Breeze Airways, the new “Seriously Nice” U.S. carrier from JetBlue founder David Neeleman, today unveiled its debut network, comprising 39 nonstop routes between 16 cities in the Southwest, Midwest, Southeast and Eastern US. The first flights will operate between Charleston, SC, Tampa, FL and Hartford, CT, starting May 27, 2021 with remaining destinations to be added each week through July 22, 2021.

Breeze is Mr Neeleman’s (above) fifth airline start-up, after JetBlue, Brazil’s Azul, Canada’s WestJet, and Utah-based Morris Air, which was later purchased by Southwest Airlines. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, Breeze will focus most flights from four main airports: Tampa, FL; Charleston, SC; New Orleans, LA; and Norfolk, VA.

Initial Route Map:

Joined by an experienced team of industry veterans, Mr Neeleman set out to build an airline that offers a great experience, with low fares and high flexibility: “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 percent of Breeze routes currently have no airline serving them nonstop. With 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 will operate a fleet of 13 Embraer e-jets ahead of Airbus A220 aircraft arriving from October.

The Fleet

Breeze will operate 13 single-class Embraer aircraft this summer, flying routes with an average flight length under two hours. The ten E-190 jets will be configured to seat 108 Guests while the three E195 aircraft will have 118 seats. Guests may choose from fares that include ‘Nice’ seats, or ‘Nicer’ seats with extra legroom. All Embraer aircraft will be a two-by-two seat configuration, so there are no middle seats.

Breeze will start taking delivery of 60 brand new Airbus A220 aircraft, beginning in October of this year and delivering at about one per month for five years. The A220 routes, which will be announced this Fall, all will be longer than two hours’ flight time. The A220s will include a premium cabin, called ‘Nicest’ seating, in a two-by-two configuration at the front of the plane. The remainder of the aircraft will feature a two-by-three seat configuration.

The Route Network

From Tampa, 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).

From Charleston, Breeze will inaugurate service to 11 markets, 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); and
• Providence, RI (July 22).

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).

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).

Beyond these four main cities, Breeze also will operate five routes from Columbus, OH; four routes from Hartford, CT, and Pittsburgh, PA; and three routes from Akron/Canton, OH; Bentonville/Fayetteville, AR; Huntsville, AL; Louisville, KY; Oklahoma City, OK; Providence, RI; Richmond, VA; San Antonio, TX, and Tulsa, OK, including between:

• Bentonville/Fayetteville, AR, and San Antonio, TX (July 15);
• San Antonio, TX, and Oklahoma City, OK (July 15);
• Tulsa, OK, and San Antonio, TX (July 15);
• Hartford, CT, and Columbus, OH (July 22);
• Pittsburgh, PA, and Hartford, CT (July 22); and
• Providence, RI, and Pittsburgh, PA (July 29).

Low Fares, High Flex and Earned Credit With Each Flight – And No Change or Cancellation Fees

Breeze’s introductory fares start at just $39* and there are no change or cancellation fees. Guests earn credit called “BreezePoints” on all purchases that can be used towards future flights or other ancillary products, such as bags and seat assignments. Guests can change or cancel a flight up to 15 minutes before scheduled departure without penalty. Unused funds from changes and cancellations are automatically saved in the Guest’s Breeze account and do not expire for 24 months.

A la Carte Pricing and Fare Options – Customizable Flight Options

During booking, Guests may choose from ‘Nice’ or ‘Nicer’ fares — with the ‘Nicest’ fare being introduced in the Fall along with business class seating on the Airbus A220:

– The Nice Fare is the airline’s most affordable fare starting at only $39 one-way and includes a personal item, such as a backpack or purse. Guests can select a seat assignment and add bags to their reservation for an additional cost. If no seat is selected then one will be assigned at no cost during check-in. The Nice seat pitch is 29 inches on the E-190 aircraft and 31 inches on the E-195s. A Nice Fare can be paired with a Nicer Seat for an additional cost. All Nice Fares receive two percent in BreezePoints.

