Sunwing marks its return to Atlantic Canada with winter schedule announcement for six airports

Tour operator offering convenient weekly flights from Halifax, Moncton, Fredericton, St. John’s, Deer Lake and Gander starting in January

TORONTO, Oct. 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amid the Canadian government’s removal of all border and travel measures, Sunwing is pleased to announce its return to Atlantic Canada this winter season, with convenient weekly flights from six airports beginning in January until May. Sunwing’s resumption of winter flights from airports in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland comes after a difficult two years brought on by the pandemic and resulting travel restrictions, and is a signal of the tour operator’s ongoing commitment to eastern Canada and offering its residents seamless travel options from their local airport of choice.

“It’s been a difficult few years for the entire travel industry, particularly in New Brunswick and Newfoundland where long-lasting travel restrictions have unfortunately prevented us from offering our winter flight program since March 2020, much to our disappointment,” said Deana Murphy, Vice President of Retail Sales for Sunwing. “Now that all travel measures have been lifted as of October 1, 2022, we are excited to be back and doubling down on our commitment to the regions with weekly winter flights to a variety of popular sun destinations.”

Sunwing’s winter schedule announcement for Halifax in Nova Scotia, Moncton and Fredericton in New Brunswick, and St. John’s, Deer Lake and Gander in Newfoundland comes on the heels of the tour operator’s recent winter schedule announcement for four larger airports across the country, and amid increasing customer demand for winter travel that is seeing capacity growing by more than 140% over last year.
 
“We are thrilled to return to Atlantic Canada and share our winter flight lineup, which will help make it easier for our customers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland to head to the tropics this winter season,” said Andrew Dawson, President of Tour Operations for Sunwing. “We have a longstanding commitment in eastern Canada and are proud of being able to connect residents across the region with flights to a wide selection of destinations, including customer favourites such as Cancun, Punta Cana and Varadero, plus newer destinations being offered out of Halifax this year, including Cayo Largo, Cuba and Melbourne, Florida. With travel rebounding and demand for all inclusive travel continuing to rise, we encourage our customers to book early to save more under our wing during the peak winter travel months.”

Halifax, NS flight schedule
Destination	Peak Frequency	From	To
Cayo Coco	1x weekly	11-Jan-2023	26-Apr-2023
Cancun	1x weekly	08-Jan-2023	30-Apr-2023
Cayo Largo	1x weekly	10-Jan-2023	25-Apr-2023
Holguin	1x weekly	08-Jan-2023	30-Apr-2023
Montego Bay	1x weekly	09-Jan-2023	01-May-2023
Melbourne	1x weekly	10-Feb-2023	28-Apr-2023
Puerto Plata	1x weekly	10-Jan-2023	25-Apr-2023
Punta Cana	2x weekly	06-Jan-2023	29-Apr-2023
Santa Clara	1x weekly	05-Jan-2023	27-Apr-2023
Varadero	2x weekly	05-Jan-2023	29-Apr-2023
Moncton, NB flight schedule
Destination	Peak Frequency	From	To
Cayo Coco	1x weekly	11-Feb-2023	29-Apr-2023
Cancun	1x weekly	09-Feb-2023	27-Apr-2023
Montego Bay	1x weekly	12-Feb-2023	30-Apr-2023
Puerto Plata	1x weekly	10-Feb-2023	28-Apr-2023
Punta Cana	1x weekly	11-Feb-2023	29-Apr-2023
Varadero	2x weekly	10-Feb-2023	28-Apr-2023
Fredericton, NB flight schedule
Destination	Peak Frequency	From	To
Cayo Coco	1x weekly	14-Feb-2023	02-May-2023
Cancun	1x weekly	13-Feb-2023	01-May-2023
Punta Cana	1x weekly	08-Feb-2023	26-Apr-2023
Santa Clara	1x weekly	14-Feb-2023	02-May-2023
St. John’s, NL flight schedule
Destination	Day	From	To
Cayo Coco	1x weekly	16-Mar-2023	04-May-2023
Cancun	1x weekly	17-Mar-2023	05-May-2023
Montego Bay	1x weekly	19-Mar-2023	07-May-2023
Punta Cana	1x weekly	20-Mar-2023	08-May-2023
Varadero	1x weekly	18-Mar-2023	06-May-2023
Deer Lake and Gander, NL flight schedule
Destination	Peak Frequency	From	To
Punta Cana	1x weekly	22-Mar-2023	03-May-2023
Varadero	1x weekly	21-Mar-2023	02-May-2023

