Swoop People Update

CALGARY, AB – March 24, 2020

The impact of the global COVID-19 outbreak is having a significant impact on the aviation business, including Swoop.

Since the beginning of this crisis, Swoop has made substantial changes to our operations, including suspending our transborder and international flights to reviewing our internal and capital costs to letting go contract staff.

Unfortunately, we now must make even more difficult decisions.

While a significant number of Swoopsters elected voluntary options (46%) such as reduced hours, early out and leave of absences, we had 269 employees impacted through voluntary and involuntary means.

We thank our passionate and dedicated workforce that has been steadfast in helping the airline grow over the past two years and then help us weather an event of this magnitude. And while the crisis continues, Swoop will fly a domestic network, ensuring Canadians have access to critical travel during uncertain times. While there may be select network adjustments over the coming weeks, we will operate as long as the provincial borders and airspace remain open.

Our top priority remains the safety of our travellers, our crew and our aircraft.

We are unwavering in our commitment to being Canada’s ultra-low-cost carrier of choice. In our two years of operating, we have seen what choice and affordability has done to the nation’s skies. While the next few weeks and months will undoubtedly test our airline, we are resilient. We will continue to connect Canadians through the joy of travel.

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 fleet of ten Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft expanded this year to add six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, for a total of 16 aircraft. 

At FlySwoop.com travellers can quickly and easily book flights, manage bookings, check-in, view boarding passes, track flights and access Wi-Fi service in-flight.

For Swoop media relations, please contact [email protected]

For Swoop media relations, please contact: [email protected]