Neeleman Returns to New York as Breeze Adds New West Coast Routes

JetBlue founder David Neeleman’s low-cost airline Breeze Airways plans to begin operating flights to the West Coast of the United States. The introduction of new routes will operate from the Southeastern region as it aims to expand its network and become a more viable option for travelers looking to flyfrom secondary U.S. markets as well as the airlines’ first routes out of New York. Breeze, however, will not be flying any of the big 3 New York City airports. Instead of operating out of Newark, LaGuardia or John F. Kennedy, Breeze intends to fly from Westchester County Airport, roughly 30 miles north of New York City.

Beginning on September 7, 2022, Breeze will begin flying to Los Angeles followed by services to Las Vegas commencing the following day. Flights to San Francisco will start on November 2. All three flights will be operated by Breeze’s brand new Airbus A220 aircraft featuring a low-density configuration, allowing the airline to operate full flights from Westchester to the West Coast as Westchester County Airport’s runway is not suitable for higher capacity aircraft with its short 6,549-foot runway.

Breeze’s A220 aircraft offers more space, is quieter and more cost-effective for the airline which means lower ticket prices for the passenger. Neeleman said, “the Airbus aircraft embodies the Breeze ideal of merging kindness with technology, pairing unrivaled passenger comfort with eco-friendly efficiency. With the A220, Breeze is giving our Guests the widest cabin, highest ceiling, largest windows and biggest overhead stowage in this class, while still managing to burn 25% less fuel, with half the noise footprint of past generations.” The A220s serving Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco will also have 36 First Class seats for those passengers seeking even more comfort on the cross country trip.

Neeleman’s former airline, JetBlue, has been the largest airline operating out of Westchester since beginning service there in 2007. JetBlue currently flies to five cities in Florida to meet demand and serve as a convenient option for New York City’s suburban upper-class. As Breeze’s new routes begin, JetBlue will become the second airline in Westchester while Breeze will offer services to the Southeast as had been announced back in March. Many residents of the Westchester area have for years needed to drive to one of the big 3 airports in New York City for service to the West Coast but with Breeze’s new routes, this will hopefully change. It’s cheaper, more convenient and in most cases a stronger coach product than what many of the larger airlines operating out of JFK and EWR are offering.

Since its founding in 2018 as Moxy Airways, Breeze has expanded rapidly after beginning commercial services in May of 2021. The airline currently has a firm order for 40 Airbus A220 aircraft with an option for 40 more planning to receive one A220 per month for the next six years.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Ezra Gollan

Ezra Gollan is a student, photographer and aviation enthusiast based in New York, New York. He has spent over half a decade around New York City’s airports as a photographer.

Latest posts by Ezra Gollan (see all)

• Flair Airlines Files Lawsuit as Saga Drags On - March 17, 2023
• Opinion: FLYR’s Bankruptcy Should Send A Signal To Low-Cost Startups That It Is Finally Time to Stop - February 2, 2023
• Boeing’s Production of Final 747 Marks End of Era - January 13, 2023