Breeze Airways Expands with 19 New Routes and Three New Cities Amid Record Growth
The airline grows with 19 new routes and three new cities while celebrating its strongest financial performance to date
Photo: Courtesy of Pratt & Whitney
Breeze Airways is launching service in three new cities—Rochester, Albany, and Memphis—while adding 19 new routes to its growing network.
This announcement comes on the heels of a significant milestone: Breeze’s first full quarter of operating profit, signaling a bright future for the young airline.
New Cities and Routes
Breeze’s latest expansion introduces nonstop and BreezeThru (one-stop, no-plane change) routes that strengthen connectivity across the country. Starting this spring, the airline is boosting services on major leisure and business destinations:
- Rochester, NY – Direct flights to Charleston, Raleigh-Durham, and BreezeThru service to New Orleans and Orlando.
- Albany, NY – Direct service to Charleston and Raleigh-Durham, plus BreezeThru flights to Fort Myers.
- Memphis, TN – New flights to Raleigh-Durham and Tampa, plus BreezeThru service to Providence.
The airline is also increasing its flight services, including new routes and seasonal offerings. The seasonal route from Akron-Canton to Los Angeles will start again on May 22.
Graphic: Courtesy of greatcirclemap.com / Markus Englund
The airline will also connect Charleston to Albany, Burlington, and Rochester; Columbus to Portland, ME; and Fort Myers to Greenville-Spartanburg and Albany.
Additionally, Greenville-Spartanburg will have flights to Pittsburgh, Portland, and Westchester County, while Los Angeles will connect back to Akron-Canton.
In Florida, Orlando will connect to Raleigh-Durham and Rochester, and Pensacola will have direct flights to Raleigh-Durham and Providence. Pittsburgh will offer flights to Greenville-Spartanburg, and Portland, ME, will serve Columbus and Greenville-Spartanburg. Raleigh-Durham will connect to Albany, Memphis, Orlando, Pensacola, and Rochester, and Tampa will have flights to Memphis. Finally, Westchester County will connect to Greenville-Spartanburg.
“We see great demand and opportunity for our premium product offering in secondary markets across the country and are excited to add Rochester, Albany, and Memphis to our network,” said Breeze Airways founder and CEO David Neeleman.
A Financial Turning Point
The airline’s expansion coincides with its strongest financial performance to date. Breeze recorded its first full quarter of operating profit in Q4 2024, boasting over $200 million in revenue and a 4 percent operating margin. For the year, revenue soared to $680 million—an astonishing 78 percent increase over 2023.
Photo: Courtesy of Breeze Airways
“This milestone is a major accomplishment for Breeze and a testament to the hard work of our more than 2,000 incredible Team Members,” Neeleman noted. “In under four years, we have managed to grow and expand at an unprecedented rate while providing millions of people access to efficient, affordable, and elevated air travel.”
The Business Model
Breeze operates with a unique hybrid model that it dubs a “Nice Low-Cost Carrier” (NLCC). By targeting secondary airports abandoned by major airlines, Breeze capitalizes on underserved markets while offering a premium product. As of December 2024, the airline was the sole carrier on 87 percent of its 220 nonstop routes.
The Safran Z600 seat measures 20.5 inches wide with a pitch of 39 inches / Photo: Courtesy of Breeze Airways
Breeze’s cost structure enables fares that are, on average, 44 percent lower than competitors on the same routes. Its growing fleet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft—known for fuel efficiency and comfort—supports this cost advantage while enhancing the passenger experience.
“Our ability to leverage the A220’s efficiency and place aircraft in the most successful routes is what truly makes Breeze stand out in the industry,” said Lukas Johnson, Breeze’s chief commercial officer.
Growth and Recognition
Breeze has seen rapid expansion since its inaugural flight in May 2021. The airline now operates 33 Airbus A220s, with firm orders for 90 more and options for 30 additional aircraft through 2028.
The airline’s continued fleet growth and strategic route planning position Breeze for sustained profitability.
The airline’s success has also garnered industry recognition:
- 2025 Startup Airline of the Year (Centre for Aviation – CAPA)
- Four-Star Low-Cost Carrier (Airline Passenger Experience Association – APEX)
- Top 5 Best Domestic Airlines (Travel + Leisure)
- Best Seat Comfort in North America (APEX)
- Gold Award in LAX Fly Quieter Program
Breeze also became the first U.S. domestic airline certified by Autism Double Checked, underscoring its commitment to inclusive travel experiences.
The Future of Breeze Airways
As Breeze moves forward, the airline remains focused on reliability, affordability, and an elevated travel experience. With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, and flexible pricing options, Breeze continues to redefine low-cost travel.
Every seat is equipped with various charging options, including a USB-C port / Photo: Courtesy of Breeze Airways
Neeleman is confident in the airline’s upward trajectory: “As we move into this exciting new phase, including highly anticipated international service, we must remain hyper-focused on operating the safest, most reliable airline in the industry. We have everything it takes to continue this trajectory.”
With profitability achieved and aggressive expansion underway, Breeze Airways is quickly cementing itself as a major player in the U.S. airline industry.
