Breeze Airways is taking to the skies with exciting new destinations this fall, making it easier for travelers to reach sunny Florida from several locations across the United States. Starting November 5, 2024, the airline will launch nonstop service from South Bend International Airport to Orlando International Airport, followed by flights to Southwest Florida International Airport, located near Fort Myers, beginning February 5, 2025. This service is expected to provide residents of South Bend and its surroundings with affordable and convenient access to popular vacation spots.
Fiona Kiesel, the Chief Guest Officer of Breeze Airways, announced the new flights during a press conference on August 7. She noted, "With cities like Orlando and Fort Myers Beach, this is an exact fit for our business model." This is part of Breeze’s broader strategy of connecting underserved regions to its existing airline network. "We look to underserved communities and connect them to our airline network," she added. The announcement makes South Bend the second Indiana airport serviced by Breeze, which already had routes from Evansville Regional Airport to Orlando.
The flights from South Bend to Orlando will operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays, whereas service to Fort Myers will take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Breeze is known for its low-cost yet premium service, featuring elevated seating options, more legroom than traditional carriers, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The promotional pricing also sweetens the deal, with discounts of 35% available through August 9 for round-trip fares.
This new route is just part of the airline's expansion initiative, as it operates approximately 40 Airbus A220-300 aircraft across 200 routes serving 64 cities. These add-ons reflect the growing demand for air travel from Midwest locations to Florida, which remains one of the top destinations for leisure travelers.
David Sage, the president of the St. Joseph County Airport Authority Board, expressed his enthusiasm over the new flights and cited the increase of 7.2% air travelers at South Bend International Airport during the first half of 2024, indicating strong local interest. Breeze will be the fifth airline to offer flights at South Bend International, joining Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
Meanwhile, up north, Breeze is making waves at Bradley International Airport, where it will also initiate new direct flights to Daytona Beach, Florida, and Wilmington, North Carolina, starting February 13, 2025. Kevin Dillon, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority, highlighted the increasing preference among travelers for Breeze, with the airline now offering more nonstop destinations from Bradley than any other carrier. Enthusiastic about the growth, Dillon praised the new flights as convenient and affordable for Connecticut residents.
David Neeleman, the founder and CEO of Breeze Airways, emphasized how Hartford has become a fantastic market for the airline, noting the plentiful opportunities for expansion as the biggest commercial carrier by destination at Bradley International. Existing nonstop routes already include flights to popular cities like Las Vegas, Orlando, and Charleston, underscoring Breeze's commitment to broadening access for leisure travel.
Breeze's marketing strategy employs clever promotional deals, such as the 35% off round-trip fares sold until August 9, with bookings available for select travel dates through early 2025. The unique aspect of Breeze's approach is their combination of quality service with affordability, allowing more passengers to explore new destinations without breaking the bank.
Going beyond its roots, Breeze Airways is also taking steps to increase its reach within Pennsylvania. Erie International Airport will see twice-weekly service to Orlando begin on November 6. This route will be operated on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Erie International is showcasing confidence placed by local businesses and government leaders as they collaborated to secure this new service, credited with the community’s enthusiasm and support.
Erie Airport Executive Director Derek Martin expressed gratitude to the community for rallying behind this effort. Breeze’s Bud Hafer added, "We offer low price points but quality products," indicating their commitment to traveling without compromising comfort. The new routes involve utilizing Airbus A220 jets capable of accommodating 137 passengers, ensuring smooth and comfortable journeys.
Through this grand expansion, Breeze Airways aims to establish itself as the go-to carrier for those longing for travel options from underserved areas. Their unique selling proposition – offering low-cost yet premium flying experiences – may alter how travelers perceive air travel from smaller regional airports. Airline analyses show how Breeze services have filled planes to over 90% capacity through 2023, with customers increasingly gravitating toward this growing airline.
With Breeze’s footprint constantly increasing, travelers can now anticipate even broader options. Air travel, especially to enticing destinations like Florida and beyond, is increasingly within reach for many communities, giving rise to exciting travel possibilities. Anyone interested is encouraged to book soon to take advantage of the limited-time offers, reinforcing the fact Breeze Airways is here to stay and revolutionizing affordable air travel.
