EDMONTON — Swoop’s new route from Edmonton International Airport (YEG) to John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) takes off today with a sold-out flight.

Departure is scheduled for 10:25 a.m. MDT. In addition to the first flight, Swoop announced Edmonton as its second operational base.

“Edmonton is a market keen to enjoy the ultra-low-cost fares Swoop provides,” said Steven Greenway, Swoop President and Chief Executive Officer. “This, along with Edmonton International Airport Authority’s support, has meant that we’ve chosen Edmonton as our second operational base. Swoop, as an Alberta-born organization is thrilled to be in Edmonton as a second home and looks forward to providing more flight choices as well as the economic benefits that air service provides in the form of jobs, tourism and connecting economies.”

As of October, Swoop will base two of its B737-800 aircraft in Edmonton.

Swoop is also launching its first flight from Winnipeg Richardson International airport to Hamilton today. Swoop’s sold out inaugural flights from Hamilton, Abbotsford and Halifax took wing on June 20.

Just last week Swoop competitor Flair Airlines claimed Edmonton as its own hub of operations, relocating its executive base from Kelowna, B.C. to the Alberta capital.