Residents of Atlantic Canada can take advantage of limited-time savings of up to 40% on select all inclusive vacation packages during Sunwing’s Save More Event, on now. For a reimagined boutique vacation experience, Halifax customers can visit Memories Cayo Largo, a new family-friendly resort in Cayo Largo nestled along Cuba’s southern coast and known for warmer temperatures year-round. Atlantic Canada customers planning a couples retreat or adults only escape will enjoy visiting Planet Hollywood Adult Scene Cancun An Autograph Collection All Inclusive Resort Adults Only. Located on a pristine beach on the shores of Costa Mujeres in Mexico, the resort offers plenty of opportunities to lounge in the sun and savour the international cuisine at the a la carte restaurants, before enjoying the star-worthy entertainment in the evenings. Meanwhile, for a sun and sand getaway the whole family will love, Be Live Collection Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic offers plenty of water activities, amenities including an on-site kids club and butler service, and spacious accommodations including swim-out suites.

Savings apply to select vacation packages when booked by November 6, 2022 for travel between November 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023*. For even more value, customers can purchase one of Sunwing’s Worry Free insurance plans and enjoy added peace of mind on their next getaway to the tropics.

*Terms and conditions apply.

About Sunwing
The largest integrated travel company in North America, Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from airports across Canada to popular sun destinations across the U.S.A., Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations as well as cruise packages and seasonal domestic flight service. Sunwing customers benefit from the assistance of the company’s own knowledgeable destination representatives, who greet them upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. The company supports the communities where it operates through the Sunwing Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on the support and development of youth and humanitarian aid.

Air Canada’s Summer 2022 Schedule Adjustments

2 July 2022 – Air Canada 🔗

This week, Air Canada announced changes to its summer schedule to support unprecedented and unforeseen strains on our organization. International flights are unaffected, with a few timing changes to reduce flying at peak times. Flights adjusted are to and from our Toronto and Montreal hubs. These will be mostly frequency reductions, affecting primarily evening and late-night flights by smaller aircraft, on transborder and domestic routes. Four routes will be temporarily suspended.

Temporary Route Suspensions:

Montreal – Kelowna
Montreal – Baltimore
Montreal – Pittsburgh
Toronto – Fort McMurray

Frequency Reductions

Toronto – Deer Lake: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 1 flight daily
Toronto – Saint John: reduce 2 frequencies, now operating 1 flight daily
Toronto – Charlottetown: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily
Toronto – Quebec City: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 4 flights daily
Toronto – North Bay: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 1 flight daily
Toronto – Timmins: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily
Toronto – Sudbury: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 3 flights daily
Toronto – London, ON: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 4 flights daily
Toronto – Windsor: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 3 flights daily
Toronto – Winnipeg: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 5 flights daily
Toronto – Edmonton: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 7 flights daily
Toronto – Calgary: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 11 flights daily
Toronto – Vancouver: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 14 flights daily
Toronto – Boston: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 6 flights daily
Toronto – LaGuardia: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 9 flights daily
Toronto – Newark: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 6 flights daily
Toronto – Baltimore: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily
Toronto – Philadelphia: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 3 flights daily
Toronto – Washington (DCA): reduce 1 frequency in August, will operate 2 flights daily (3 flights remain for July)
Toronto – Miami: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 1 flight daily
Toronto – San Francisco: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 3 flights daily
Montreal – Moncton: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily
Montreal – Fredericton: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily
Montreal – Saint John: reduce 1 frequency, now operating total 1flights
Montreal – Halifax: reduce 1 frequency in August, will operate total 3 flights daily (4 flights remain through August 3)
Montreal – Ottawa: reduce 2 frequencies, now operating 6 flights daily
Montreal – Quebec: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 4 flights daily
Montreal – Toronto (Island): no weekend operations and Friday reduced to 3 flights daily
Montreal – Edmonton: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily
Montreal – Calgary: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 4 flights daily
Montreal – Boston: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 3 flights daily
Montreal – LaGuardia: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 4 flights daily
Montreal – Newark: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 3 flights daily
Montreal – Fort Lauderdale: reduce 1 frequency, now operating 2 flights daily
Ottawa – Toronto (Island): no weekend operations

