Flair Airlines Extends Schedule Through Summer 2022

Canada’s favorite ULCC is confident in travel demand growth over the coming year and expands schedule in core Canadian and US markets

Edmonton, Alberta, September 9, 2021 – Flair Airlines, Canada’s only true ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC), continues its surge to bring low fares to Canadians and has extended its flight schedule through Summer 2022 in core Canadian and US markets.

“As we grow our fleet and expand our service, we see the demand for Flair’s low fare travel continuing to explode across Canada. We are absolutely focused on rescuing Canadians from the bloated prices they have long suffered in flying,” says Stephen Jones, President and CEO, Flair Airlines. “Flair is committed to helping reunite families and make travel accessible for everyone, and our schedule extension will help passengers prepare for 2022 by knowing they can explore and connect without breaking the bank.”

The schedule expansion extends the booking period into Summer 2022. Many year-round and seasonal routes will see an increase in service including flights departing from Edmonton (YEG), Kelowna (YLW), Halifax (YHZ), Kitchener (YKF), Abbotsford (YXX), Winnipeg (YWG), Toronto (YYZ), Saint John (YSJ), Vancouver (YVR), Calgary (YYC), Victoria (YYJ), Charlottetown (YYG), Thunder Bay (YQT), and Montreal (YUL).

Flair’s confidence in Canadian travel continuing to grow in 2022 is reflected in the ultra-low fares where cost efficiency and demand allow for pricing to start at just $29 CAD one-way on some routes. All routes and schedule details can be viewed at https://www.flyflair.com. More low fares and exciting summer route announcements will be coming soon! Be among the first to know by signing up for Flair’s newsletter https://www.flyflair.com/newsletter.

Flair is rapidly growing to serve Canadians with low fare flights, the extended schedule allows for more efficient planning for customers and airline partners. Deliveries of new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft throughout 2021 and 2022 continue to grow the fleet as Flair achieves its goal of 50 aircraft in five years. Flair continues to bring more jobs to the market and is hiring more staff and flight crew as it meets the growth demands of the airline.

About Flair Airlines

Flair Airlines is Canada’s only independent Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) and 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 26 cities across Canada and North America. For more information, please visit http://www.flyflair.com

Man arrested after driving through Victoria airport’s fence, onto tarmac

From Vancouver Island Free Daily – link to source story – thanks to CW

A man was arrested on the Victoria International Airport tarmac on Aug. 7 after a vehocle was driven through the YYJ perimeter fence. (Black Press Media file photo)

YYJ firefighters follow driver until police arrived to make the arrest; no one injured

PENINSULA NEWS STAFF | Aug. 12, 2021

A man was arrested on the tarmac at the Victoria International Airport last weekend after he reportedly drove his vehicle through the perimeter fence.

Sidney North Saanich RCMP received a report on Aug. 7 saying that a man drove through the fence into a restricted area. Police say he was then followed by airport firefighters across the tarmac for “some distance” before officers arrived and arrested him.

The man was transported to hospital as police were concerned his actions may have been the result of a medical incident.

Police said the incident was dangerous both for the man and those operating or aboard aircraft.

“The area is restricted to allow airplanes to land and take off safely and is carefully coordinated by air traffic controllers. I am grateful that this incident was resolved quickly and safely and no harm came to any member of the public,” Cpl. Andres Sanchez, the detachment’s media relations officer, said in a release.

Police called it an isolated incident, noting there is no further danger to the public, but they continue to investigate. Charges will be considered after further details are uncovered.

Amazon confirmed as Victoria International Airport warehouse tenant

From Comox Daily Record – link to source story – thanks to CW

This conceptual rendering shows revisions to the proposed warehouse in Sidney on land under the authority of the Victoria Airport Authority. York Realty, which plans to build, then lease the building, said significant changes to the massing and height of the building respond to community feedback. (Rendering courtesy of York Realty)

Airport Authority, York Realty to work with area stakeholders to build roundabout

Amazon is coming to Sidney.

“We are pleased to welcome Amazon to Victoria International Airport and the Peninsula,” said Geoff Dickson, Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) president and CEO, in a statement. “We would like to thank York Realty and Amazon for the vision they have shown in choosing this location with a goal to meet the growing demands of the region.”

