New Airline Joining Essential Air Service Program

Breeze is the latest carrier to join the Department of Transportation’s Essential Air Service (EAS) program. The airline — which began operations in 2021 — was awarded its first-ever EAS contract on Tuesday.

The contract will add two new airports to the Utah-based carrier’s route map: Washington Dulles and Ogdensburg, New York. In May, Breeze applied to serve the upstate New York community.

Ogdensburg International Airport saw nearly 11,500 passengers in 2023. Contour Airlines is currently serving the airport under the EAS program with 12 weekly flights to Philadelphia. The carrier operates Embraer E135s on the route and allows for onward connections to American’s network.

With a contract term of two years, Breeze is slated to begin flying from Dulles to Ogdensburg on Sept. 27, 2024 with seven weekly round-trip flights. The carrier will operate an Airbus A220 between the two cities, which features 137 seats.

“It’s official Breeze is landing in Ogdensburg! Breeze expanding its service in the North Country with flights between Ogdensburg and DC is great news for Breeze and the North Country,” said Senator Chuck Schumer in a statement. “I fought to secure an increase in funding for the Essential Air Service Program in this year’s FAA bill because I know how important it is for our smaller communities to stay connected to a key hub and the national travel network. This decision is a win-win-win for Breeze, Ogdensburg, and the North Country’s economy. Ogdensburg International Airport is a gateway for commerce, tourism, and travel for North Country residents, and the sky is the limit for Breeze and Ogdensburg!”

The subsidy rate will exceed $9 million by the contract’s second year. In an earlier filing with the DOT, the airline stated that it is evaluating interline partnerships at Dulles to allow for connections.

The carrier is also planning to launch three additional routes from Washington Dulles this fall, including South Bend, Vero Beach, and Provo.

Breeze joins a short-list of new entrants into the EAS program. Earlier this month, JetBlue launched its first EAS route between Boston and Presque Isle, Maine.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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