– The Nicer Fare includes an extra legroom seat assignment, a personal item, carry-on bag (overhead bin), one checked bag, a complimentary drink and snack, and priority boarding. The Nicer seat pitch is between 33 and 39 inches on the E-190s, depending on the row selected, and between 34 and 39 inches on the E-195s. All Nicer Fares receive four percent in BreezePoints.

Prices to check or carry-on bags are a flat rate of $20 each, one way, for up to three bags. This flat rate — which is one of the lowest in the US — is the same whether a bag is checked or taken onboard.

Seat assignments start from $10, but Family Seating is free for families traveling with children 12 and under. The charge to travel with a pet in the cabin is $75.

Onboard Service

While the Airbus A220 fleet will feature both inflight entertainment and WiFi connectivity onboard, the Embraer fleet will not offer connectivity given the much shorter flights. This summer, the Embraer fleet will feature free inflight entertainment, powered by Global Eagle, streaming to personal electronic devices. Breeze’s IFE will include TV, games, and a real-time map.

Global Eagle’s Iris digital platform and Airconnect IFE Pro enable Breeze Guests to choose from more than 150 comedy, drama and kids’ shows, from Modern Family to Blindspot, to Friends to Phineas and Ferb. Frequent travelers will enjoy fresh entertainment options quarterly, as part of the airline’s commitment to customizing and constantly increasing content for its passengers.

Snacks on board will include selections from Utz and KIND® bars.

After a century with strong family heritage, Utz continues to have a passion for exciting and delighting consumers with delicious snack foods made from top-quality ingredients. Based in Hanover, Pennsylvania, Utz operates fourteen facilities located in Pennsylvania, Alabama, Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Washington, and Massachusetts.

“Congratulations to Breeze Airways for earning their wings,” said Dylan Lissette, Chief Executive Officer of Utz Brands, Inc. “And we are excited to become part of the team by serving our family-favorite, Utz Original Potato Chips on Breeze Airways flights. That’s a match made in the skies!”  Mr. Neeleman stated: “The fastest way to put butts in seats is to put Utz in seats!”

“Since day one, KIND has been on a mission to create a kinder and healthier world – one snack, and one act at a time,” said Sonja Hagen-Cole, KIND’s Sr. Director of Partnerships. “We’re thrilled to partner with Breeze Airways and support their innovative approach to air travel, and ultimately showing how kindness can take the travel experience to new heights.”

TSA PreCheck^® Qualified 

Breeze Airways has already been added to the TSA’s PreCheck program for guests from day one. TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program that enables low-risk travelers to enjoy a smart and efficient screening experience at more than 200 U.S. airports. Travel with ease by enrolling in TSA PreCheck and avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, food items, laptops and light jackets.  In February 2021, 100% of passengers in TSA PreCheck lanes waited less than five minutes.

TSA PreCheck is available for eligible passengers when departing from a U.S. airport or when connecting on domestic flights after returning to the United States. Travelers who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and U.S. lawful permanent residents can apply for TSA PreCheck for a cost of $85 for a five-year membership. Children 12 and under may join parents or guardians with TSA PreCheck boarding passes. Dozens of credit cards and loyalty programs offer TSA PreCheck as a member benefit.

Once approved, travelers receive a unique “Known Traveler Number” (KTN) that, when added to an airline reservation, makes them eligible to use TSA PreCheck lanes at security checkpoints nationwide when traveling on any of over 80 participating airlines. Most new enrollees receive a KTN within three to five days.

Enrolled airline passengers should look for the TSA PreCheck indicator (such as TSAPRECHK, TSA PRE, or TSA Pre✓®) on their boarding pass to know if they are eligible for TSA PreCheck screening before their flight.