Route Retimes:

Montreal – Los Angeles
Montreal – Las Vegas
Montreal – Punta Cana
Montreal – Fort Lauderdale
Montreal – Winnipeg
Montreal – Edmonton
Toronto – Manchester
Toronto – Edinburgh
Toronto – Copenhagen
Vancouver – Portland
Vancouver – Regina
Vancouver – Cranbrook

Swoop touches down in Newfoundland with new non-stop service to Deer Lake

The ultra-not-expensive airline continues its Atlantic expansion with its first flights from Hamilton to Deer Lake

DEER LAKE, NL, May 21, 2022 /CNW/ – Today, Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost airline, launched its inaugural flight to Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF) from Hamilton’s John C. Munro International Airport (YHM). Swoop flight WO186 landed in Deer Lake at 8:35 p.m. local time, inaugurating the ULCC’s presence in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. 

“As Canada’s leading ultra-low fare airline, we are pleased to continue our Atlantic expansion into Newfoundland today with our inaugural flight to Deer Lake from Hamilton,” said Ryan Hubbard, Senior Leader, Airports, Swoop. “Air travel is critical to the recovery of Newfoundland’s tourist economy, and we’re proud to support the province’s Come Home Year 2022 campaign with ultra-convenient, ultra-low fares for Canadians.”

In addition to today’s inaugural flight between Hamilton and Deer Lake, Swoop will begin non-stop service between Hamilton and St. John’s on June 13. The ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) will add flights between Toronto and Deer Lake on June 20, offering even more ultra-affordable opportunities for Canadians to find themselves in Newfoundland this summer.

The arrival of the inaugural flight was warmly welcomed with a locally inspired celebration at Deer Lake Regional Airport, where travellers were joined by Swoop’s Ryan Hubbard and Julie Pondant Senior Advisor, Public Affairs, and Tammy Priddle, President and CEO, Deer Lake Regional Airport.

“The Town of Deer Lake is very excited for Swoop Airlines to begin flights through the Deer Lake Regional Airport. Deer Lake is an ideal location for those looking to explore the Western Region of Newfoundland & Labrador. Having Swoop coincide with the provincial Come Home Year 2022 campaign will greatly assist those who may want to visit the Deer Lake area at an affordable cost.” Mike Goosney – Mayor of Deer Lake

With introductory fares from Hamilton to Deer Lake starting at just $49 CAD^†, Swoop is showing Canadians just how affordable experiencing the Newfoundland can be this summer. 

Route	Start Date	Peak Weekly Frequency	One-way total price (CAD)	Base Fare (CAD)	Taxes & Fees (CAD)
Hamilton to Deer Lake	May 21, 2022	4x weekly	$49	$7.29	$41.71
Deer Lake to Hamilton	May 21, 2022	4x weekly	$49	$6.53	$42.47
Deer Lake to Toronto	June 20, 2022	2x weekly	$99	$50.01	$48.99
Toronto to Deer Lake	June 20, 2022	2x weekly	$99	$46.54	$52.46

For travel between September 15-October 31, 2022 | Seasonal start and end dates apply and are indicated in the booking flow. | Fares are valid until June 2, 2022 (11:59 p.m. MT) or while seats last. | Prices displayed above are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is made and accepted.

