Buoyed by the lifting of all border and travel measures in Canada effective October 01, and a return to 2019 levels of customer demand, Sunwing has announced its initial winter flight schedules from Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver, with regional markets across the country set to be unveiled in coming weeks.

The carrier says its winter capacity has grown by more than 140% over the previous year and is expected to climb even further once border measures are removed.

To meet the demand, Sunwing says it has been increasing its hiring and recruitment efforts, with 172 employees recalled and more than 200 new employees hired across its Canadian divisions so far this year. On the airline side, Sunwing has hired over 120 pilots and is actively recruiting for 380 cabin crew positions from coast to coast.

“The increasing demand for travel is incredibly welcome news for our company and the entire Canadian travel industry and we are delighted that the government is lifting travel measures starting in October, which will undoubtedly drive more bookings for travel to sun destinations this winter,” says Andrew Dawson, President of Tour Operations for Sunwing.

To that end, Dawson says the tour company will return to “true favourite” destinations such as Cancun, Punta Cana and Varadero, while also offering new and expanding destinations such as Cayo Largo, Cuba, and Melbourne, Fla.

Sunwing’s airline division has extended two aircraft leases to further support operations for the upcoming season, which includes providing flights over 30 destinations for the winter and servicing customers with more than 700 hotels.

From Toronto and Montreal close to two dozen destinations ranging from Acapulco to Varadero will be served, with most flights starting the first week of November.

Calgary and Vancouver will offer six and eight destinations, including Cancun with five and six weekly flights respectively. Westerners can also fly direct to Cuba (Varadero) and the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana). Most flights also start the first week of November.

Dawson adds, “We look forward to adding even more routes and destinations to support evolving demand in the months ahead and encourage Canadians to book their holiday and winter vacations quickly to unlock the best vacation at the best price!”