The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) and elected state and city leaders welcomed the newly launched Breeze Airways today for the arrival of their first flight to Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport. The “Seriously Nice” air carrier created by JetBlue founder David Neeleman has begun offering service four times a week between Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) and Charleston, SC (CHS) starting today. Flights to Norfolk, VA (ORF), and Pittsburgh, PA (PIT) are starting on July 29th . Flights between (PVD) and each destination are currently available four days a week. Arrivals and departures on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays can be purchased at www.flybreeze.com and on the Breeze app.
Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, Rhode Island House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi, Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi and other dignitaries were on hand to welcome Breeze Airways executives and enjoy first flight festivities with travelers embarking on the first flight to Charleston, South Carolina. Breeze Airways travelers were treated to food and entertainment in the tradition of the South Carolina destination. Passengers also enjoyed a Del’s Blueberry Lemonade “toast” to the new airline, while the Rhode Island State House dome was lit up in Breeze Blue as the evening flight departed for Charleston. Senator Jack Reed, who has been pivotal in securing federal funding for Rhode Island airport improvements, was also able to join the festivities upon his return from Washington, D.C.
Following the announced establishment of Breeze Airways, hundreds of mid to small airports throughout the nation sought to be included among the new airline’s inaugural airports. Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport is one of just 16 airports in the nation selected by Breeze Airways to be part of the airline debut service. With the addition of these three new routes, Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport now offers 25 non-stop routes provided by 11 different airlines, a non-stop route increase of 47% and airline increase of 57% compared to 2016 when the airport had 17 non-stop routes and just 7 airlines.
“Providence is our 16th destination inaugurated this summer. It might be last, but it’s far from least,” said Breeze Airways Board Member Trey Urbahn. “Rhode Island has been selling so well for us, I’m sure it won’t be long until we add additional frequencies and non-stop markets. In by-passing hubs with affordable fares, Breeze will get you there in half the time, but also half the price!”
“Rhode Island is excited to welcome Breeze Airways to the Ocean State,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I know the new non-stop offerings will make travel easier for Rhode Islanders and will offer comfortable and convenient travel into our beautiful state.”
“Rhode Island couldn’t be happier to be chosen as one of Breeze Airway’s inaugural airports,” said Rhode Island House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi, “New routes such as these can benefit the Rhode Island economy in many ways, helping to foster improved tourism between regions, as well as providing convenient east coast connections for Rhode Island’s naval and defense related industry.”
“Beyond the economic benefits that come with expansion of new airlines, it’s also a tremendous benefit for Rhode Island tourists and business travelers who can take advantage of these non-stop flights,” said Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey. “I look forward to seeing all Rhode Islanders take advantage of the benefits of the ‘Seriously Nice’ air carrier.”
“It’s a great day for the city of Warwick as we welcome the first Breeze Airways flight into our airport,” said Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi. “We are honored to be one of the inaugural airports in the country. These new routes not only benefit our economy, but provide travelers here in Rhode Island with a new alternative to get to these three beautiful destinations.”
Breeze Airways previously announced that they would be operating 13 single-class Embraer aircraft this summer, flying routes with an average flight length under two hours. The ten E190 jets will be configured to seat 108 guests while the three E195 aircraft will have 118 seats. Guests may choose from fares that include ‘Nice’ regular seating, or ‘Nicer’ seats with extra legroom. All Embraer aircraft are a two-by-two seat configuration, so there are no middle seats. Breeze expects to integrate 60 brand new Airbus A220 aircraft over the next several years beginning this Fall, allowing the new airline to include longer routes, including possible connections to the U.S. West Coast and Europe, The A220s will offer a “Nicest,” premium cabin in a two-by-two configuration at the front of the plane, while the remainder of the aircraft will feature a two-by-three seat configuration.
[Note to Editors: B-roll footage and photos provided by Breeze Airways is available at https://tinyurl.com/Breeze-RI. Video and photos from the 7/22 First Flight will be made available at https://tinyurl.com/Breeze7-22]
About Breeze Airways: Founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, Breeze Airways is a new low cost airline offering point to point flights from smaller secondary airports, bypassing hubs for shorter travel times. Breeze’s team is a group of aviation experts and fanatics, working day and night to build a ‘Seriously Nice’ airline. Breeze’s mission is to make the world of travel simple, affordable and convenient, using technology, ingenuity and kindness to improve the travel experience. For those interested in applying for employment with Breeze Airways, please visit: https://jobs.flybreeze.com/
About Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport: A convenient and low-cost gateway to New England, Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) has a large catchment area with 7.5 million residents within 90 minutes of the airport. It attracts passengers from nearby Massachusetts and eastern Connecticut. PVD is located just outside of Providence, Rhode Island. Well known for ease of traveler access, affordable parking, and faster security lines, Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport was named as one of USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Best Small Airports” for 2021 as well as “Top Five” in Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best 2020” Awards for Top Domestic Airports. Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport was most recently named 4th “Best Airport” in the U.S. in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
