T. F. GREEN AIRPORT (PVD) SELECTED BY BREEZE AIRWAYS AS DEBUT AIRPORT FOR NEW “SERIOUSLY NICE” AIR CARRIER

Three initial Rhode Island routes will bring PVD to 11 Airlines and 25 non-stop routes in 2021; Up from 7 airlines and 17 non-stop routes in 2016

May 21, 2021 – Warwick, RI - The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) is pleased to announce that T. F. Green Airport has been selected for the debut network for the newly launched Breeze Airways, the “Seriously Nice” air carrier created from JetBlue founder David Neeleman. Starting in July 2021, 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).  Flights are now on sale at www.flybreeze.com and the Breeze app, starting at just $39* one way.

T. F. Green Airport is one of just 16 airports in the nation selected by Breeze Airways to be part of the airline debut service.  With the addition of these three new routes, T. F. Green Airport now offers 25 non-stop routes provided by 11 different airlines, a non-stop route increase of 47% and airline increase of 57% compared to 2016 when the airport had 17 non-stop routes and just 7 airlines.  Breeze Airways announced its intention to launch an innovative new airline “merging technology with kindness” in 2019, however, the pandemic impacted the company’s timeline.  Meanwhile, throughout the nation, hundreds of mid- to small airports throughout the nation sought to be included among Breeze Airways inaugural airports. 

 “These 16 cities are just the beginning for Breeze,” said David 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.  Flying non-stop, Breeze will get you there in half the time, but also for about half the price!”

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.

“T. F. Green International 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.”

“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.”

“Breeze Airways offers the best of both worlds in the airline industry,” said RIAC Board Chair Jonathan Savage. “They combine proven veteran airline leadership with 21^st century innovation to offer travelers the low cost and high quality services travelers have come to expect. We are honored to have been chosen as an inaugural airport and we are hopeful of welcoming more Breeze Airways routes as the airline expands its offering of domestic and international routes over the coming years.”

Breeze will operate 13 single-class Embraer aircraft this summer, flying routes with an average flight length under two hours.  The ten E190 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’ regular seating, or ‘Nicer’ seats with extra legroom.  All Embraer aircraft will be a two-by-two seat configuration, so there are no middle seats.

Breeze also has ordered 60 brand new Airbus A220 aircraft that will be delivered one per month for five years, starting in October this year.  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, ‘Nicest,’ 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.

*$39 fare is available on select flights. Seats are limited. Must be purchased by June 1, 2021 for travel through February 15, 2022. Price displayed includes taxes & government fees. Fare rules, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply.

About Breeze Airways: Founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, Breeze Airways is a new low cost airline offering point to point flights from smaller secondary airports, bypassing hubs for shorter travel times.  Breeze’s team is a group of aviation experts and fanatics, working day and night to build a ‘Seriously Nice’ airline. Breeze’s mission is to make the world of travel simple, affordable and convenient, using technology, ingenuity and kindness to improve the travel experience.  For those interested in applying for employment with Breeze Airways, please visit: https://jobs.flybreeze.com/

About T. F. Green Airport: A convenient and low-cost gateway to New England, T. F. Green Airport (PVD) has a large catchment area with 7.5 million residents within 90 minutes of the airport. It attracts passengers from nearby Massachusetts and eastern Connecticut. PVD is located just outside of Providence, Rhode Island. Well known for ease of traveler access, affordable parking, and faster security lines, T. F. Green Airport was named as one of USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Best Small Airports” for 2021 as well as “Top Five” in Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best 2020” Awards for Top Domestic Airports. T. F. Green was most recently named 4th “Best Airport” in the U.S. in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.