JetBlue Founder Launches 'Seriously Nice' Breeze Airways

TAMPA, FL — Betting that Americans are eager to resume traveling follow the coronavirus hiatus, JetBlue founder David Neeleman launched a new U.S. carrier this week featuring fewer seats, more legroom, lower prices and a "seriously nice" staff.

Neeleman was on hand this week when Breeze Airways took off on its inaugural flight from Tampa International Airport, where the new airline will be based.

“We’re trying to have a seriously nice airline that can get you there for half the price for twice as fast,” Neeleman said.

Neeleman said the airline took pains to hire the "nicest" pilots, ticket agents and flight attendants it could find.

"Together, we created Breeze as a new airline merging technology with kindness," Neeleman said. "If you can just be nice, the people will be nice to you in return and your job will be more fun.”

The first flights will operate between Tampa; Charleston, South Carolina; and Hartford, Connecticut, with remaining destinations to be added each week through July.

Flights starting at $39 are now on sale.

"Tampa International Airport is proud and excited to be a part of this historic launch with Breeze Airways," TPA CEO Joe Lopano said. "Home to one of America's favorite airports known for excellent service and strong business partnerships, the Tampa Bay community is committed to supporting this innovative new airline."

The new airline is taking to the skies at a time when the Tampa Bay area is experiencing a huge resurgence in tourism.

After an appalling year in the tourism industry in 2020, Visit Tampa Bay announced that Tampa Bay's tourism was down only 10 percent of what it was in April 2019 and the area is currently experiencing a shortage of hotel beds as coronavirus-weary Americans eagerly book trips to the Sunshine State.

“We are getting closer and closer to levels seen in record-breaking months,” Santiago C. Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, said.

Corrada said Neeleman launching a new airline from Tampa International Airport is further proof of the industry's confidence in the return of tourism to Tampa Bay.

"As one of the hottest markets in the country, our tourism industry has made an amazing comeback and Breeze picked the perfect time to join the party," he said.

"Their low fares, leisure destinations and unique business model will make them the new go-to airline," said Steve Hayes, president and CEO of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater.

"Of the countless markets they could have a presence in, Breeze chose to put its support behind the Tampa Bay region and the best airport in the country," said Chris Steinocher, president and CEO of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce. "You can't ask for a bigger vote of confidence."

Breeze is Neeleman's fifth airline start-up, after JetBlue, Brazil's Azul, Canada's WestJet and Utah-based Morris Air, which was later purchased by Southwest Airlines. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Breeze will focus most flights from four markets: Tampa, Charleston, New Orleans and Norfolk, Virginia.

From Tampa Bay, Breeze will inaugurate service on 10 routes, most of which are currently not served: Charleston; Louisville, Kentucky; Oklahoma City; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Norfolk, Virginia; Bentonville/Fayetteville, Arkansas; Akron/Canton, Ohio; Richmond, Virginia.; Columbus, Ohio; and Huntsville, Alabama.

"A staggering 95 percent of Breeze routes currently have no airline serving them nonstop. With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24 months of reusable flight credit and customized flight features delivered via a sleek and simple app, Breeze makes it easy to buy and easy to fly," he said.

Breeze will operate 13 single-class Embraer aircraft this summer, flying routes with an average flight length of under two hours. The 10 E190 jets will be configured to seat 108 passengers while the three E195 aircraft will have 118 seats. Passengers 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 new Airbus A220 aircraft that will be delivered one per month for five years starting in October. 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.