Canadian-based ultra-low-cost carrier Swoop celebrated its first nonstop flight on Sunday (Oct. 31) from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada via Edmonton International Airport (YEG) to San Diego International Airport (SAN). Swoop is a new airline operating at SAN and this route marks the only nonstop flight between the two cities. The flight will operate three times weekly during peak season on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
Kimberly Becker, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority President & CEO, and Julie Coker, San Diego Tourism Authority President & CEO, were joined by Bert van der Stege, Head of Commercial and Finance at Swoop, at an inaugural gate celebration that included brief remarks and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Passengers on the arriving flight were treated to a dry salute by San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and refreshments and goodie bags were provided to outbound passengers.
“Canada is the number one international visitor market to San Diego and this new nonstop flight from Edmonton will continue to strengthen both regions’ tourism economies,” said Ms Becker. “With Canada’s border open and the U.S. border opening to fully vaccinated travellers on November 8, we anticipate this route will be popular for even more Canadians wishing to enjoy our sunny shores and for San Diegans looking for a great winter escape in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. We welcome Swoop to San Diego International Airport and are thrilled to be the first and only California airport they currently fly to.”
“We are thrilled to be bringing this new destination to the city of Edmonton and adding San Diego to our growing list of non-stop destinations available for Edmontonians to explore,” said Mr. van der Stege. “Edmonton is an important part of both Swoop’s history and future and we remain as committed as ever to providing the region with always available low-fares and connectivity to beautiful destinations like San Diego.”
“Swoop’s addition of this route from Edmonton is another indication that San Diego’s tourism economy is on the upswing and proof of the ongoing appeal of our destination,” said Ms Coker. “These new flights will be especially critical to our recovery as Canada will be one of the first international markets to rebound for our region.”
Established in 2018 as an independent subsidiary of the WestJet Group of Companies, Swoop is Canada’s ultra-not-expensive airline. Its mission is to make travel more affordable and accessible for all by providing unbundled fares that put travellers in control of purchasing only the products and services they desire. Swoop’s fleet consists of nine Boeing 737-800 NG that have carried more than three million travellers in their three years of operation.
“Gateway to the Canadian North,” Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta and is the northernmost city in North America with a population of one million. During the winter months, the Aurora Borealis is visible from Edmonton. Travellers can catch VIA Rail Canada at the Edmonton train stop and experience a scenic train trip across the Canadian Rockies or take a drive to Jasper National Park, a world heritage site.