The Newcomer’s Shopping Spree Continues

Breeze Airways has continued their buying spree this week, with news of their newest purchase breaking soon after their full flight simulator purchase. Airbus announced the sale of 80 of their newest A220-300 aircraft during Breeze’s tour of the final assembly line in Mobile, Alabama. The delivery schedule, barring unforeseen circumstances, should see the receipt of one aircraft a month for the next 6 and a half years. A surprisingly large order for a months-old airline, the purchase is the result of a very successful round of Series B funding that brought the company $200 million to invest.

Breeze commenced operations in May 2021, serving 16 locations in the United States, with a focus on underserved, secondary airports that tend to be neglected by larger airlines. Nonstop flights to these smaller satellites is no groundbreaking,game-changing market strategy, but Breeze seems to believe it can make a niche for itself as the affordable, tech-forward, premium flavored airline. They make a point of emphasizing customer service somewhat reminiscent of vintage SWA attitudes, promising service with a smile and levels of comfort seen in larger airlines. Their selection of the Airbus could suit them well, as the aircraft manages to combine elements of larger passenger airliners with improved fuel economy, emissions, and short runway performance. The A220-30 can be said to strike a balance between the capacity, speed, and performance of larger jet aircraft, but with the noise levels, small airport utilization, and fuel efficiency of turboprop commuters. 

As part of their improved passenger experience, Airbus has shown the 126 seat arrangement, with two classes split between 36 business and 90 economy seats. Airbus says the single-aisle A220’s offer superior comfort even to larger aircraft, with wider seats, larger windows, and more overhead stowage space for each passenger. Some on-the-ground reports indicate that even the economy seats are 2 inches wider than other brand’s economy accommodations, giving econo customers similar seating to what other marques give their business class. Passenger amenities include power banks and charging ports for each seat, with IFE to come. 

“The A220-300 is a game-changer for us as we add long haul flights that can average five hours, including transcontinental service,” said Breeze CEO David Neeleman. “By the end of 2022, Breeze will have 15 A220s in service. This aircraft is the perfect addition to our fast-growing airline as we seek to bring our Seriously Nice service to more communities across the U.S. and beyond.”

FMI: www.flybreeze.com