Comox YQQ

WestJet brings back the heat this Winter

Canadian Aviation News

Airline to return 17 sun and leisure routes suspended during pandemic to destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico and U.S.

CALGARY, AB, Aug. 8, 2022 /CNW/ – WestJet today celebrated the return of 17 sun routes to its network this winter. The returning routes which were suspended for more than two years, bring enhanced connectivity and vacation options for Canadians and communities across the airline’s network.

“The restart of these routes is another positive step in the restoration our network as we solidify WestJet as the reliable, friendly and affordable airline we are known to be,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “We recognize the past three winters have been disruptive to our guests travel plans and we look forward to reconnecting Canadians to some of the warmer destinations they have missed the most.”

The airline today also announced new six-times weekly regional service between Penticton, B.C., and Vancouver beginning on February 17, 2023 on WestJet Link along with the restart of domestic connectivity between Edmonton and Nanaimo, B.C.

Highlights from WestJet’s winter schedule release:

Sun and Leisure, Transborder and Transatlantic:

  • Restart of 17 sun and leisure routes suspended since 2019
  • 45 per cent increase to sun and leisure flights from winter 2021
  • 60 per cent increase in transborder flights from winter 2021
  • 25 per cent increase in transatlantic flights from winter 2021

WestJet’s investments in sun, transborder and leisure flying are growing across the country with:

  • A 50% increase in flights from Central/Eastern Canada from winter 2021
  • A 55% increase in flights from Western Canada from winter 2021

Network-wide:

  • 65 per cent increase in flights to/from Winnipeg (YWG) from winter 2021
  • 50 per cent increase in flights to/from Edmonton (YEG) from winter 2021
  • 35 per cent increase in flights to/from Vancouver (YVR) from winter 2021
  • 30 per cent increase in flights to/from Calgary (YYC) from winter 2021
  • 10 per cent increase in flights to/from Toronto (YYZ) from winter 2021

Domestic:

  • New domestic connection between Vancouver and Penticton, B.C., on WestJet Link
  • Restart of Edmonton-Nanaimo route suspended since 2019
  • 25 per cent overall increase in flights network-wide domestically from winter 2021

Transborder Restarts:

RouteRestart DatePeak FrequencyOperated By
Kelowna – PhoenixNovember 16, 20221x WeeklyWestJet
Saskatoon – Las VegasNovember 10, 20222x WeeklyWestJet
Saskatoon – Orlando*December 16, 20221x WeeklyWestJet
Regina – Las VegasNovember 10, 20222x WeeklyWestJet
Regina – OrlandoDecember 16, 20221x WeeklyWestJet
Vancouver – OrlandoNovember 12, 20221x WeeklyWestJet
Winnipeg – PhoenixOctober 31, 20222x WeeklyWestJet
St. John’s – Tampa BayMarch 19, 20231x WeeklyWestJet
*Operated on very limited basis in 2021

Carribean, Mexico, Central American Restarts:

RouteRestart DatePeak FrequencyOperated By
Calgary – Belize CityNovember 18, 20221x WeeklyWestJet
Calgary – NassauNovember 26, 20221x weeklyWestJet
Calgary – VaraderoNovember 5, 20221x WeeklyWestJet
Comox – Puerto VallartaNovember 5, 20221x WeeklyWestJet
Ottawa – Montego BayNovember 12, 20222x WeeklyWestJet
Regina – Cancun*November 13, 20222x WeeklyWestJet
Toronto – Cayo CocoNovember 5, 20221x WeeklyWestJet
Toronto – SamanaDecember 17, 20221x WeeklyWestJet
Winnipeg – Montego BayDecember 17, 20221x WeeklyWestJet
*Operated on very limited basis in 2021

Domestic Routes:

RouteStart DateFrequencyOperated by
Vancouver – Penticton*February 17, 20236x WeeklyWestJet Link
Edmonton – NanaimoOctober 30, 20223x WeeklyWestJet Encore
*new route

About WestJet  

In 26 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic. 

Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline’s Safety Above All hygiene program. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium. 

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.  

Swoop takes off from Comox with new non-stop service to Edmonton

Canadian Aviation News

The ultra-not-expensive airline takes their summer expansion west, celebrating its first flight from Comox, BC to Edmonton, AB

COMOX, BC, June 9, 2022 /CNW/ – Today, Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost airline, launched its inaugural flight to Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) from Edmonton International Airport (YEG). Swoop flight WO 217 landed in Comox at 7:55 a.m. local time, adding another B.C. destination to its network.

“As Canada’s leading ultra-low fare airline, we are thrilled to continue our network expansion in beautiful British Columbia, promoting tourism and stimulating economic growth in Comox,” said Ryan Hubbard, Senior Manager, Airports at Swoop. “Demand for summer travel across Canada is soaring and we’re proud to support communities, both large and small, with ultra-affordable fares.”

Swoop’s new service to Comox is a welcome addition to the airline’s long-standing presence across British Columbia. In addition to today’s new route to Comox, Swoop also offers service to Victoria, Abbotsford, and Kelowna.

“The ability for the residents of the Comox Valley to explore the world and for visitors from around the world to explore the Comox Valley continues to grow,” said Mayor Russ Arnot. “The arrival of Swoop Airline further demonstrates the highly desirable destination that the Comox Valley is.   As we exit the global COVID-19 pandemic the ability to connect in person with families and friends will add great joy to our residents.”

With introductory fares from Edmonton to Comox starting at just $49 CAD†, Swoop is showing Canadians just how affordable travel can be this summer.  

Route Start Date Peak Weekly Frequency One-way total price (CAD) Base Fare (CAD) Taxes & Fees (CAD) 
Edmonton to Comox June 9, 2022 4x weekly $49$0.59$44.45
Comox to EdmontonJune 9, 2022 4x weekly $59$40.12$14.93

Additional Quotes

“The Comox Valley Airport is very happy to see Swoop Airlines support economic recovery in our region with the addition of new service from Edmonton,” said Mike Atkins, CEO Comox Valley Airport. “The ultra-low cost point to point carrier arrives just in time to for summer leisure travel and will be a boon to our tourism sector.” 

“The Chamber is thrilled to welcome Swoop to the Comox Valley. What a terrific opportunity this service will bring towards rebuilding economic recovery, particularly for the tourism sector,” said Dianne Hawkins, CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce. “The Comox Valley has a strong tie to Alberta, especially since the first commencement of WestJet service over 20 years ago. This additional service will help to provide affordable connectivity for families and businesses with our neighbouring province. We are looking forward to seeing the first flight in June.  All the best to Swoop and team in this new venture!”

To learn more about Swoop and for flight schedules and bookings, please visit FlySwoop.com. For information on how Swoop is ensuring a safe and healthy travel experience visit FlySwoop.com/traveller-safety. 

About Swoop

Swoop is on a mission to make travel more affordable and accessible for all Canadians. Established in 2018 as an independent subsidiary of the WestJet Group of Companies, Swoop is Canada’s ultra-not-expensive airline. Offering scheduled service to destinations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, Swoop’s unbundled fares put travellers in control of purchasing only the products and services they desire. 

Swoop’s fleet of ten Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft will grow to 16 with the addition of six Boeing MAX-8 in 2022. At FlySwoop.com travellers can quickly and easily book flights, manage bookings, check-in, view boarding passes, track flights and access Wi-Fi service in-flight.