Swoop Does not Exist Anymore , Flights Discontinued , Integrated Into WestJet.

It was coming , and today was the date of declaration finally ! After the ratification of the second collective bargaining agreement between WestJet and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the certified union representing WestJet and Swoop pilots , the merger was on the Green channel.

WestJet Group was in the mode of expedition to change the fate of Swoop , after the Summer season , In June it had made the intentions clear,

"As negotiated in the collective agreement, the WestJet Group will now begin integration efforts of its ultra-low-cost airline, Swoop. Through an expedited process, the airline anticipates a full integration into its mainline operations by the end of October."

"To avoid traveller impact, Swoop will operate its existing network through to the end of its published schedule on October 28. Swoop employees will move to WestJet." 

WestJet says in its news release today , that its "Better Together"

Better Together

What happens when you mix Magenta and Teal? Well, technically it’s purple – but in this case, it’s more low fares to more destinations now that Swoop aircraft are a part of the WestJet fleet.

On October 29, 2023, Swoop and WestJet merged to provide even more affordable airfares to more cities throughout the WestJet network with the WestJet guest experience you’ve come to expect. We can’t wait to see you onboard.

In a June 23 news release, WestJet’s CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech had said,

"The WestJet Group is confident in the outcome of this negotiated decision and the path forward to integrate Swoop into WestJet’s operations. 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.”

Pilots' Union ALPA Was Convinced 

The merger took effect as the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) announced its members had ratified their recent pact with the airline, one that brings in 24 per cent raises over four years, and puts Swoop pilots on a similar footing as WestJet's in terms of seniority and compensation issues.

The union said 87 per cent voted in favour of the deal,

"which goes a long way to recognizing the value and expertise the pilots bring to their airline and will help solve many of WestJet's pilot attraction and retention issues."

If one observes the Swoop market strategy , when it started in 2018, Swoop focused on domestic flights within Canada from secondary airports like Hamilton outside Toronto and Abbotsford outside Vancouver. It offered heavily discounted rates with few frills to cost-conscious travellers, among the reasons, that attracted WestJet , and it felt need to be there too.

Against the claims of the merged entity, industry experts believe, the demise of Swoop basically eliminates a carrier that was specializing in low cost, and it's going to be a loss to Canadian flyers. Westjet, on the other hand, is no more a cheap fare carrier unlike its humble begining in 1996, as a regional player with low fare options.

Related News.....