A new competition is brewing in Southern Connecticut as Breeze Airways announces plans to introduce 10 new routes from Tweed Airport in New Haven, directly competing with Avelo, the only commercial airline currently operating out of the airport. With an emphasis on Florida destinations, Breeze is set to launch flights to Fort Myers, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Vero Beach, Jacksonville, and Sarasota from New Haven, in addition to serving Charleston, Norfolk, Richmond, and Raleigh-Durham.
Breeze’s Chief Commercial Officer, Lukas Johnson, highlighted the airline’s strategic growth plans in the Northeast region of the U.S., citing the high population density and limited nonstop travel options as key factors. By offering affordable flights from convenient airports like Hartford, Westchester County, Providence, Stewart-Newburgh, and now New Haven, Breeze aims to disrupt the air travel market in the area.
While Avelo currently operates 26 routes from New Haven and Breeze flies 18 routes from Hartford, both airlines have distinct strategies and fleet preferences. Avelo’s focus on older Boeing 737NG aircraft contrasts with Breeze’s move towards newer Airbus A220 small mainline jets. Despite these differences, both carriers are heavily emphasizing leisure travel and affordable flying options for passengers.
Looking ahead, Breeze has signaled its intentions to further expand at Hartford, including the addition of international service in the coming months. The airline is on track to secure certification for international flights and plans to start selling tickets to international destinations before the end of the year. With both Breeze and Avelo entering the market in 2021, the battle for market share and customer loyalty in Southern Connecticut is set to intensify.
The competition between Breeze Airways and Avelo in Southern Connecticut represents an exciting development for travelers in the region. With new routes, competitive pricing, and a focus on leisure travel, both airlines are seeking to carve out a niche in the market. As passengers benefit from increased options and potentially lower fares, the clash of these discount carriers is sure to shape the future of air travel in Southern Connecticut.