Southern Connecticut is set to become a battleground for two discount airlines as Breeze Airways and Avelo compete for passengers in the region. Breeze Airways recently announced plans to introduce 10 routes from Tweed Airport in New Haven, Connecticut, where Avelo currently maintains its primary East Coast base and is the only commercial airline operating.
Breeze’s new offerings from New Haven will focus on flights to popular destinations in Florida, with December launches to Fort Myers, Orlando, West Palm Beach, and Vero Beach, followed by February launches to Jacksonville and Sarasota. In addition to Florida, Breeze will also offer flights to Charleston, South Carolina; Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia; and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. Notably, Breeze will directly compete with Avelo on six of the 10 routes, setting the stage for a fierce competition between the two airlines.
The move by Breeze Airways to expand its presence in New Haven comes on the heels of Avelo’s announcement in late July that it would begin service from Bradley Airport, located north of Hartford, Connecticut, which is also a base for Breeze. Avelo’s expansion into Hartford includes its first international routes to Cancun and Montego Bay starting in November, marking a significant milestone for the airline.
In a statement regarding the expansion into New Haven, Breeze’s chief commercial officer Lukas Johnson highlighted the airline’s commitment to providing affordable and convenient air travel options for residents in the Northeast region of the U.S. With a focus on high population density areas and limited nonstop travel options, Breeze aims to fill a gap in the market by offering direct flights from smaller, more accessible airports like Tweed Airport.
Currently, Avelo operates 26 routes from New Haven, while Breeze flies 18 routes from Hartford, according to Cirium data. Breeze has also announced plans to further expand its operations at Hartford, including the addition of international service in the near future. The airline is in the final stages of securing certification for international flying and aims to begin selling tickets to international destinations before the end of the year.
Despite both Breeze and Avelo launching in the spring of 2021, the airlines have distinct fleet strategies, with Avelo utilizing older Boeing 737NG aircraft and Breeze opting for new Airbus A220 small mainline jets. Both airlines cater to leisure travelers, offering affordable fares and a focus on customer experience.
As Southern Connecticut emerges as a battleground for these two discount airlines, passengers can expect increased options for affordable and convenient air travel to popular destinations in the region and beyond. With Breeze and Avelo vying for market share, travelers stand to benefit from competitive pricing and expanded route offerings, making it an exciting time for air travel in the area.