Safety and Cleanliness

Safety is foremost at Breeze and the airline takes every precaution to protect Guests’ health onboard and at the airport.  Breeze’s aircraft are cleaned and disinfected frequently. Both the Embraer and Airbus have HEPA filters onboard which refresh cabin air every few minutes. Federal law requires Guests and Crew alike to wear face masks at the airport and on the aircraft, except while eating or drinking. Also, hand sanitizer will be available for all guests.

*Terms and Conditions: The $39 fare is available for one-way nonstop service (not connecting travel) on all routes. Seats are limited and fares will not be available on some flights. Must be purchased by May 31, 2021 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time for travel through February 15, 2022. Price displayed includes all taxes, fees, and other airport/government charges. Fares are nonrefundable but if a ticket is cancelled at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure, the guest will receive credit in BreezePoints which may be applied to for future purchases on Breeze Airways. Failure to cancel tickets prior to departure will result in forfeiture of the ticket price and any related ancillary services purchased. Fares, fare rules, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice until ticketed. Any changes in itinerary may result in an increase in fare.

Breeze Airways has announced on social media it will begin selling tickets tomorrow morning (May 21) at 8 am EDT:

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON! Our first destinations will be announced and available for booking TOMORROW, May 21 at 8AM ET.

The first routes will also be announced at that time.

The first route is expected to link Tampa and Charleston, SC.

Besides these two cities the new carrier is also expected to fly to Nashville, New Orleans and Pittsburgh initially with two Embraer  ERJ 190s and two. ERJ 195s.

Breeze Airways on May 14 received its Part 121 Air Operators Certificate (AOC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Breeze is the idea of former JetBlue founder David Neeleman (below). Operations can now start soon.

The new carrier has not yet announced its initial routes.

The new airline is partnering with Utah Valley University for its Flight Attendant program.

Embraer has announced that it has signed a long-term Pool Program Agreement with the U.S. carrier Breeze Airways to support a wide range of repairable components for the airline’s E190s and E195s fleet.

The agreement includes full repair coverage for components and parts, as well as access to a large stock of components at Embraer’s distribution center, which will support the start of the airline’s operation.

The program will provide the most efficient and reliable solutions to Breeze’s E-Jets fleet. The airline will benefit from the availability of spare parts, enjoy significant savings on repair and service costs, and maintain a profitable operation. Currently, the Pool Program supports more than 50 airlines worldwide.

Embraer’s Flight Hour Pool Program is designed to allow airlines to minimize their upfront investment on high-value repairable inventories and resources and to take advantage of Embraer’s technical expertise and its vast component repair service provider network. The results are significant savings on repair and inventory carrying costs, reduction in required warehousing space, and the virtual elimination of the need for resources required for repair management, while ultimately providing guaranteed performance levels.

Breeze Airways is a new low-cost airline start-up scheduled for takeoff in 2021.

Breeze Airways (Salt Lake City) is in the final stages of preparations before it announces its first routes and start-up date.

Breeze is expected to focus on the Southeast and Northeast United States initially with its first routes.

The new airline is now hiring flight crews and other key positions.

The company made this announcement:

Breeze is readying for takeoff and we are in search of the best and the brightest to join our dynamic team of aviation and people enthusiasts. At Breeze, we want to empower and support our team members so they can, in turn, empower and support our guests every step of the journey. By joining Breeze, you are joining in our mission to be “The World’s Nicest Airline”.

Please visit our job board and apply to the position(s) you find interesting and that you meet the minimum qualifications. We will review your application and reach out for more information should your skills and experience make you an ideal candidate.

Current Job Openings

Breeze Airways (Salt Lake City) has received final approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to begin scheduled passenger operations later this year.

Breeze Airways is planning to begin service to under-served cities using Embraer E190 and E195 leased jets. The company hopes to add Airbus jets at a later date.

The airline is a start-up of David Neeleman (below) who previously started JetBlue Airways.

Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) has delivered one Embraer E190, MSN 19000055 to Breeze Airways on lease.

This is the second aircraft to deliver as part of a fifteen E190 aircraft lease agreement made with Breeze Airways.