Additional Quotes

“We are excited to welcome Swoop to Deer Lake as a new airline with new destinations for travelers leaving our region. It will also allow access to a new market for people in Western and South Western Ontario and, for the first time, Alberta. Swoop provides affordable air travel, making it easier for families and friends to reconnect more often. It will also increase access for tourists to take in the many great experiences we offer in Western Newfoundland & Labrador.” Tammy Priddle, President and CEO, Deer Lake Regional Airport.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Swoop to Deer Lake Regional Airport.  This new service will provide residents of Corner Brook with yet another affordable option to visit friends and family across North America. It will also bring a whole new group of visitors to the west coast of Newfoundland. An exciting opportunity for all! Congratulations to Swoop and Deer Lake Regional Airport.”- Jim Parsons- Mayor of the City of Corner Brook

“Deer Lake Regional Airport is a gateway for Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site and a renowned travel destination which sits at the entrance to the greater Northern Peninsula. The large and diverse area relies on connectivity to support its cultural, tourism, and economic industries. Adding Swoop, an additional airline, to Deer Lake Regional Airport will benefit both residents and visitors alike as the tourism industry rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic.” Colleen Kennedy, Executive Director-Gros Morne Cooperation Association.

“Pjila’q. Qalipu is very excited to be supporting their partner Deer Lake Regional Airport Authority. Any time we can build capacity for our members and the region is a great day”- Chief Brendan Mitchell

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.

Air Transat and WestJet launch Transatlantic codeshare

MONTREAL and CALGARY, AB, April 28, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Today, Air Transat and WestJet have launched a new transatlantic codeshare. WestJet’s “WS” code is now activated for sale on select Air Transat operated flights to/from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, and Croatia. Connections via Montreal and Toronto are now available for flight dates beginning May 17, 2022.

On May 4, 2022, Air Transat’s “TS” code will be activated on select WestJet flights, and from that date Air Transat will also offer itineraries connecting select WestJet flights with appealing Air Transat European destinations. 

“We are very excited to launch this codeshare agreement with WestJet,” said Michèle Barre, Vice President, Network, Revenue Management and Pricing of Air Transat.  “The complementarity of our respective networks allows us to offer more alternatives to our customers, providing them with a quality and affordable product. This partnership is part of Air Transat’s development strategy, enhancing our long-standing presence in the transatlantic market.”

“This new codeshare with Air Transat complements our growing global network, allowing WestJet to offer guests exciting new destinations in Europe,” said John Weatherill, Chief Commercial Officer, WestJet.  “As our guests return to travel, these new options will connect North America and Europe in new ways and benefit guests on both sides of the Atlantic.” 

With this new codeshare, guests now have more options for their transatlantic travel, and will enjoy conveniences such as a single purchase for connecting flights, the ability to check in for all flights at their first departure, and baggage checked through to their final destination.

Once activated, both Air Transat and WestJet codeshare ticket sales will be available via the carriers’ websites and call centers, as well as via major GDS systems and travel agencies.

Subject to connectivity between their scheduled flights, Air Transat and WestJet will both offer the following transatlantic routings:

WestJet Operated Flights Air Transat “TS” Codeshare Applied	Connection Via	Air Transat Operated Flights WestJet “WS” Codeshare Applied
Deer Lake St. John’s Halifax Sydney Fredericton Moncton Charlottetown Montreal Quebec City  London, ON Ottawa Thunder Bay Toronto Winnipeg Regina Saskatoon Boston N.Y. LaGuardia	Montreal Toronto	France:  Bordeaux, Marseille, Nantes, Nice  Italy:  Lamezia, Rome Spain: Malaga   Portugal:  Faro Switzerland: Basel-Mulhouse Croatia: Zagreb

About Air Transat

Founded in Montreal 35 years ago, Air Transat is a leading leisure travel brand. Voted World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, it flies to international and Canadian destinations, striving to serve its customers with enthusiasm and friendliness at every stage of their trip or stay, and emphasizing safety throughout. It is renewing its fleet with the greenest aircraft in their category as part of a commitment to a healthier environment, knowing that this is essential to its operations and the magnificent destinations it offers. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc., a world-renowned holiday travel provider that has achieved Travelife certification in 2018 in recognition of its sustainability commitments.

