HAMILTON — A water cannon salute celebrated Swoop’s arrival in Abbotsford this morning as airline executives, dignitaries and media including Travelweek flew into the B.C. city on the ultra-low-cost carrier’s inaugural flight.

It was a bright and early 5:45 a.m. take-off from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) this morning, with arrival at Abbotsford International Airport (YXX), scheduled for 7:42 a.m. local time.

The flight precedes Swoop’s second inaugural flight pairing of the day, from Hamilton to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), Atlantic Canada’s gateway.

“Our dedicated team of Swoopsters have worked tremendously hard to deliver exactly what we set out to. Today marks an important milestone for Swoop, and is equally as meaningful for Canadian travellers,” said Steven Greenway, President and Chief Executive Officer of Swoop. “Our inaugural journey on #Abbotsford is just beginning. We’ll be progressively rolling out new routes and destinations in the coming months and years to come.”

Greenway joined media and travellers on the inaugural flight from Hamilton to Abbotsford, attending celebratory events in both cities.

Cathie Puckering, President & CEO, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, says YHM is delighted to have Swoop flying in and out of Hamilton. “We are thrilled to celebrate the official launch of Swoop as its very first flight departs from Hamilton International,” she said. “By providing economical and efficient services at Hamilton International, we are a low-cost gateway and a perfect fit for Swoop as their base in Eastern Canada.”

One of Swoop’s first aircraft is in fact named #Hamilton to commemorate Swoop’s first flight and its YHM hub.

Joyce Carter, President & CEO of Halifax International Airport Authority, adds that low fares stimulate demand “and we welcome opportunities that provide travellers with more options, while fostering visitation to our beautiful region.”

Swoop starts service out of Edmonton and Winnipeg starts June 25. Over the course of the summer Greenway will visit each of the inaugural cities, to share Swoop’s appreciation for the meaningful teamwork and effort it has taken to get off the ground.

It’s a busy day for both Swoop and WestJet, with new regional airline service, WestJet Link, taking flight today too, from Cranbrook and Prince George to Calgary. Service starts from Lethbridge and Lloydminster to Calgary on June 21 and Medicine Hat to Calgary on June 22. Overall WestJet Link connects five new cities to WestJet’s growing hub at the YYC Calgary International Airport.

Meanwhile Swoop’s initial schedule offers service from Abbotsford, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Hamilton and Halifax as follows:                    

Hamilton

Edmonton

7 X Weekly

Abbotsford

6 X Weekly

Winnipeg

5 X Weekly

Halifax

6 X Weekly

Edmonton

Hamilton

6 X Weekly

Abbotsford

21 X Weekly†

Abbotsford

Hamilton

6 X Weekly

Edmonton

21 X Weekly†

Halifax

Hamilton

6 X Weekly

Winnipeg

Hamilton

6 X Weekly

Service between Winnipeg and Abbotsford begins August 16, 2018.

Watch for more coverage about Swoop in the June 28, 2018 issue of Travelweek.