario’s John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) saw its first flight depart today. and will have service twice weekly.
“Puerto Vallarta welcomes Swoop’s new routes from Hamilton and Abbotsford. Canadians make up one of our top visitors because of our city’s sunny beaches,” said Javier Aranda, Director of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board. “We invite them to also tray one of our over 300 restaurants, take a day trip to the evergreens in our Sierra Madre mountains or raise their adrenaline on the waters of the Bay of Banderas.”
“Puerto Vallarta is a brand-new route for Hamilton International and a very popular destination for Canadians,” said Steven Greenway, President of Swoop. “Combining Swoop’s ultra-low fare with the favorable exchange between the dollar and peso makes the value proposition of exploring Mexico enticing for families and budget travellers’ vacationers looking to escape the cold winter weather when services begin in January.”
Puerto Vallarta welcomed its first-ever Sunwing flight from Quebec City’s Jean Lesage International Airport on December 17th; marking the beginning of the tour operator’s seasonal weekly flight service to Puerto Vallarta. Flights will take place every Monday until April 15, 2019.
Puerto Vallarta is one of Canadians most popular international vacation destinations. Historically, almost 15% of Puerto Vallarta’s international visitors are Canadians. At the beginning of this year Expedia.ca announced that in their survey of a 1,000 Canadians, Puerto Vallarta was a top recommendation for travel in 2019.
