Breeze Airways has announced it will start services from John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange Country, California. The low-cost carrier will be adding two new routes to Orlando and Provo.
“Today marks both our 100th nonstop and our 34th destination with the addition of Orange County,” said Breeze Airways President Tom Doxey. “I can’t think of a better way to commemorate this milestone than for the ‘nicest airline’ to connect the ‘happiest places on earth’ while also giving our Provo Guests an epic day trip option from their house to the ‘house of the mouse’ in Orange County.”
Competition for one route comes in the form of Allegiant Air, which has been flying from Provo to Orange County since early 2021. Orange County to Orlando, however, remains an untapped market—and one with serious potential. Flight data from Jan-Aug 2022 shows 51,000 passengers flying between SNA and Orlando, courtesy of a connection.
As is often the case with new routes, Breeze has already brought some introductory offers. For example, Orange County-Orlando starts from $119, with Provo-Orange County fares beginning at $49.
Charlene Reynolds, Director for John Wayne Airport, spoke on the new partnership. “We are pleased to welcome a new airline partner to our diverse group of carriers. Breeze supports community interests by bringing Orange Country a fleet of cleaner, quieter aircraft. We are excited to deliver a superior level of convenience for guests with additional service and new destinations,” she said.
The Orlando route will be the fourth longest nonstop service Orange County offers, behind Honolulu, New York, and Newark.
Since arriving on the scene last year, Breeze has made a name for itself as a no-frills, low-cost carrier. Despite this, it offers perks often unseen by cheaper airlines, such as family seating, free flight changes (up to 15 minutes before take-off), and genuine first-class options. “We’re the only carrier to offer free family-assigned seating,” said Breeze’s Chief Commercial Officer, Lukas Johnson. “We’re not going to be charging you a bunch of money to sit with your family going to these family-friendly destinations.”
Generally, the carrier focuses on filling demand gaps by providing routes between underserved airports. Orange Country is a prime example of this, with the possibility that they could expand services from SNA soon, following a successful initial period. For the time being, however, Breeze’s new flights will take to the air on February 16.
