Breeze Airways, a new US carrier from JetBlue founder David Neeleman, launches today with a planned fleet of 13 Embraer jets. The first flights operate between Charleston, SC, Tampa, FL and Hartford, CT, starting May 27, with remaining destinations to be added each week through July 2021. Breeze will take delivery of all 13 leased jets through the summer, to reach an initial fleet of 10 E190s, and 3 E195s. With plans to grow the fleet further before the end of the year.
As the founder of both JetBlue and Azul airlines, Mr Neeleman’s experience of growing airlines and routes using Embraer E-Jets is legendary. Breeze is creating an airline that offers a ‘Seriously Nice’ experience, with low fares and high flexibility, serving destinations from four main airports – Tampa, FL; Charleston, SC; New Orleans, LA; and Norfolk, VA.
David Neeleman, CEO and Founder of Breeze Airways, said, “Embraer’s E-Jets are phenomenal at building out new airlines, and growing and supporting new routes. They are the masters at doing this, as proven by my previous airline ventures – and, no middle seats! The flexibility the family of aircraft provides, allows us to meet fluctuating demand profitably – exactly what all airlines need right now. Having the E-Jets as a core part of our team gives me enormous confidence.”
Mark Neely, Vice President Sales, Americas, said, “It’s great to be part of another Neeleman airline project. Launching Breeze with an Embraer fleet is an endorsement of the value these aircraft bring, allowing Breeze to establish new point-to-point routes in underserved markets, bringing much needed connectivity, protecting yields, managing demand, and doing so profitably.”
The E190 jets will be configured to seat 108 guests while the E195 aircraft will have 118 seats.
Earlier this month Breeze signed a long-term Pool Program Agreement Embraer to support a wide range of repairable components for the airline’s E190s and E195s fleet. The agreement included 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.
