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Sunwing Airlines Inc. was a Canadian low-cost carrier headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, known for offering leisure-focused flights to sun-soaked destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and the United States. Launched in 2005 as a subsidiary of the Sunwing Travel Group, it grew to become Canada’s leading leisure airline, operating from 23 Canadian gateways and serving over 70 destinations. Acquired by WestJet in May 2023, Sunwing Airlines ceased independent operations on May 28, 2025, with its fleet and operations fully integrated into WestJet’s mainline business. Renowned for its affordable fares and extensive vacation packages, Sunwing left a legacy of accessible travel, though it faced significant criticism for customer service issues, operational delays, and baggage handling.
Sunwing Airlines was established in 2005 under the Sunwing Travel Group, founded in 2002 by Colin Hunter. The airline’s inception came after Mark Williams, a former Skyservice employee, approached Hunter with the idea of starting a leisure-focused airline. On November 17, 2005, Sunwing’s inaugural flight, a Boeing 737-800, departed from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Santiago de Cuba. By December 2005, the airline operated its first direct international flight from Sudbury, Ontario, to Varadero, Cuba, marking one of Sudbury’s first international routes.
By 2008, Sunwing expanded to 29 cities, and by 2015, it became Canada’s largest leisure carrier, offering direct flights to over 45 destinations. In 2009, Sunwing Travel Group acquired Signature Vacations and SellOffVacations.com from TUI Travel, with TUI gaining a 49% stake in the group until 2017. The 2012 acquisition of U.S.-based Vacation Express expanded Sunwing’s presence in the American market. In 2015, a $350 million deal with Air Lease Corporation added two Boeing 737-800s and four 737 MAX 8s to its fleet.
The airline faced challenges, including a 2012 Canadian Transportation Agency investigation into foreign ownership, which Sunwing cleared. A notable incident occurred on December 30, 2021, when Flight 2283 from Montreal to Cancún gained notoriety due to unruly passengers consuming alcohol, using e-cigarettes, and violating COVID-19 mask mandates, prompting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to call it “a slap in the face.” Sunwing canceled the return flight, and other airlines banned the passengers.
In March 2022, WestJet announced its acquisition of Sunwing Airlines and Sunwing Vacations, completed in May 2023. On June 17, 2023, WestJet confirmed plans to integrate Sunwing’s operations, with full incorporation finalized by May 28, 2025, when Sunwing’s final flight (WG9078) returned a leased Boeing 737 to Prague. Sunwing’s 18 aircraft and employees transitioned to WestJet, ending its independent operations.
Sunwing operated a fleet of 38 Boeing 737-800s and one Boeing 737 MAX 8, with an average age of 12 years. The 737 MAX 8, introduced in May 2018, offered improved fuel efficiency, reducing emissions by up to 14% compared to older models. The fleet was configured with a single Economy Class cabin, with Elite Plus and Premium options for extra legroom and perks like priority boarding. Sunwing’s aircraft featured no seatback entertainment screens, offering onboard movies via personal devices and a buy-on-board menu for snacks and meals.
Sustainability efforts included adopting fuel-efficient 737 MAX aircraft and participating in WestJet’s environmental initiatives post-acquisition, such as investments in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Sunwing’s partnership with Seneca College and the University of Waterloo for a cadet training program in 2016 supported sustainable workforce development.