American low-cost startup airline Breeze Airways has unveiled its first Airbus A220-300 aircraft, which is expected to join the carrier in the coming weeks. The airline has agreed to purchase 80 A220-300s in total.
According to an Airbus statement dated October 26, 2021, the brand new Breeze Airways aircraft should be delivered to the airline in the next few weeks and is expected to enter service in Q2 2022. It will become the airline’s first A220-300 jet, with the remaining aircraft scheduled to follow.
It’s Seriously Nice™ to meet you, A220s. Yeah, let’s do this. pic.twitter.com/UYuw7WViv4
— Breeze Airways (@BreezeAirways) October 26, 2021
The A220-300’s cabin is configured to carry 126 passengers in two-class seating, including 36 seats in business class and 90 seats in economy. The carrier will entice its passengers with wide premium seats and large windows alongside increased overhead stowage space for each traveler.
Tailwinds are picking up for @BreezeAirways ✈️ ! Today we joined them in #Alabama to unveil their first @Airbus #A220 powered exclusively by our GTF engines. Learn more: https://t.co/VjBRJ103qj #WeArePW pic.twitter.com/tINGtC6Tav
— Pratt & Whitney (@prattandwhitney) October 26, 2021
Initially, Breeze Airways has ordered 20 A220-300s in 2018. However, in September 2021, the company decided to expand its total order book by an additional 60 jets of the type. All 80 jets will be powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. The American aerospace manufacturer will also provide Breeze with engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services through a long-term agreement.
The startup airline was founded by David Neeleman, who has already established four other air carriers, JetBlue Airways, WestJet, Morris Air, and Azul Brazilian. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Breeze Airways was due to launch its first flights in the second half of 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the launch to summer 2021. The carrier completed its inaugural flight from Tampa International Airport (TPA), Florida to Charleston International Airport (CHS), South Carolina on May 27, 2021.
Data from planespotters.com indicates that the airline currently operates a fleet consisting of 10 Embraer ERJ-190s and three Embraer ERJ-195s.
