Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Airport Authority Executive Director Kevin Dillon joined Breeze Airways’ CEO David Neeleman today to announce that the low-fare airline is making Hartford’s Bradley International Airport (BDL) its fifth base of operations. Breeze has served Hartford since its first day of operations in May 2021. Becoming a base will create more than 200 new jobs and will add eight new nonstop destinations for a total of 12 cities served from Hartford.
“Over the last few years, Bradley has gained a national reputation as one of the best operated and most convenient airports in the country, and airlines are taking note as they increase their service and add more routes from Connecticut’s largest airport,” Governor Lamont said. “Bradley is a key economic driver for our state, and the more airlines and destinations that we can add from the airport, the more attractive Connecticut becomes to companies that are seeking to grow their own operations. I am excited that Breeze has committed to establishing a base of operations at Bradley, and I look forward to their continued growth here.”
When Breeze first took flight on May 27 last year, Bradley was one of three destinations the airline served from day one. The airline has since flown some 60,000 Guests in and out of Hartford. Establishing Bradley as a base means that the airline will permanently house aircraft at the airport; hire local pilots, flight attendants, and mechanics; and fly new routes. Nationally, by February 19, with the addition of New York/Islip and West Palm Beach this week, the airline will provide service between Hartford and 18 cities in 14 states.
“As a long-time Connecticut resident, it’s personally really exciting for me to announce today with Governor Lamont that Hartford’s Bradley International Airport is becoming Breeze’s fifth base of operations,” David Neeleman said. “We also can’t wait to share the news on all the new destinations coming from Hartford in just a matter of weeks.”
Breeze plans to announce in early March the eight new destinations that it is adding at the airport. Breeze currently serves four nonstops from Bradley, including Charleston, South Carolina; Columbus, Ohio; Norfolk, Virginia; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The first deliveries of Breeze’s order of 80 brand-new Airbus A220s will operate on all four routes starting in June. Each of the four existing routes will have more weekly frequencies added, most notably the Hartford-Charleston route, which will operate with daily flights this summer.
“Our vision to transform Bradley International Airport and drive continued growth has reached a significant milestone today,” Dillon said. “We thank Breeze Airways for recognizing Bradley International Airport’s high standing in the industry and for partnering with us to bring more jobs and exciting nonstop destinations to the region. We are honoured to serve as Breeze’s fifth base and look forward to our expanded partnership.”
“Today’s announcement from Breeze is welcome news for both the Connecticut Airport Authority and the state’s tourism industry, with eight new routes on the way,” Tony Sheridan, chair of the Connecticut Airport Authority Board of Directors, said. “This level of interest also demonstrates Breeze’s confidence in the management and modernization of Bradley International Airport. We are excited to start unveiling these destinations in the coming weeks so we can continue enhancing the rest of the country’s access to all of Connecticut’s tourist offerings.”
The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is supporting the project by providing a grant in arrears of up to $1,262,000 contingent on the company creating and retaining 212 full-time jobs.
“Breeze’s decision to establish this new base and create hundreds of jobs is great news for the state and region and underscores Bradley’s broader importance as an economic driver,” DECD Commissioner David Lehman and Peter Denious, president and CEO of the nonprofit organization AdvanceCT, said in a joint statement. “Breeze is the latest in a long line of companies investing and putting down roots in Connecticut. The fact that the Company is also adding flights is good news for business and leisure travellers alike.”
Breeze Airways, which commenced operations in May 2021, is the nation’s best-funded start-up airline in history. Breeze provides service between 16 cities across 13 states, growing to 18 cities and 14 states by February 19, 2022. Founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, the low fare carrier merges kindness and technology to deliver its signature Seriously Nice™ nonstop service between secondary airports, bypassing hubs and saving Guests time and money. The airline recently announced an order of 80 A220-300 aircraft, the first of which will enter service in May 2022.
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