About the WestJet Group of Companies 

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 www.westjet.com

Government of Canada invests in safety at airports in Newfoundland and Labrador

STEPHENVILLE, NL, Feb. 23, 2022 /CNW/ – Canadians rely on safe and well-maintained local and regional airports to support vibrant communities. These airports also support essential air services including community resupply, air ambulance, search and rescue, and forest fire response.  

The Minister of Rural Economic Development, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, today announced that the Government of Canada is making important safety investments at local and regional airports in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Through Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program, three airports in Newfoundland and Labrador will receive over $1.4 million for safety-related projects and equipment that will help maintain safe airport operations for passengers, crews and airport workers. The airports receiving funding are:

Deer Lake

• $205,000 to purchase a grader

Gander

• $863,625 to purchase a loader, a snowplow and a sweeper

Stephenville

• $376,000 to purchase a runway surface friction tester and a 4×4 snowplow

This funding is in addition to the more than $8 million announced under the program in May 2021 to support safety-related projects at the Churchill Falls, Deer Lake, Gander, and Stephenville airports.

Since the Airports Capital Assistance Program started in 1995, the Government of Canada has invested over $1.2 billion for 1,215 projects at 199 local, regional and National Airports System airports across the country. Funded projects include runway and taxiway repairs/rehabilitation, lighting enhancements, purchasing snow clearing equipment and firefighting vehicles and installing wildlife control fencing. 

Quotes

“Local and regional airports play an integral role in Canada’s transportation system and are important hubs for the communities they serve. This funding will help ensure continued safe and reliable airport operations for residents, many of whom depend on their local airport not only for personal and business travel, but also for community resupply of essential goods as well as access to routine and emergency medical care in larger centres.”

The Honourable Gudie Hutchings 
Minister of Rural Economic Development 

“The pandemic highlighted the important role Canada’s local and regional airports play in our country’s economy, and in sustaining the social and economic well-being of our communities. In addition to supporting personal travel, local and regional airports are key connectors for business, health care, social services, and emerging resource development sectors. These investments will improve access to safe, reliable and efficient air transportation options, and will help us deliver our commitment to build safer, healthier and stronger communities as Canada recovers from the pandemic.” 

The Honourable Omar Alghabra 
Minister of Transport 

Quick Facts 

• As announced in the Fall Economic Statement 2020, the Airports Capital Assistance Program received a one-time funding top-up of $186 million over two years. 
• The Fall Economic Statement 2020 also announced the temporary expansion of eligibility for the Airports Capital Assistance Program to allow National Airports System airports with less than one million annual passengers in 2019 to apply for funding under the Program in 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. 
• The eligible National Airports System airports are: Gander; Charlottetown; Saint John; Fredericton; Moncton; Thunder Bay; London; and Prince George. 

Associated Link

• Airports Capital Assistance Program  

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. 

Swoop Announces Significant Fleet Growth and Domestic Network Expansion

• Canada’s leading ultra-low fare airline to add six new Boeing MAX-8 aircraft
  
• Airline to introduce non-stop service to Newfoundland this spring – enabling Canadians to reconnect coast-to-coast
  
• Domestic network expansion adds 14 new non-stop routes including service to Deer Lake and St. John’s, Newfoundland; and Saint John, New Brunswick

CALGARY, AB, Feb. 9, 2022 /CNW/ – Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low fare airline, today announced it will grow its fleet from 10 to 16 aircraft with the acquisition of six new Boeing MAX-8 aircraft. Canada’s fast growing 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.

Significant Expansion and 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.”

Newfoundland and Labrador

• Deer Lake – Hamilton, 2x weekly (May 21)
• St. John’s – Hamilton, 5x weekly (June 13)
• Deer Lake – Toronto, 2x weekly (June 20)

New Brunswick

• Moncton – Hamilton – 4x weekly (May 9)
• Saint John – Toronto – 4x weekly (May 12)
• Moncton – Edmonton – 2x weekly (May 9)

Prince Edward Island

• Charlottetown – Hamilton – 4x weekly (May 1)
• Charlottetown – Toronto – 3x weekly (May 2)
• Charlottetown – Edmonton – 2x weekly (May 1)

Halifax, Nova Scotia

• Halifax – Edmonton – 5x weekly (May 1)
• Halifax – Ottawa – Daily (June 19)

Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan to benefit from increased domestic capacity

Today’s network expansion announcement also includes new routes and increased frequencies in previously announced new stations: Ottawa, Saskatoon and Regina.

