Breeze Airways Taking Off From T.F. Green July 22

WARWICK, RI — Breeze Airways, founded by JetBlue founder David Neeleman, is launching in 16 U.S. city airports, including T.F. Green Airport starting in July.

The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) announced that Breeze Airways will offer service four times a week between T. F. Green Airport (PVD) and Charleston, SC (CHS); Norfolk, VA (ORF), and Pittsburgh, PA (PIT).   With the new routes, T. F. Green Airport now offers 25 non-stop routes provided by 11 different airlines, a non-stop route increase of 47 percent and airline increase of 57 percent compared to 2016 when the airport had 17 non-stop routes and just 7 airlines.  Breeze Airways planned to launch in 2019 but the pandemic delayed the company’s timeline.

“These 16 cities are just the beginning for Breeze,” said Neeleman.  “The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nation’s air service has meant many secondary and tertiary markets have seen a significant reduction in flights.  There are so many city pairs needing non-stop service around the country, we have a further 100 cities under consideration.”

Breeze Airways plans its inaugural Rhode Island service to Charleston, SC on July 22, 2021, with service to Norfolk and Pittsburgh scheduled to begin on July 29, 2021. Airline entrepreneur David Neeleman announced its intention to launch a new airline in 2019, marking his fifth airline start-up after JetBlue, Brazil’s Azul, Canada’s WestJet, and Utah-based Morris Air. Since then, hundreds of mid to small airports throughout the nation sought to be included among Breeze Airways inaugural airports.

“Warwick is honored to be host city to Breeze Airways as they launch their airline,” said Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi.  “All those who always choose to fly local can take pride in knowing their choice to fly from T. F. Green Airport brings in new routes, and with them new jobs for the city and state.”

“T. F. Green Airport is proud to have been chosen to serve as one of Breeze Airway’s inaugural airports,” said Iftikhar Ahmad, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation.  “We hope that this is the beginning of more good things to come for Breeze Airways and PVD.  Rhode Islanders will be among the first passengers in the nation to experience what its founder promises to be the most innovative new airline this country has seen in many years.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Breeze Airways to Rhode Island’s skies this summer,” said Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee. “Our state’s travel and tourism industry has endured much hardship over the past year and we are looking forward to brighter days ahead, with new routes bringing new economic opportunity and new visitors to our state.”

“Rhode Island couldn’t be happier to be chosen as one of Breeze Airway’s inaugural airports,” said Rhode Island House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi, “New routes such as these can benefit the Rhode Island economy in many ways, helping to foster improved tourism between regions, as well as providing convenient east coast connections for Rhode Island’s naval and defense related industry.”

“We are proud to welcome Breeze Airways to Rhode Island and look forward to our shared opportunities for future economic growth,” said Senate Majority Leader Michael J. McCaffrey. “It’s gratifying to know that out of the hundreds of destinations throughout the country, Breeze Airways chose Rhode Island and T. F. Green Airport as one of just 16 inaugural airports in the nation.”