Breeze Airways Base Opens at T.F. Green

WARWICK, RI—Breeze Airways’s base of operations at T.F. Green International Airport began its first day today, bringing in 250 full time jobs and 20 non-stop routes.

Governor Dan McKee, Breeze Airways Chief Operations Officer Mike Wuerger, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, and Mayor Frank Picozzi gathered at the Airport at noon to celebrate the jobs, including pilots, flight crews, support staff and maintenance personnel supporting the new routes, and the anticipated economic boom from the expanded travel options to and from Rhode Island.

Appleseed, a third-party economic impact analysis firm, estimates the economic impact from the development would include increased annual state GDP of $76.23 million in 2026 and a gross increase of approximately $5.93 million in personal income, sales, and business tax revenues during the 12-year commitment period beginning in 2023, McKee’s office reported.

“It’s a great day as we name Rhode Island T.F. Green International as Breeze’s newest base of operations,” said Mike Wuerger, Chief Operations Officer for Breeze Airways. “We are so grateful to Governor McKee, the Speaker, Senate President, and General Assembly, and to Iftikhar and the whole team at T.F. Green for the support from day one in making this happen, and, of course, to the traveling community here who have flown our first thousand departures from PVD and embraced the airline’s growth.”

“Today’s celebration is ‘seriously nice’ news for our state and our airport. Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is thrilled to become a base of operations for Breeze Airways,” said Iftikhar Ahmad, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. “None of this would be possible without the support of state leaders who recognize the vital role of tourism marketing to create and retain new routes and the jobs that come with them. Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is thrilled to be part of Breeze’s long-term growth, and the local jobs and boost for tourism in our state that comes with it.”

“As Mayor of the host city of Warwick, I am very excited Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is now a Breeze base of operations. The creation of 250 jobs has a direct and positive impact on our tax revenue and local economy,” said Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi.

According to McKee’s office, a “base” is an airport where an airline permanently bases aircraft and crew. This increases the potential for additional flight options for consumers and enhances the reliability of routes given the availability of reserve crews and back-up aircraft. Rhode Island benefits from the new permanent airport jobs and receives economic and tax revenue benefits generated by more routes, increased tourism-related employment and expanded options for business and leisure travel.

“This new hub is bringing jobs to our state, economic activity for our small business community, and new non-stop routes which will allow countless tourists and visitors to see what makes Rhode Island a true destination state,” said McKee.

Over a five-year ramp-up period, Breeze Airways will base six to eight aircraft at PVD, most of which will be the Airbus A-220 – a brand new aircraft with industry-leading fuel efficiency. Breeze will also grow its network at PVD from the current eight existing or announced routes to 20 or more routes over the five-year ramp up phase that begins with the opening of the base. Breeze will offer approximately 20 average weekly departures by the end of 2023, reaching 44 weekly departures by 2027. Breeze has committed to maintaining its PVD base, the number of jobs, routes and flights for at least 10 years.

To help support this base of operations, the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation has approved tax credits for Breeze Airways under the Qualified Jobs Incentive Program, which are available once jobs are created and contributing state income tax for a full year. It is expected that the airline could receive up to $300,000 per year for 10 years under the Qualified Jobs Tax Credit Program. Additionally, the State of Rhode Island is engaging in destination advertising to attract visitors to fly to Rhode Island thanks to funding made available by the Governor and General Assembly in the FY23 State Budget.