He made that statement as VAA confirmed the approval of York Realty’s proposal to build a 115,000-square-foot delivery station on a 7.8-acre industrial zoned Victoria International Airport lot opposite a residential neighbourhood.

The announcement confirms rumours about the corporate giant coming to Sidney that had started when plans for the warehouse first appeared in the spring of 2021. Despite proddings from public officials and the media, York Realty and VAA did not release the identity of the would-be operator when first presenting the proposal and instead asked for patience.

Critics have long accused Amazon of dodging taxes, undermining the rights of workers and hurting brick-and-mortar retail – all points raised by incumbent MP Elizabeth May of the federal Greens, who earlier this spring said the public had a right to know the identity of the operator.

“Quality of life and the quality of beautiful Sidney-by-the-Sea has something to do as well as with the small-business feel of the place and the ethical conduct of the companies within our community,” she said at the time.

Site preparations will start in September with construction expected to be completed in fall 2022, according to a release. Once built, the warehouse will function as a “last mile” delivery station. Amazon orders are transported to delivery stations via trucks from fulfilment and sorting centres and once there, items are sorted, packed and loaded into delivery vehicles.

As part of the development approval process, the project was presented to the Town of Sidney for review and comment in April, with consultation extended to the general public and the WSANEC Leadership Council. The proposal was met with no small measure of backlash from the community, with concerns focused around how the overall build would fit with nearby homes and the expected increase in traffic. York Realty subsequently made significant revisions to the proposal that appeared to satisfy at least some critics.

VAA has said it will work with York Realty, the Town of Sidney, the District of North Saanich, and other stakeholders in the area to plan the design and construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Galaran Road and Beacon Avenue.

“It is our hope that, with Amazon as a sub-tenant, the new delivery station will serve as a significant economic generator for the region,” said Matt Woolsey, York Realty president, in the same statement. “More importantly, we plan on creating a building that is a first-of-its-kind in Canada, while providing landscaping improvements and amenities for the neighbourhood.”

York Realty will be working with Tseycum, Tsartlip, and Tsawout First Nations on incorporating design elements and art installations into the building exterior and landscaping design.

“We are satisfied with the commitment York Realty and Amazon have made to ensure low environmental impacts, to create a relationship with the Tseycum, Tsartlip and Tsawout First Nations, and to recognize WSANEC lands and culture,” added Gord Elliott, WSANEC Leadership Council director of operations.

More information about the project can be found at victoriaairport.com/york-development.

Vancouver Island airports part of $11.7-million federal injection package

From Comox Valley Record – link to source story – Thanks CW

The Victoria International Airport is one of three Vancouver Island regional airports receiving federal funding this summer, the government announced July 30. (Black Press Media file photo)

Funding aims to help Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox Valley airports maintain regional connectivity

PENINSULA NEWS STAFF | Jul 30, 2021

Victoria International Airport is among 11 B.C. airports receiving an injection of federal dollars this summer.

In a statement Friday (July 30), the government announced $11,721,721 in funding through its regional air transportation initiative to help ensure connectivity and jobs to and from smaller regions in the province.

The Victoria airport (YYJ) will receive the largest sum, nearly $3 million.

“This funding announcement is welcome news which will assist YYJ to reinstate lost air service, attract new air service, build passenger demand and continue to operate a safe and efficient airport with world class safety and health standards,” said Victoria Airport Authority president/CEO Geoff Dickson.

“Air connectivity is a key to economic prosperity and we look forward to help building back the visitor economy.”

YYJ has seen an enormous drop in traffic during the pandemic, plummeting from nearly two million passengers through its doors in 2019 to less than 600,000 in 2020. Although there has been a small degree of bounce back in the last couple of months, numbers continue to sit at record lows. In June, 12,746 passengers went through the airport, compared to 169,825 in 2019.

Nanaimo will receive funding in two areas: approximately $1.38 million for the airport commission and $346,000 for the Port Authority. The Comox Valley Airport Commission has funding of about $1.1 million heading its way.

The remaining regions include Prince Rupert, Bella Coola, Prince George, Kamloops, Fort St. John, Golden, Terrace and Cassidy.

