WestJet Officially Absorbs Swoop, Marking End of Low-Cost Canadian Carrier

Swoop is officially dead.

The low-cost-carrier, which launched just five years ago as an option for Canadian travelers looking to book budget travel, flew its final flight on Saturday, Oct. 28, a direct route from Toronto Pearson Airport to Cancun, Mexico, plus a return that landed back at Pearson after midnight on Oct. 29.

Today we mark Swoop’s final day of operation, celebrating five years of ultra-low cost flights,” Swoop said earlier this week on social media. “As we merge with WestJet, we look forward to new adventures ahead. Thanks to the loyal Swoop travelers for their support. Find us on the Teal side of things.”

WestJet, the second largest carrier in Canada after Air Canada, is now officially absorbing Swoop’s brand and its aircraft into its own operations, a plan it laid out last June after striking a deal with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the union representing WestJet and Swoop pilots. 

The merger was prompted by those union negotiations, but WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroach said that the integration will also boost WestJet’s ability to serve a wider range of guests.

“This integration will enhance our ability to serve a broader spectrum of guests. Instead of only 16 aircraft serving the ultra-low-cost market, each aircraft, in our 180-strong fleet, will offer ultra-affordable travel options through to a premium inflight experience,” he said when the announcement was made in June.

The merger, which will see all of Swoop planes that WestJet is absorbing rebranded and Swoop employees also brought into WestJet, has been underway since June.