Swoop (airline)

Swoop

Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Airline
Founded	2017
Defunct	2023
Fate	Merged back into WestJet
Headquarters	Calgary, Alberta , Canada
Area served	North America and the Caribbean
Parent	WestJet

Swoop was a Canadian ultra low-cost carrier owned by WestJet and based in Calgary, Alberta. Created to tap into the expanding ULCC sector, the airline was announced on September 27, 2017, and commenced flights on June 20, 2018. Swoop operated hubs at Hamilton (ON), Toronto–Pearson, Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Abbotsford. The Winnipeg and Edmonton hubs were closed on October 20, 2023, followed by Toronto on October 25. On October 28, 2023, Swoop was fully merged back into WestJet’s primary operations.

History

In April 2017, WestJet revealed intentions to establish a new ULCC designed to compete with airlines such as NewLeaf (now Flair Airlines). Although initially planned for a late 2017 debut, the launch was postponed until June 2018 to allow for the integration of a more cost-efficient booking platform and aircraft modifications. Officially introduced on September 27, 2017, Swoop aimed to offer fares roughly 40% lower than WestJet’s standard prices and intended to start with six Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Ticket sales began on February 1, 2018.

Rather than operating from Calgary, Swoop selected bases in other cities including Hamilton and Edmonton. Its first flight took place on June 20, 2018, utilizing two Boeing 737-800s flying from Hamilton to Abbotsford with an average ticket price of $103. Initial service destinations included Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Halifax. The airline planned to grow its fleet to six planes by the end of 2018 and reach ten aircraft by 2019.

On August 2, 2018, Swoop became the first Canadian ULCC to reveal plans for U.S. routes targeting Las Vegas, Phoenix (Mesa), Tampa, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale with launches scheduled for October. Additionally, it expanded into Mexican and Caribbean markets—serving Puerto Vallarta, Montego Bay, Cancun, and Mazatlan—set for late 2018 and early 2019. However, U.S. operations were postponed until October 27 due to regulatory approvals.

Through 2019 and early 2020, Swoop broadened its Canadian network adding cities such as London, Kelowna, Victoria, Kamloops, St. John's, Charlottetown, and Moncton alongside new U.S. routes including Los Cabos and San Diego. The eastern hub transitioned to Toronto Pearson in October 2020.

In February 2022, Swoop announced the acquisition of six Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with scheduled service commencement in June of that year.

On June 9, 2023, WestJet declared that Swoop would discontinue its independent operations and be reintegrated into WestJet by October 28, 2023.

Destinations

Before October 28, 2023, Swoop offered a network spanning North America and the Caribbean focused on point-to-point services rather than connecting flights. The airline collaborated with Sunwing Travel Group, allowing travelers departing from Hamilton, Abbotsford, Winnipeg, and Edmonton to purchase combined vacation packages featuring Sunwing holidays paired with Swoop flights.

Fleet

As of , Swoop operated a uniform fleet comprised solely of Boeing 737 aircraft:

Swoop fleet

Aircraft	In service	Passengers	Notes
Boeing 737-800	10	189	All units were transferred to WestJet.Template:Fix/category
Boeing 737 MAX 8	6	189
Total	16	189

Livery

The aircraft operated by Swoop displayed a distinctive logo along the fuselage, complemented by a pink tail featuring a white stripe that extended into an aircraft silhouette. This pink and white motif was also reflected on the winglets of both wings. Additionally, each aircraft bore its name in pink lettering positioned beneath the cockpit windows on either side.