“Regional airports and infrastructure are critical components of the B.C. economy, both for trade and for the travel that many Canadians are starting to look forward to as we emerge from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will go a long way towards getting these assets back on their feet,” said Terry Beech, parliamentary secretary to the fisheries and economic development ministers.

WestJet reconnecting routes across British Columbia

Airline to restart eight routes and inaugurate new flights between nine communitiesby early July

CALGARY, AB, June 25, 2021 /CNW/ – WestJet is further restoring British Columbia’s domestic and interprovincial connectivity with the restart of eight routes to and from destinations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. The airline is also set to inaugurate 10 new routes by July 5, 2021. 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.”

WestJet’s investments are critical to ensuring British Columbia’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and by the end of June, the airline is set to inaugurate new flights between Abbotsford and Prince George and restore WestJet Link service between Vancouver and Cranbrook.

“As a leader in aviation, WestJet has been working with industry, tourism and business across the province to ensure their voices are being heard as we safely restart travel. We thank Premier Horgan and his government for prioritizing travel as a critical component of the government’s restart plan. While progress has been made in British Columbia, we continue to advocate for safe travel framework from the Government of Canada,” said Angela Avery, WestJet Executive Vice-President.

This July, WestJet will offer non-stop service from Vancouver to 18 cities, from Victoria to eight cities, from Kelowna to seven cities, from Comox to four cities and from Nanaimo to three cities. From the communities of Kamloops, Penticton and Prince George, the airline will connect to two communities non-stop.

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.

British Columbia route restarts between now and June 30, 2021

Route	Peak Frequency	Route restart date
Victoria – Winnipeg *	3x weekly	June 24, 2021
Kelowna – Regina *	2x weekly	June 24, 2021
Nanaimo – Vancouver	2x daily	June 25, 2021
Nanaimo – Edmonton *	2x weekly	June 25, 2021
Comox – Vancouver	2x daily	June 25, 2021
Kelowna – Saskatoon *	2x weekly	June 25, 2021
Kelowna – Victoria	4x weekly	June 25, 2021
Vancouver – Cranbrook	1x daily	June 25, 2021
Abbotsford – Prince George *	2x weekly	June 25, 2021
Prince George – Calgary	4x weekly	June 25, 2021
Victoria – Ottawa *	1x weekly	June 26, 2021
Comox – Edmonton	5x weekly	June 26, 2021
Comox – Toronto *	1x weekly	June 26, 2021
Victoria – Saskatoon *	2x weekly	June 27, 2021
Victoria – Toronto	2x weekly	June 30, 2021
Penticton – Edmonton *	2x weekly	July 4, 2021
Kamloops – Edmonton *	2x weekly	July 5, 2021
Vancouver – Fort St. John	4x weekly	July 13, 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.

WestJet reconnecting Saskatchewan routes

Airline to restore non-stop service to Edmonton and inaugurate new flights from Saskatoon and Regina

CALGARY, AB, June 25, 2021 /CNW/ – WestJet is further restoring Saskatchewan’s domestic connectivity with the restoration and inauguration of five routes to and from destinations across Alberta and British Columbia from Saskatoon and Regina. 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.”

WestJet’s investments are critical to ensuring Saskatchewan’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and by the end of June the airline will begin its new non-stop flights from Saskatoon to Kelowna and Victoria.

“We have spent time listening to our valued government, airport, tourism and related industry partners in Saskatchewan as we enter the recovery phase of the pandemic. We thank Premier Moe and his government for prioritizing travel in their restart plan. While progress has been made in Saskatchewan, we continue to advocate for a safe travel framework from the Government of Canada,” said Angela Avery, WestJet Executive Vice-President.

This July, WestJet will offer non-stop service from Saskatoon to seven cities and five cities from Regina.

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 momentis a reminder to Canadians that it’s time to love where they’re going, again.

Saskatchewan route restarts between now and July 6, 2021

Route	Peak Frequency	Route restart date
Regina – Kelowna *	2x weekly	June 24, 2021
Regina – Edmonton	6x weekly	June 25, 2021
Saskatoon – Kelowna *	2x weekly	June 25, 2021
Saskatoon – Victoria *	2x weekly	June 27, 2021
Saskatoon – Edmonton	6x weekly	July 6, 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.