Ontario

• Ottawa – Winnipeg – 4x weekly (June 19)
• Winnipeg – Toronto – Daily (June 20)

Saskatchewan

• Saskatoon – Winnipeg – 2x weekly (June 14)
• Saskatoon – Toronto – 2x weekly (June 22)
• Regina – Winnipeg – 2x weekly (June 16)
• Regina – Toronto – 2x weekly (June 22)

Demand for affordable travel equates to record new bookings and job opportunities across Canada

Throughout the pandemic the ULCC model has proven especially resilient, with Swoop carrying around one million travellers in 2021. Despite ongoing travel restrictions Swoop saw strong demand for both domestic and international travel over the peak holiday period, a trend that has continued into the new year. The airline further demonstrated operational resilience, ranking amongst the most reliable airlines in Canada/North America, with a flight completion rate of 99.4 per cent and on-time arrival of 78 per cent in 2021.

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.

Full Details of Swoop’s New Domestic Routes

Route	Peak Weekly Frequency	Start Date	Total one- way fare (CAD) †	Base Fare (CAD)	Taxes and Fees (CAD)
Hamilton to Charlottetown	4x weekly	May 1, 2022	$49.00	$1.29	$47.71
Edmonton to Halifax	5x weekly	May 1, 2022	$179.00	$118.40	$60.60
Toronto to Charlottetown	3x weekly	May 2, 2022	$59.00	$5.14	$53.86
Hamilton to Moncton	4x weekly	May 9, 2022	$79.00	$27.84	$51.16
Toronto to Saint John	4x weekly	May 12, 2022	$59.00	$5.14	$53.86
Hamilton to Deer Lake	2x weekly	May 21, 2022	$59.00	$9.23	$49.77
Hamilton to St. John’s	5x weekly	June 13, 2022	$99.00	$45.54	$53.46
Winnipeg to Saskatoon	2x weekly	June 14, 2022	$59.00	$3.12	$55.88
Winnipeg to Regina	2x weekly	June 16, 2022	$59.00	$3.12	$55.88
Winnipeg to Ottawa	4x weekly	June 19, 2022	$65.00	$6.83	$58.17
Halifax to Ottawa	Daily	June 19, 2022	$60.00	$0.10	$59.90
Edmonton to Charlottetown	2x weekly	June 19, 2022	$179.00	$118.40	$60.60
Toronto to Deer Lake	2x weekly	June 20, 2022	$99.00	$40.54	$58.46
Toronto to Winnipeg	Daily	June 20, 2022	$69.00	$13.99	$55.01
Edmonton to Moncton	2x weekly	June 20, 2022	$179.00	$118.40	$60.60
Toronto to Regina	2x weekly	June 22, 2022	$59.00	$19.12	$39.88
Toronto to Saskatoon	2x weekly	June 22, 2022	$69.00	$25.64	$43.36

†Special introductory fares are limited quantity. Book by February 23, 2022 for travel between June 1 and July 15, 2022.

Additional Quotes

• “Welcome Swoop to Newfoundland and Labrador! This is good news for the province as travel restrictions begin to ease and we prepare to host friends, family, and guests for Come Home Year in 2022. While offering travellers another airline option for leisure travel, this will also help spur economic recovery and the building of important business connections.”

–      The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

• “We’re delighted to welcome Swoop Airlines to the Saint John Airport. We are committed to exceeding passenger expectations and travellers will love Swoop’s ultra-low fares and direct service from Saint John to Toronto.”

–       Alexander (Sandy) Ross, Saint John Airport (YSJ) President and CEO

• “The Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport is very excited to welcome ultra-low fare airline Swoop to our airport and to New Brunswick! This is great news for our region and the traveling public, with a May 6^th launch date and non-stop flights to both Hamilton and Edmonton from YQM in 2022, We are proud to be one of the 28 airports where Swoop operates and look forward to further growing their presence and activity at YQM. Fly Swoop!”

