Swoop (Hamilton, ON) is planning to launch international services in the second half of 2018, after it launches domestic operations on June 20, 2018, the CEO of parent company WestJet (WS, Calgary), Ed Sims, said during the quarterly earnings call on May 8, 2018.
"We will look to continue to grow the Swoop network and we plan to launch exciting destinations in the trans-border and international markets later this year," Sims stated.
The ultra-low-cost subsidiary of WestJet will launch operations in late June 2018 on domestic sectors connecting Abbotsford, Halifax, Hamilton, ON, Edmonton International, and Winnipeg International, taking over these routes from the parent company.
WestJet intends to grow Swoop's network in a way which would not cannibalise the parent's operations.
Initially, Swoop will deploy two B737-800s. The third unit of the type will be added to the carrier's fleet in July. By the early fourth quarter of 2018, Swoop intends to operate six Boeing narrowbodies. The initial target of ten aircraft will be reached by the third quarter of 2019.
All B737-800s will be transferred to Swoop from WestJet and were identified as excess capacity for the mainline carrier.
"Progress towards operational readiness, including the recruitment of pilots and cabin crew members, is well advanced; we have fully crewed our launch aircraft with highly experienced pilots and have established the team with global ULCC experience; all regulatory submissions remain on track, and we are proceeding as planned with great support from Transport Canada to achieve full required regulatory approvals," Sims concluded.