Hey Victoria! Say Hello to Non-Stop Service to Las Vegas and Puerto Vallarta

Swoop continues its investment in British Columbia’s capital city, grows route offerings from Victoria to four destinations

VICTORIA, BC, June 24, 2021 /CNW/ – Today, Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low fare airline announced new non-stop service from Victoria to Las Vegas and Puerto Vallarta. The airline also will celebrate its inaugural flight from Toronto to Victoria with flight WO 424 scheduled to arrive at Victoria International Airport at 12:38 p.m., local time and returning to Toronto at 1:30 p.m.

As part of the airline’s commitment to supporting the economic recovery of the Greater Victoria Region with access to affordable air travel, Swoop now offers point-to-point service to two Canadian destinations, Toronto and Edmonton and will provide sun-seeking Vancouver Islanders two new exciting destinations to explore this winter.

“The introduction of Las Vegas and Puerto Vallarta are the perfect additions to our route offerings from Victoria for those looking to take a warm-weather getaway at an affordable price,” said Bert van der Stege, Head of Commercial and Finance, Swoop. “Today Swoop will celebrate our inaugural flight from Toronto to Victoria and we are thrilled to be furthering our commitment to Greater Victoria by bringing more service and ultra-low fares to the region.”

With flights now available for booking, service between Victoria International Airport (YYJ) and McCarran International Airport (LAS) will begin October 31 and operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. Flights to Puerto Vallarta’s  Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) will go on sale on June 30 with the airline set to offer non-stop service once weekly on Sundays.

“We’re really pleased that Swoop has announced new non-stop service to Las Vegas and Puerto-Vallarta,” said Geoff Dickson, Victoria Airport Authority President and CEO. “We know Greater Victoria is very appreciative of the support Swoop is showing in our community and the contribution to our local economy. This announcement will be sure to generate a lot of excitement as Las Vegas and Puerto Vallarta are very popular destinations and many people are looking forward to enjoying travel again.”

“We are thrilled that Swoop has announced this new direct route from Victoria to Las Vegas,” said Fletch Brunelle, vice president of marketing and sales for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “Canadian visitors have always enjoyed the adult freedom that Las Vegas offers and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them back to experience new resorts, dynamic entertainment, a variety of culinary experiences and world-class sporting events. The pent-up demand to travel is strong, and this route offers a quick, convenient way for Swoop passengers to resume their ‘Only Vegas’ experience.”

“We are thrilled that Swoop has launched direct air service from Victoria to Puerto Vallarta,” said Luis Villaseñor, Managing Director of Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board. “Puerto Vallarta has long been a beloved sun destination among Canadian travellers, and, as travel restrictions begin to ease, we are ready to welcome Swoop passengers from British Columbia to enjoy year-round sunshine, sea-to-mountain views, inclusive experiences, and our signature brand of authentic Mexican hospitality.”

To learn more about Swoop 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 nine Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, equipped with in-seat power and Wi-Fi connectivity has safely carried more than 3 million travellers in three years of operation. Flyswoop.com allows travellers to quickly and easily book flights, manage bookings, check-in, view boarding passes, track flights and access Wi-Fi service in-flight.

WestJet brings together Vancouver Island tourism industry to talk safe travel restart

Thanks to CW

By WestJet | June 17, 2021

When more than 70 virtual guests gathered at WestJet’s second Restart Roundtable for Vancouver Island, it was clear that the industry from the Minister of Transportation, Rob Fleming to the CEOs of Comox, Nanaimo and Victoria airports to community and business leaders were eager to discuss the need to safely restart of tourism to and from the island.

WestJet is proud of its history of investment and market stimulation on Vancouver Island.  Prior to COVID-19, the visitor economy generated a whopping $2.2 billion annually for the Island’s economy, making tourism either first or second on the list of economic drivers in every community in the region.

COVID-19 brought the travel and tourism industry to its knees as borders shut and travel was discouraged. From March 2020 through now, for the most part tour operators, hotels, restaurants, conference centres, taxis and more have sat still and a large part of the population who are employed directly or indirectly in the industry continue to be impacted.

