Swoop forced to cancel first US flights
Ultra low-cost carrier Swoop’s landmark launch of US flights hasn’t exactly gone to plan.
The WestJet backed startup has been forced to issue an embarrassing apology to customers after failing to get all regulatory approvals in time for its launch.
The airline has apologized to travelers for canceling two dozen US-bound flights.
It says it is able to operate some flights using planes leased from parent WestJet.
It plans to resume full operations by October 27.
"We apologize to our travelers affected by the cancelations for the inconvenience and for their disappointment. We are focused on doing what is right and are working directly with those affected travelers to provide options including rebooking on an alternate flight or providing full refunds and compensation," airline spokesperson Karen McIsaac told CBC News.
In addition to a full refund, passengers could be entitled to $100-$200 per passenger per flight sector.
Earlier this year the carrier announced its first US flights from Abbotsford, Hamilton, and Edmonton to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa.
No flights to Phoenix were impacted as that route was not due to start until October 27.
Swoop currently operates a fleet of six Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
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