Breeze Airways, a low-cost carrier based in Utah, has recently expanded its fleet by welcoming three new Airbus A220-300 aircraft. These planes were delivered under a lease agreement with the Dutch regional aircraft lessor TrueNoord. This marks a significant milestone, as these aircraft are the first A220s and the largest type to join TrueNoord’s portfolio, which primarily consists of ATR, Embraer, and De Havilland Canada aircraft.
The three Airbus A220-300s were delivered in February 2023 and are part of a long-term sale and leaseback agreement with TrueNoord. According to industry data from ch-aviation, this delivery brings Breeze’s total operating fleet to 49 aircraft, enabling the airline to sustain its nearly 300 year-round routes across the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Enhancing Operational Capacity
The addition of the A220-300s is strategic for Breeze Airways, which aims to provide affordable air travel to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The A220’s design allows for lower operating costs compared to larger aircraft, making it possible for Breeze to profitably serve routes that larger carriers often cannot sustain.
Anne Bart Tieleman, Chief Executive Officer of TrueNoord, highlighted the significance of this addition, stating, “The A220 complements TrueNoord’s existing Embraer E2 order book and highlights our appetite for new generation 100-150 seat class aircraft.” She noted that this development sets the tone for continued growth as TrueNoord looks ahead to 2026 and beyond.
Since its first flight in May 2021, Breeze has rapidly expanded its operations, now serving a total of 300 routes across 86 cities. Operating in 76 cities within the United States, Breeze provides low-cost flights to more than 34 states in the contiguous U.S. Passengers benefit from features such as no change or cancellation fees, customizable booking options, and onboard amenities like fast WiFi and a selection of meals and drinks available for purchase.
Future Prospects and Strategic Growth
Breeze Airways, founded as Moxy Airways in 2018, officially launched operations under its current name in May 2021 with its inaugural flight from Tampa (TPA) to Charleston (CHS). The airline was established by David Neeleman, a prominent figure in the aviation industry known for founding airlines such as WestJet, JetBlue, and Azul Linhas Aéreas.
Breeze has emerged as the fastest-growing airline in the U.S., having hit profitability last year. With a fleet of 52 Airbus A220s and an additional 38 on order, the airline is continuing to add routes and expand its network at a remarkable pace. Industry reports indicate that Breeze is actively assessing its next steps, including potential expansion of routes, increased flight frequency, or even international operations.
TrueNoord itself maintains a diverse portfolio of 120 owned or committed aircraft across ten types, with an average fleet age of around ten years. The lessor has a total portfolio value exceeding $140 million and collaborates with several investment partners, including BlackRock and Capital Dynamics.
By leasing aircraft, airlines like Breeze can conserve capital and maintain financial flexibility, allowing them to adapt their fleets to changing market demands without the burden of high upfront costs. This strategy supports the growth of affordable air service, making travel more accessible for passengers across its extensive network.
Overall, the recent delivery of the Airbus A220-300s is a pivotal step for Breeze Airways as it continues to carve out its niche in the competitive airline market, driven by innovative leadership and a commitment to affordable air travel.
