Why JetBlue Founder David Neeleman is Launching a New U.S. Airline

The founder of JetBlue is back with another genius idea: an airline that actually cares about its customers.

David Neeleman is a man on a mission. The visionary leader who put live TV on JetBlue planes and the airline guru who built Azul into one of the biggest carriers in Brazil has a new project this spring.

Breeze Airways is his brand-new U.S. airline, launching with a distinctive promise. “We just want to be nice,” Neeleman tells iBestTravel. “There’s too much nastiness out there on the internet and everywhere else — but it costs us nothing to be nice.”

The new airline will launch with 39 routes connecting 16 cities and will focus on underserved destinations by major U.S. carriers. Tickets will start at $39 one-way.

“We’re going to get you there quicker with a nonstop flight, and we’re going to do it with a smile,” Neeleman tells iBestTravel.

Route Network and Expansion

Among the primary cities will be Charleston, South Carolina; New Orleans, Louisiana; Norfolk, Virginia; and Tampa, Florida. Additional planned destinations will be gradually added to Breeze’s route network as it ramps up operations this summer, with all 39 routes served by July 22, according to the airline.

“These 16 cities are just the beginning for Breeze,” Neeleman said in a statement shared with iBestTravel. “The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nation’s air service has meant many secondary markets and smaller cities have seen a significant reduction in flights. There are so many city pairs needing nonstop service around the country; we have a further 100 cities under consideration.”

Aircraft and Comfort

However, it’s not just the promise of a pleasant, affordable flight that makes Breeze different. The airline is committed to flying most of its trips with cutting-edge Airbus A220 jets, which offer fuel economy and a spacious cabin despite being slightly smaller than the more typical Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s used in the U.S. When the first of those planes arrives in October of this year, they’ll feature two-by-three seating in economy class and a handful of business-class seats.

For now, Breeze will start out flying smaller Embraer E190 and E195 jets, with a maximum of 118 seats aboard, all in a two-by-two arrangement. Passengers will have the choice of the basic “Nice” fare, which includes a personal item and a seat assigned at check-in, or the upgraded “Nicer” fare, which features an extra legroom seat assignment, a personal item, a carry-on bag, a checked bag, a complimentary drink and snack, and priority boarding.

Moreover, Breeze plans to introduce the “Nicest” fare for its business-class seats once the A220s join the fleet. Unlike a traditional loyalty program tied to miles and segments, the airline will offer BreezePoints that can be redeemed like cash. Nice fares earn 2% back, while Nicer fares earn 4%. Breeze will not charge change or cancellation fees and only asks for $20 for each checked bag or carry-on for the overhead bin.

Conclusion: A New Era of Air Travel

At the end of the day, Neeleman emphasizes that Breeze is about simplicity, particularly for people living in or visiting cities where airline alternatives are scarce. “It’s going to be a really good travel experience,” he says. “People are going to really like it — and they’re going to tell their friends and come back and do it again.”

All the Cities that Breeze Airways Will Serve:

1. Akron/Canton, OH
2. Bentonville/Fayetteville, AR
3. Charleston, SC
4. Columbus, OH
5. Hartford, CT
6. Huntsville, AL
7. Louisville, KY
8. New Orleans, LA
9. Norfolk, VA
10. Oklahoma City, OK
11. Pittsburgh, PA
12. Providence, RI
13. Richmond, VA
14. San Antonio, TX
15. Tampa, FL
16. Tulsa, OK