As winter sweeps in, Canadian low-cost leisure carrier, Sunwing Airlines has carried nearly 100,000 sunseeking customers in the first half of November.
With the official commencement of its 2023-2024 winter season on November 1, 2023, Sunwing Airlines plans to operate nearly 600 flights from across Canada, connecting eager sun-seeking travelers to a number of exotic destinations.
Len Corrado, President of Sunwing Airlines, expressed his delight, stating, “We are thrilled with the strong operational results for the start of our winter season.”
Emphasizing their commitment to a seamless passenger experience, Corrado highlighted significant investments made over the past year.
“From improving our flight alert system to adding more key roles across the airline, including crew, I am incredibly proud of the work that has been done to enhance our operational readiness,” he stated optimistically.
Sunwing operational initiatives
Sunwing Airlines has proactively fortified its operational foundations with the implementation of several key measures:
Increased hiring of pilots and cabin crew to support winter operations and handle irregular events, such as inclement weather, with added reserve coverage for remote regions.
Strengthened the Operations Control Centre with additional positions, enhancing network operations and administrative roles.
Enhanced the Flight Alert system for more timely and consistent communication during flight disruptions.
Improved service letter agreements with key providers to ensure operational efficiencies.
Operated five aircraft on a wet lease basis with WestJet and Smartwings, strategically supporting peak operations and addressing operational needs for the winter.
Strong start to winter season
Andrew Dawson, President of Sunwing Vacations Group, echoed the positive sentiments, noting, “We are excited by the strong start to this winter season.” He emphasized the impressive number of bookings in the first half of November and acknowledged the early success, attributing it to the collaborative efforts of Sunwing Airlines in enhancing operational readiness.
Sunwing’s winter schedule, unveiled in July 2023, showcased substantial capacity growth, offering more travel options to customer-favorite destinations like Cuba, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.
Noteworthy additions this season include packages from Toronto and Montreal to the Cuban destinations of Cienfuegos and Manzanillo de Cuba, as well as expanded options for Pacific Mexico and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic.
Dawson expressed pride in Sunwing’s leading role in providing vacation options, stating, “As the leading vacation provider in Canada, we are proud of the early success this season.”
He expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts, affirming their readiness to deliver a robust season with more vacation packages to diverse destinations.
Summary
As of today, Sunwing has a total of 24 Boeing 737 aircraft in operation with an average age of 8.5 years. This fleet combines 14 737-800 aircraft and 10 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
The first 737 MAX 8 C-FMXA was delivered back in May 2018, boasting improved range and fuel efficiency over its 737-800 counterpart.
Sunwing was recently taken over by Canadian low-cost giant, Westjet in March of this year. with the acquisition completed in May 2023.
In June 2023, WestJet announced that they would merge Sunwing with the mainline business with the transition taking up to two years to finally complete.
Sunwing Vacations customers can book their winter getaways through local travel agents or on Sunwing.ca, benefitting from the Sunwing Guarantee, which includes the first bag checked for free, complimentary NexusTours airport transfers, and additional perks.
As winter unfolds, Sunwing continues to soar, turning vacation dreams into reality for eager travelers across Canada.
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