Swoop Announced as Start-up Airline of the Year

Canada's ultra-low-cost carrier takes a top prize at the 2019 CAPA World Aviation Outlook Summit

CALGARY, Dec. 5, 2019 /CNW/ - Today, Swoop, Canada's ultra-low-fare airline and subsidiary of WestJet Airlines Ltd., was announced as the winner of the CAPA 2019 Aviation Awards for Excellence Start-up Airline of the Year. Steven Greenway, President, Swoop, accepted the award at the CAPA World Aviation Outlook Summit taking place in Malta and delivered a keynote presentation at the global summit.

The Start-up Airline of the Year is awarded annually to an innovative airline with the greatest impact on the aviation industry. Swoop's first flight took off in June 2018 and it has already experienced large success in the Canadian marketplace, currently servicing 37 markets with 17 destinations. As Canada's leading domestic and transborder ultra-low-cost carrier, Swoop's unbundled model provides travellers with low fares, services and amenities making travel more accessible for Canadians.

"Just 18 months ago, Swoop entered the marketplace to fulfill a need in the Canadian travel industry and we are proud to already be recognized globally for our success," said Greenway. "We are continually looking for ways to reach new markets and be different in our industry. This award is a testament to the hard work we are putting towards differentiating ourselves and our operations on a global scale."

"Swoop has risen to the challenge of maintaining a separate identity and strategy from its parent company," said CAPA Chairman, Emeritus Peter Harbison. "It is stimulating traffic in Canada's market and adapting quickly to successfully execute the ultra-low-cost carrier model." 

In its 16^th year, the CAPA Aviation Awards for Excellence reward airlines and airports that are not only financially successful but have also provided industry leadership in adjusting to a new environment. The awards are independently researched, and finalists are selected by an independent international panel of judges.

To learn more about Swoop, its destinations, schedule and ultra-low-cost model visit FlySwoop.com or connect with Swoop on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

About Swoop 
Established in 2018, Swoop is Canada's leading ultra-low-cost airline, independently operated as part of the WestJet Group of companies, offering point-to-point scheduled service to 17 destinations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. Swoop offers completely unbundled products and services, creating the unique opportunity for travellers to control their costs and customize their experience by purchasing only the extras they desire. 

Swoop operates a modern fleet of nine Boeing 737-800 aircraft, equipped with in-seat power and Wi-Fi connectivity. Swoop's mobile app allows travellers to quickly and easily book flights, manage bookings, check-in, view boarding passes, track flights and access Wi-Fi service in-flight. For more details on Swoop, visit FlySwoop.com. 

SOURCE Swoop

For Swoop media relations, please contact: Shauna MacDonald, 403-585-4570; 403-538-5645, [email protected]