Waterloo Flight School grad pilots first Sunwing flight of the season to Cancun

Waterloo Region - December 18 marked Sunwing’s first flight of the season from the Region of Waterloo International Airport to Cancun. One of the Sunwing B737 pilots on board was First Officer Alec Smook, a local graduate of the University of Waterloo (UW) and Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC). Smook is also a current ground school flight instructor with WWFC.

“We’re extremely proud of Alec,” commented Bob Connors, General Manager of Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre. “To witness our students flying for commercial airlines, thanks to our partnership is a win-win. The pathway program with Sunwing provides direct-entry opportunities to our students, which is rewarding for them, but also for the Flight Centre.”

Piyush Gandhi, Vice President of Flight Operations for Sunwing, commented on the news, “We’re delighted to have a graduate from our direct entry cadet program at the University of Waterloo operating our first flight out of Waterloo this season. This flight marks the start of our 13th season at the Region of Waterloo International Airport and we’re pleased to be providing Canadians in this area with convenient direct access to tropical destinations from their doorstep once again. This partnership with the University of Waterloo is very valuable to us, attracting high calibre graduates to join our team is essential to our success and growth as an airline. We’re pleased to be supporting grassroots talent and helping provide valuable jobs to talented graduates.”

The Region of Waterloo International Airport celebrated the first flight to Cancun this season by offering passengers a unique event. Festivities included live music, performed by local flamenco guitarist, Juneyt, as well as Mexican inspired treats and some art made by students visiting the airport, from Mexico, earlier this year. 

“The Region of Waterloo International Airport is pleased that Sunwing Airlines is offering this additional cold weather escape to our community and we are positive it will be well received. Air service in Waterloo Region continues to grow and adding Cancun as a destination is another milestone in our path towards expansion.” Chris Wood, Airport General Manager.