For many of the thousands of Islanders who have been waiting to get back to work, a recent announcement from the Government of British Columbia on safely reopening the province to tourism, was a welcome step forward.

Tourism Victoria

“A safe reopening is critical for the cities on Vancouver Island, all of which have lost their most lucrative markets,” said Paul Nursey, CEO Destination Greater Victoria. 

“We thank WestJet for the restart initiative; from hosting this meeting to investing in more than 255 flights to and from the Island this summer to stimulate travel and restart this important sector of our economy.”

“While WestJet continued essential service throughout the pandemic to Comox, Nanaimo and Victoria, we are grateful to have the Government of British Columbia’s clear reopening plan,” said Angela Avery, WestJet Executive Vice President. “Working from a well-defined starting point has allowed WestJet and Swoop to add six new routes to and from the Island this summer to stimulate travel and directly support the Province’s and the Islands safe return of its visitor economy.”

Downtown Victoria

WestJet has invested in the visitor economy of the Island for 25 years since first flying to Victoria in its inaugural year followed by Comox in 1997 and Nanaimo in 2013. Over the past 10 years to the province’s capital city alone, the airline has provided a 30 per cent guest growth and flown more than seven million guests to and from the island. This summer, the WestJet Group’s ultra-low-cost carrier, Swoop, is also flying between Victoria and Edmonton.

“Today’s restart roundtable was a significant milestone as we collectively work together to ensure that British Columbians can explore Canada and reconnect with family and friends this summer,” said Bert van der Stege, Head of Commercial & Finance, Swoop. “We are grateful to our partners who share in our commitment to the safe restart of travel and tourism within Canada and look forward to supporting the economic recovery of the region through our ultra-low-cost service to Edmonton and Toronto from Victoria.”

Air Canada Supports Economic Recovery as the Country’s Leading Carrier, Serving 50 Cities Across Canada to Enable Canadians to Conveniently Connect

• Most extensive domestic schedule supports Canada’s tourism and hospitality sector
• Includes three new routes, re-established routes plus Air Canada Signature Class and Premium Economy Class cabins on select transcontinental routes
• New refund policy gives additional peace of mind

MONTREAL, June 15, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada’s domestic peak summer schedule beginning at the end of June has been developed to advance the country’s economic recovery and support Canada’s tourism and hospitality businesses during the important summer period.  Three new domestic Canada routes, service to 50 Canadian airports, the re-establishment of select regional routes, and wide-body aircraft featuring Air Canada Signature Class and Premium Economy Class on select transcontinental routes are included. Seats with attractive pricing in all cabins are available for purchase now at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada App, Air Canada’s Contact Centres and travel agencies.

“With Canada’s ongoing vaccine roll-out acceleration together with various provincial governments’ reopening plans that include travel, this summer is looking brighter. As customers are ready to travel, Air Canada is taking a leadership position to support our partners in Canada’s tourism and hospitality sector with service to 50 destinations from coast to coast, the re-start of regional services and new, non-stop flights,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.

“We are especially proud that our new state-of-the-art, Canadian-manufactured Airbus A220 aircraft will be operating across Canada. With our industry-leading CleanCare+ bio-safety protocols, promotional fares including for our premium cabins, compelling Aeroplan opportunities, and our new refund policy offering additional peace of mind, customers can book Air Canada with confidence.  We look forward to welcoming you onboard when you’re ready to fly,” concluded Mr. Galardo.

Air Canada’s new refund policy provides customers an option for a refund to the original form of payment in instances where Air Canada cancels their flight or reschedules the departure time by more than three hours, irrespective of the reason. Air Canada customers will also have the option of accepting an Air Canada Travel Voucher or Aeroplan points with a 65% bonus.  Normal fare rules will apply when customers make voluntary changes to non-affected flights.

