Breeze Airways Expands Fleet with Three New Airbus A220-300s

Breeze Airways, a low-cost carrier based in Utah, has recently expanded its fleet with the addition of three new Airbus A220-300 aircraft. These planes were delivered in February 2024 through a lease agreement with regional aircraft lessor TrueNoord. This marks a significant milestone for TrueNoord, as these aircraft represent both their first A220 and their largest aircraft type, joining a fleet primarily composed of ATR, Embraer, and De Havilland Canada models.

The lease agreement is part of a long-term sale and leaseback arrangement between Breeze Airways and TrueNoord. With offices in Amsterdam, Dublin, London, and Singapore, TrueNoord currently manages over 100 aircraft leased to more than 30 carriers globally.

A220 Aircraft Boost Breeze Airways’ Operations

The introduction of the Airbus A220-300 is critical for Breeze Airways’ operational strategy. The aircraft allows the airline to maintain a network of flights to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, offering substantial seat capacity while benefiting from lower operating costs compared to larger aircraft. These new additions enable Breeze to profitably serve routes that have been challenging for larger airlines.

With the recent deliveries, Breeze’s total operating fleet has increased to 49 aircraft, facilitating nearly 300 year-round routes across the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Since its inception in May 2021, Breeze Airways has rapidly grown, now operating in 76 cities across the U.S. alone.

TrueNoord’s Chief Executive Officer, Anne Bart Tieleman, expressed excitement about the addition of the A220, stating, “The A220 complements TrueNoord’s existing Embraer E2 order book and highlights our appetite for new generation 100-150 seat class aircraft. This important announcement sets the tone for the months ahead as we continue on our strong upward growth path into 2026 and beyond.”

Breeze Airways: Affordable Travel for 86 Cities

Since launching its first flight, Breeze Airways has expanded its service to a total of 300 routes spanning 86 cities across the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. In the U.S. alone, the airline provides low-cost flights to over 34 states.

Passengers benefit from features such as no change or cancellation fees, customizable booking options, and in-flight amenities including fast WiFi and family seating. A variety of meal and drink options are available for purchase on board, accommodating various preferences and payment methods.

Breeze maintains operational bases at several locations, including Akron/Canton, Charleston (SC), Fort Myers, Hartford, New Orleans, Norfolk, Orlando, Providence, Provo, Raleigh/Durham, Tampa, and Vero Beach. The airline’s fleet currently includes 50 Airbus A220-300s, along with several Embraer aircraft.

Founded in 2018 as Moxy Airways, Breeze transitioned to Breeze Airways and commenced operations in May 2021 with its inaugural flight from Tampa (TPA) to Charleston (CHS). The airline was established by David Neeleman, a well-known figure in the aviation industry, previously associated with successful carriers like WestJet, JetBlue, and Azul Linhas Aereas.

Breeze Airways has quickly established itself as the fastest-growing carrier in the U.S., navigating the post-pandemic surge in leisure travel effectively. With 52 A220s currently in its fleet and an additional 38 on order, the airline is poised for continued growth, recently expanding its route offerings.

As Breeze Airways looks to the future, the question remains: how should the airline continue its momentum? Potential strategies could include expanding routes, increasing flight frequency, adjusting fleet composition, or exploring international markets.

TrueNoord’s Role in Aircraft Leasing

TrueNoord boasts a diverse portfolio of 120 owned or committed aircraft across ten types, with an average fleet age of around ten years. Valued at over $1.4 billion, the lessor partners with investment firms such as BlackRock and Capital Dynamics.

Financing for TrueNoord is secured through major banks, including Airbus Bank and Deutsche Bank, allowing them to support a wide range of airlines globally. This leasing model provides airlines with the financial flexibility to allocate capital towards operations rather than asset ownership, minimizing upfront costs and facilitating access to newer, more efficient aircraft.

TrueNoord has established partnerships with numerous airlines, including Philippine Airlines, Air Canada, and Ethiopian Airlines. By offering flexible leasing options, TrueNoord plays a crucial role in helping carriers adapt to fluctuating market demands while managing operational costs effectively.

As Breeze Airways continues its ascent in the aviation industry, the collaboration with TrueNoord exemplifies the dynamic relationships within the airline sector that support growth and innovation.