Breeze Airways Announces Route Network days before its first flight

LONDON – U.S. Carrier Breeze Airways the new “Seriously Nice” carrier created by JetBlue founder David Neeleman, had today announced its debut route network, which comprises of 39 nonstop routes between 16 cities in the southwest, Midwest, Southwest and Eastern US. The first flights will be operated by the airline between Charleston, SC, Tampa, FL and Hartford, CT and will start from May 27 in just six days time. The airline will then continue to add a new destination to its route network each week through July 22,2021.

The carrier will begin services with its fleet of 13 Embraer e-jets which will operate all of their routes until the delivery of its Airbus A220 aircraft which are due to arrive from October of the year, taking delivery of one per month for around five years following the carriers order for 60 A220 aircraft. Mr Neeleman is joined by an experienced team of industry veterans. all of whom have set out to create and build an airline that offers not only a great experience but lower fares and higher flexibility for its customers.

This is something that many airlines are now trying to adopt following the constant changing environment around the globe from COVID-19 restrictions. Mr Neeleman said: “Together, we created Breeze as a new airline merging technology with kindness. Breeze provides nonstop service between underserved routes across the U.S. at affordable fares. A staggering 95 per cent of Breeze routes currently have no airline serving them nonstop. With the seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24-months of reusable flight credit and customized flight features delivered via a sleek and simple app, Breeze makes it easy to buy and easy to fly.”

Breeze Airways is now Mr Neeleman’s fifth start-up airline and he will be wanting to make it as successful as his other four startups, JetBlue, Brazil’s Azul, Canada’s WestJet and Utah-based Morris Air, which was purchased by Southwest Airlines. Breeze will be headquartered in Salt Lake City with the carrier mainly focusing on flights from four main airports, Tampa, Charleston, New Orleans and Norfolk.

Breeze Airways Planned Route Network Mapped out

From Charleston, Breeze will inaugurate services to 11 destinations, most of which are currently not served:

Hartford, CT (starting May 27);
Tampa, FL (May 27);
Louisville, KY (May 28);
Norfolk, VA (June 10);
Akron/Canton, OH (July 8);
Columbus, OH (July 8);
New Orleans, LA (July 8);
Pittsburgh, PA (July 8);
Richmond, VA (July 8);
Huntsville, AL (July 15);
Providence, RI (July 22).

J. Elliott Summey, CEO of Charleston International Airport said: “We are honoured that Breeze Airways has selected the Charleston region to be an integral part of the exciting launch of their vision to connect communities across the country in a new way, the Breeze Airways value proposition of low-cost, nonstop service connecting underserved mid-sized cities will be quickly embraced by those travelling to and from the Charleston, South Carolina area. And we are confident that Breeze Airways will see other sustainable opportunities for success in the coming years.”

From Norfolk, Breeze will inaugurate service on 7 routes, 6 are currently not served:

Charleston, SC (starting June 10);
Tampa, FL (June 10);
New Orleans, LA (July 15);
Columbus, OH (July 22);
Hartford, CT (July 22);
Pittsburgh, PA (July 22); and
Providence, RI (July 29).

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam said: “Aviation has long been ingrained in the Hampton Roads economy, and the arrival of Breeze Airways is another sign of this region’s growing position as a commercial flight hub,”

“The post-pandemic world will offer increasing opportunities for travel and tourism, and the addition of this new low-cost carrier at Norfolk International Airport will be a catalyst for economic growth, welcoming visitors to our Commonwealth with convenient, nonstop service to often-overlooked markets. We are honoured that Breeze Airways has selected Virginia as one of its first domestic locations and look forward to building a strong and successful partnership with the company.”

From New Orleans, Breeze will inaugurate service to 10 markets, most of which are currently not served:

Charleston, SC (starting July 8);
Akron/Canton, OH (July 15);
Bentonville/Fayetteville, AR (July 15);
Huntsville, AL (July 15);
Louisville, KY (July 15);
Norfolk, VA (July 15);
Oklahoma, OK (July 15);
Richmond, VA (July 15);
Tulsa, OK (July 15); and
Columbus, OH (July 16).

Kevin C. Dolliole, Director of Aviation for the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport said: “We are extremely proud that Breeze Airways has recognized the vitality of the New Orleans market by kicking off with a significant presence at MSY and offering greater connectivity to and from this region, with the options for affordable fares to more destinations, we believe the New Orleans community is more than ready to take advantage of everything Breeze Airways has to offer. I thank Breeze for making this significant investment in our local economy, and I am confident this is just the beginning of what will be a long and fruitful partnership.”

From Tampa Bay, Breeze will inaugurate service on 10 routes, most of which are currently not served:

Charleston, SC (starting May 27);
Louisville, KY (May 28);
Tulsa, OK (June 4);
Norfolk, VA (June 10);
Bentonville/Fayetteville, AR (June 17);
Akron/Canton, OH (June 26);
Oklahoma City, OK (July 1);
Columbus, OH (July 3);
Huntsville, AL (July 22); and
Richmond, VA (July 22).

TPA CEO Joe Lopano said: “Tampa International Airport is proud and excited to be a part of this historic launch with Breeze Airways, home to one of America’s favourite airports known for excellent service and strong business partnerships, the Tampa Bay community is committed to supporting this innovative new airline.”

Mr Neeleman commenting on the announcement today said: “These 16 cities are just the beginning for Breeze, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nation’s air service has meant many secondary markets and smaller cities have seen a significant reduction in flights. There are so many city pairs needing nonstop service around the country, we have a further 100 cities under consideration. Flying nonstop, Breeze will get you there in half the time, but also for about half the price!”

There is no doubt their Breeze Airways has picked a turbulent year to commence operations on, but with the carriers main focus on being passenger comfort and flexibility it is possible that the new airline will be able to challenge more established carriers on routes with its size allowing it to make quicker decisions on the ever-changing COVID-19 aviation market.