Breeze Soars to its First Profitable Quarter

For the first time since taking to the skies in 2021, Breeze Airways recorded a profitable quarter, a significant step forward for the maturing low-cost airline.

Breeze announced on Jan. 23 that it had generated more than $200 million in revenue with an operating margin of over 4 percent in the fourth quarter. Breeze generated $680 million in total revenue for the year, a 78 percent jump from 2023.

David Neeleman, founder and CEO of Breeze, called the milestone “a major accomplishment for Breeze and a strong testament to the hard work, dedication and determination of our more than 2,000 incredible team members. In under four years, we have managed to grow and expand Breeze at an unprecedented rate while establishing a robust presence in dozens of underserved markets across the U.S.”

The privately held company’s first quarterly profit is noteworthy as the airline industry is regarded as one of the most difficult for new businesses due to high start-up costs and regulatory and competitive challenges.

However, Breeze has carved out a niche for itself in the U.S. airline business, flying to underserved markets with point-to-point service that bypasses major connecting hubs and providing an elevated customer experience at affordable fares.

In a nearly four-year span, Breeze has grown its network from its initial 16 destinations to 66. Pittsburgh was one of Breeze’s first markets.

Last year alone, Breeze added 29 destinations, increasing the airline’s average seats per mile by 52 percent year-over-year.

As of December 2024, Breeze flies nearly 220 routes, 87 percent of which it is the sole carrier with nonstop service. According to Breeze, its low-cost structure facilitates base fare options that are 44 percent lower on average than other carriers serving the same markets.

The carrier began service at Pittsburgh International Airport in July 2021 with routes to Charleston, Hartford, Norfolk/Virginia Beach and Providence. That number has grown to 12, making it one of PIT’s largest carriers by total destinations served.

In recent years, the carrier has expanded into New Orleans, Portland, Maine, and Raleigh-Durham; popular Florida markets like Fort Myers, Jacksonville and Tampa; and major West Coast markets including Los Angeles and San Diego.

Several of these markets have seen increases in service, such as more flights to Charleston and Fort Myers, and Raleigh-Durham service going year-round. In May, Breeze will add a third weekly flight to Portland and will gradually increase Los Angeles service from twice a week to five times a week by June. It is also resuming seasonal service to Norfolk/Virginia Beach, San Diego and Tampa in May.

The key to Breeze’s growth? The Airbus A220-300, a new type that has quickly gained popularity with airlines for its fuel efficiency and passengers for its modern, quiet cabin and 2×3 seating perfect for couples or families traveling together.

Breeze has fitted its A220s with amenities that enhance its premium low-cost experience. In addition to high-speed Wi-Fi and in-seat power, Breeze offers upgrades such as extra legroom and first-class style seating, plus buy-on-board snacks and drinks.

The A220 has allowed Breeze to not only grow capacity – replacing the airline’s initial fleet of Embraer E190s and E195s – but continue expanding. Breeze took delivery of 13 A220s from Airbus in 2024 and now currently flies 33 of the type.

More A220s are on the way as Breeze has orders for 90 aircraft and 30 options from Airbus through 2028.

“Our key to success lies in our ability to leverage the unique size and efficiency of the A220 to offer direct service between underserved cities with a premium product people really enjoy,” said Lukas Johnson, Breeze’s chief commercial officer. “That, combined with our ability to put planes where and when they’ll be most successful, is what truly makes Breeze stand out in the industry.”

New partnership takes to the ice

Breeze isn’t just taking to the skies. It is also hitting the ice in Pittsburgh.

On Friday, Breeze announced a partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League that includes flight promotions for fans, in cooperation with PIT.

Breeze is giving out $50 vouchers of its BreezePoints loyalty program to military members recognized by the Penguins during each of the team’s home games at PPG Paints Arena for the 2024-25 season. The vouchers can be used for any of the 12 cities Breeze serves nonstop from PIT. Breeze expects to give away up to $1,550 worth of BreezePoints during the promotion.

Viewers of the Penguins broadcasts on SportsnetPittsburgh will also notice new digital billboard displays featuring Breeze and PIT for all home and away games.

The promotion, launched in November, will run through the remainder of the Penguins’ season.

Many U.S. airlines partner with sports teams through promotions and sponsorships to boost brand awareness and generate customer loyalty, as well as show commitment to local communities.