CALGARY — Bob Cummings is circling back to the WestJet Group, taking on the role of President of ultra low-cost carrier Swoop.
The announcement is effective this Monday, April 18.
For the past two years Cummings has been CEO of Central Mountain Air, bringing the carrier through the pandemic and building its culture, while positioning it for success in recovery.
Before that he was with WestJet Group for 13 years. Notably he was President of Swoop in 2018, when the ULCC launched.
WestJet Group thanked Charles Duncan, who helmed Swoop for the past two years, and will now transition into a new role supporting various strategic projects and initiatives as Executive Vice-President, Integration and Strategic Projects.
Cummings’ return to Swoop comes as the ULCC market heats up with new competition from Lynx Air and expansion from Flair Airlines, not to mention reinstated networks with Canada’s many other carriers.
“I am elated to return to The WestJet Group’s leadership team and am looking forward to working alongside Swoopsters to bring more choice, lower fares and certainty to the market,” says Cummings.
“Swoop was created to make travel affordable and accessible for the most price-conscious travellers, and as we continue to expand and offer more schedule options, people can book with confidence when choosing our Canadian, ultra-low-cost airline,” he added.
WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech notes that Cummings’ tenure with WestJet saw him lead the growth of WestJet Vacations and WestJet Rewards. Cummings was also integral in the launch of WestJet Encore. As WestJet’s Chief Commercial Officer, Cummings grew the airline’s revenue from just over one billion to more than $4.5 billion.
“I am delighted to welcome Bob back to the WestJet Group to lead Swoop through this pivotal time for affordable air travel in Canada,” said von Hoensbroech. “Bob’s passion and knowledge of the ULCC market, his strength in leading high-performing teams and his impressive track record with the WestJet Group, will ensure that Swoop continues to lead the way in providing Canadians with access to ultra-low fare travel.”