New route details:

Route	Frequency	Aircraft	Effective
Montreal-Deer Lake	Daily	CRJ900	Jul 1, 2021
Montreal-Kelowna	3x Weekly July4x Weekly Aug	Airbus A220	June 26, 2021
Montreal-Saskatoon-Regina	Daily	CRJ900	Aug 1, 2021

Resumption of services:

Airport Station	Route		Effective	Frequency
Gander	Gander – Halifax		Jun 29	3x Weekly
Gander – Toronto		Jul 2	5x Weekly
St. John’s	St. John’s – Toronto		Jun 19	Daily
Goose Bay	Goose Bay – St. John’s		Jun 29	3x Weekly
Deer Lake	Deer Lake – Halifax		Aug 1	5x Weekly
Halifax	Halifax – Calgary		Aug 1	5x Weekly
Sydney	Sydney – Toronto		Jun 26	3x Weekly
Sydney – Montreal		Aug 1	Daily
Charlottetown	Charlottetown – Toronto		Jun 18	4x Weekly
Saint John	Saint John – Montreal		Jun 30	3x Weekly
Saint John – Toronto		Jul 2	4x Weekly
Fredericton	Fredericton – Montreal		Jun 29	Daily
Fredericton – Toronto		Jul 1	5x Weekly
Bathurst	Bathurst – Montreal		Jun 27	3x Weekly
Quebec City	Quebec City – Toronto		Jun 19	1x Daily
Ottawa	Ottawa – Calgary		Jul 2	Daily
Ottawa – Edmonton		Aug 1	2x Weekly
North Bay	North Bay – Toronto		Jun 28	3x Weekly
Fort McMurray	Fort McMurray – Toronto		July 1	2x Weekly
Winnipeg	Winnipeg – Calgary		Jun 20	6x weekly
Winnipeg – Montreal		Aug 1	Daily
Regina	Regina – Calgary		Jul 1	5x Weekly
Saskatoon	Saskatoon – Calgary		Jul 2	5x Weekly
Kamloops	Kamloops – Vancouver		Jun 29	4x Weekly
Kamloops – Calgary		Jun 28	4x Weekly
Comox	Comox – Vancouver		Jun 30	3x Weekly
Nanaimo	Nanaimo – Toronto		Jul 4	1x Weekly
Nanaimo – Calgary		Jul 2	5x weekly
Prince Rupert	Prince Rupert – Vancouver		Jun 25	3x Weekly
Penticton	Penticton – Vancouver		Jun 29	4x Weekly
Sandspit	Sandspit – Vancouver		Jun 23	3x Weekly
Victoria	Montreal – Victoria		Jun 19	3x Weekly
Toronto – Victoria		Jun 19	4x Weekly
Calgary – Victoria		Jun 21	4x Weekly
Castlegar	Castlegar – Vancouver		Jun 28	3x Weekly
Kelowna	Kelowna Toronto		Jun 18	4x Weekly
Yellowknife	Yellowknife – Calgary		Jun 30	3x Weekly

Air Canada is also providing connectivity to five additional regional communities through interline agreements with third party regional carriers: Wabush, Baie Comeau, Gaspe, Mont Joli, and Val d’Or.

Air Canada’s commercial schedule may be adjusted as required based on the COVID-19 trajectory and government restrictions.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline, and in 2020 was among the top 20 largest airlines in the world. It is Canada’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax. In 2020, Air Canada was named Global Traveler’s Best Airline in North America for the second straight year. In January 2021, Air Canada received APEX’s Diamond Status Certification for the Air Canada CleanCare+ biosafety program for managing COVID-19, the only airline in Canada to attain the highest APEX ranking. Air Canada has also committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.

Swoop Responds to Growing Demand for Ultra-Low-Cost Travel

Airline announces fleet expansion and winter flying as new daily bookings return to pre-pandemic levels

CALGARY, AB, June 10, 2021 /CNW/ – Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost carrier, today released its expanded winter schedule including increased non-stop domestic service and the re-introduction of flights to the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Following a sustained pattern of new daily bookings on par with pre-pandemic levels, the airline also announced it will proceed with planned fleet growth, inducting its tenth Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft into service this winter.  