–       Bernard F. LeBlanc, President & CEO GMIAA – Managing Director YQM 

• “We are excited to welcome Swoop to Deer Lake as a new airline with new destinations for travellers leaving our region. It will also allow access to a new market for people in Western and South Western Ontario and for the first time Alberta. As we are recovering it will make it easy for families and friends to reconnect more often. It will also increase access for tourists to take in the many great experiences we offer in Western Newfoundland & Labrador.”

–        Tammy Priddle, President and CEO, Deer Lake Airport

• “We are pleased to welcome Swoop as our newest airline partner. This link to Hamilton will enhance access to Ontario and provide travellers with a new and exciting option that we haven’t had before.”

–       Peter Avery, Chief Executive Officer, St. John’s International Airport Authority

• “We are excited to see Swoop’s announcement of two new destinations for Prince Edward Island. This new service from Toronto and Hamilton, along with Swoop’s new flights from Edmonton this summer, is welcome news for our Island’s tourism industry and for Islanders looking for additional low fare travel options.”

–       Doug Newson, YYG Charlottetown Airport CEO

To learn more about Swoop please visit FlySwoop.com and 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 modern 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.     

Flair Airlines expands on Eastern Canadian services with flights to Deer Lake

2x weekly service from Kitchener-Waterloo to Deer Lake begins June 8

Edmonton, Alberta, December 3, 2021 – Flair Airlines, Canada’s low-fare airline, expands into Newfoundland with service to Deer Lake Regional Airport from Region of Waterloo International Airport beginning in June 2022. Flair is the first Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) to serve Deer Lake.

“We’re excited to connect the Waterloo Region with Western Newfoundland as our first point of service to the province. Deer Lake is ideal for exploring Newfoundland and is the gateway to the majestic Gros Morne National Park,” said Stephen Jones, President and CEO, Flair Airlines. “Flair’s goal is to make the unaffordable affordable and our $49 fares to Deer Lake do just that.”

The service will bring affordable air travel to a previously unserved market and will help connect Canadians across the country who have been paying too much for too long.

“We are excited to welcome Flair to Deer Lake as a new airline but also with a new destination for travellers leaving our region and a new market to access for people in Western and Southwestern Ontario. Flair provides affordable air travel and as we are recovering it will make it easy for families to reconnect more often,” said Tammy Priddle, President and CEO, Deer Lake Regional Airport Authority. “Being just 45 minutes away from Gros Morne National Park, as well as two other World UNESCO Heritage sites, L’Anse Aux Meadows and Red Bay, make Deer Lake the gateway to some of the most unique and picturesque destinations in the world. We are really looking forward to establishing this partnership and to the many more opportunities this will create.”

One-way fares, including taxes and fees, begin at $49 CAD from Kitchener-Waterloo. There are limited seats and availability for the fares. Flights are now available for booking at flyflair.com.

About Flair Airlines

Flair Airlines is on a mission to liberate the lives of Canadians by providing affordable air travel that connects them to the people and experiences they love. With an expanding fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, Flair is growing to serve more than 30 cities across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. For more information, please visit flyflair.com.

COVID-19: PAL Airlines lands for 1st time in Fredericton Monday as flights resume

From Global News – link to video and source story

By Nathalie Sturgeon  Global News

Posted June 28, 2021

WATCH: There was a sign of New Brunswick’s continued recovery from the pandemic at Fredericton International Airport on Monday morning. The first flight to Fredericton by Pal Airlines arrived to kick off its new service. Nathalie Sturgeon reports.

The Fredericton International Airport took one step toward the new normal as PAL Airline’s first flight landed on the tarmac Monday.

It was a flight from Newfoundland and Labrador provided by the new carrier and one of the first to fly in since the COVID-19 pandemic placed heavy restrictions on travel — both by land and air.

“We’re very excited for the launch of our Fredericton flight,” said PAL Airlines sales manager Stephen Short in an interview Monday. “The aircraft is en route with a full load on board of people excited to visit the Atlantic Bubble in New Brunswick.”