The first Canadian airline to fully re-enter its entire fleet into service, Swoop will operate all nine of its aircraft domestically during peak summer. The airline’s winter schedule will provide travellers with ultra-low-cost flights across Canada, as well as to sun and fun destinations including Montego Bay in Jamaica, Las Vegas and Mesa/Phoenix in the U.S., and Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán in Mexico.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in demand for travel this summer, most especially in provinces where vaccination and re-opening plans are on track and clearly outlined,” said Charles Duncan, President of Swoop. “With the release of our winter schedule, those who are planning further ahead or dreaming of a vacation abroad can find our always affordable flights and Getaway packages available for booking through April 2022.”

As the airline that always has deals on already affordable flights, Swoop will offer scheduled winter service to 14 destinations, with ultra-low fares starting from just $40 CAD ^† total price in the example of a one-way Abbotsford to Edmonton flight. The addition of a tenth aircraft in time for the winter flying season will allow Canada’s leading ULCC to add new routes, destinations, and frequencies in pace with demand.

“Consumer confidence is coming back, and the message is clear, Canadians are ready to start planning that long overdue trip,” continued Duncan. “When travellers are ready, we look forward to safely welcoming them back onboard our aircraft.”

Details of Swoop’s Winter 2021 Schedule and flights currently for sale:

Domestic Routes	Peak Season Frequency	Days of Week	Service start dates
Toronto – Edmonton	14x weekly	2x Daily	Already in Service
Toronto – Abbotsford	7x weekly	Daily	Jun 20
Toronto – Halifax	7x weekly	Daily	Jul 16
Toronto – Kelowna	7x weekly	Daily	Already in Service
Toronto – Victoria	6x weekly	Daily, except Saturday	Jun 24
Hamilton – Edmonton	7x weekly	Daily	Already in Service
Hamilton – Abbotsford	14x weekly	2x Daily	Already in Service
Hamilton – Halifax	4x weekly	Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun	Jun 24
Hamilton – Winnipeg	4x weekly	Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat	Already in Service
Hamilton – Kelowna	6x weekly	Daily, except Saturday	Jun 20
Edmonton – Abbotsford	14x weekly	2x Daily	Already in Service
Edmonton – Winnipeg	2x weekly	Mon, Fri	Nov 1
Edmonton – Victoria	7x weekly	Daily	Already in Service
Winnipeg – Abbotsford	7x weekly	Daily	Already in Service
Winnipeg – Kelowna	3x weekly	Tue, Thu, Fri	Jun 24
Transborder Routes	Peak Season Frequency	Days of Week	Service start dates
Edmonton – Mesa/Phoenix	4x weekly	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat	Sept 17
Edmonton – Las Vegas	5x weekly	Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun	Sept 23
Toronto – Mesa	2x weekly	Tue, Thu	Nov 2
Winnipeg – Mesa/Phoenix	2x weekly	Mon, Fri	Nov 1
International Routes	Peak Season Frequency	Days of Week	Service start dates
Toronto – Puerto Vallarta	2x weekly	Wed, Sun	Nov 3
Toronto – Cancun	4x weekly	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun	Sept 18
Toronto – Montego Bay	3x weekly	Tue, Thu, Sat	Sept 11
Hamilton – Puerto Vallarta	2x weekly	Tue, Fri	Oct 5
Hamilton- Cancun	3x weekly	Mon, Wed, Sat	Oct 2
Hamilton – Montego Bay	1x weekly	Friday	Oct 15
Edmonton – Cancun	3x weekly	Mon, Wed, Sat	Oct 2
Edmonton-Puerto Vallarta	3x weekly	Tue, Fri, Sun	Oct 5
Edmonton – Mazatlán	2x weekly	Wed, Sat	Oct 23
Winnipeg – Cancun	3x weekly	Tue, Thu, Sun	Nov 7
Winnipeg – Puerto Vallarta	2x weekly	Mon, Thu	Nov 4
Abbotsford – Puerto Vallarta	2x weekly	Wed, Sat	Nov 3

†One-way flight from Abbotsford (YXX) to Edmonton (YEG) when you book by June 20, for travel between October 31 – November 10, 2021.  Restrictions may apply, for full details see FlySwoop.com/deals.

To learn more about Swoop and find ultra-low fare flights, please visit FlySwoop.com.

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 nine Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, equipped with in-seat power and Wi-Fi connectivity has safely carried more than 3 million travellers in three years of operation.