PAL Airlines, with headquarters in St. John’s, has been in the business for 40 years. He said the airline helped transport medical supplies and health care workers and felt less of an impact than other small airlines.

“We’re looking forward to future growth,” he said. “We’ll see where the skies take us.”

The demand for a direct flight from Newfoundland and Labrador has been high, the company added. Even more now as families look to reunite.

Johanne Gallant, the president and CEO of the Fredericton International Airport, said she couldn’t wipe the smile off her face as she awaited the first PAL flight.

“I think like everybody else, it’s been difficult,” she said of the past 15 months. “It’s been very slow, and now we are seeing pick up into the travel industry.

“People want to go see friends and relatives and travel, and as the vaccination rollout is happening and our path to green, it’s really helping us get started again.”

WestJet announced last weekend it would resume flights, with Air Canada doing the same soon, Gallant said.

The flight operates Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Short said. It will fly from Fredericton to Deer Lake and then to St. John’s.

PAL Airlines are also planning to launch flights from Fredericton to Ottawa and Fredericton to Halifax on July 30.

Mayor Kate Rogers was pleased to see the flight happened today. She took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony after the plane landed.

“On behalf of the City of Fredericton, I am excited to welcome PAL Airlines to our community and the newly renovated and expanded Fredericton International Airport,” she said.

WestJet reconnecting Atlantic Canada routes

Airline to restart seven routes across Atlantic Canada by July 2

New non-stop service between Calgary-Charlottetown to launch on July 29

CALGARY, AB, June 25, 2021 /CNW/ -WestJet is further restoring Atlantic Canada’s domestic and interprovincial connectivity with the restart of seven routes to and from destinations across Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. The airline today also announced it will launch its new non-stop service to Charlottetown from Calgary on July 29. Full schedule details and resumption dates are outlined below.

“We continue to work towards the restoration of our pre-COVID domestic network to ensure that when our guests are ready to travel, we are there for them,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “WestJet remains committed to building back stronger for the betterment of all Canadians and as we look ahead to reconnecting friends, family and loved ones, the safe restart of travel is essential to Canada’s economic recovery.”

Connecting Prince Edward Island to Alberta non-stop

After being delayed due to the pandemic, WestJet will bridge new domestic connections between the east and the west with the introduction of new twice-weekly non-stop service between Charlottetown, P.E.I., and Calgary beginning July 29. The service connecting the two provinces was previously scheduled to start in June 2020.

WestJet’s investments are critical to ensuring Atlantic Canada’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and by the end of June, the airline is set to restore commercial air service to Sydney, N.S., Deer Lake and Gander, Nfld., with the restart of flights from Halifax and Toronto.

“As WestJet leads the restart of travel across the Atlantic region, it is critical that we get clarity and guidance on travel policies from the federal government. The safe return of visitors to and from the region is key to recovery and we thank the Atlantic Premiers and their governments for the work they have done to prioritize the safe restart of travel. WestJet remains committed to affordably connecting Atlantic Canada to the rest of the country and the world,” said Angela Avery, WestJet Executive Vice-President.

This July, WestJet will offer non-stop service to Atlantic Canada from Halifax to six cities, from St. John’s to three cities, from Charlottetown to two cities and from Moncton, Fredericton, Deer Lake, Gander and Sydney to one city.

Love Where You’re Going Again – WestJet’s Latest Video

For more than 17 months, Canadians from coast-to-coast have been separated from the people and places they love. WestJet’s latest brand moment is a reminder to Canadians that it’s time to love where they’re going, again.

Atlantic Canada route restarts

Route	Peak Frequency	Route restart date
Charlottetown – Toronto	4x weekly	June 25, 2021
Fredericton – Toronto	1x daily	June 26, 2021
Deer Lake – Toronto	4x weekly	June 27, 2021
Halifax – Sydney	1x daily	June 28, 2021
Gander – Halifax	3x weekly	June 30, 2021
Moncton – Toronto	1x daily	July 1, 2021
Halifax – Edmonton	2x weekly	July 2, 2021
Charlottetown – Calgary *	2x weekly	July 29, 2021

*New Route

About WestJet 

In 25 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.