Breeze Airways is David Neeleman's new airline
JetBlue founder David Neeleman launched his fifth airline on Friday (February 7) and announced that the new carrier will be called Breeze. The airline, formerly working as Moxy, has just applied for an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the US Department of Transportation (DoT).
The new airline was founded by David Neeleman, who previously co-founded Morris Air, WestJet, JetBlue and Azul Linhas Aereas. The initial capital of the startup is 100 million dollars. Breeze Airways will begin operations from Salt Lake City International Airport with further expansion.
Not Moxy but Breeze Airways
According to reports, Moxy's first name to be announced was to be the actual name of the airline. However, there was objection from Marriott, as they have a hotel brand with the same name. David Neeleman's company has been called Breeze Aviation Group for several years now. So his latest startup took on a name that Neeleman says is a very good name.
“It's a name that no one has used. I thought of every name we've ever used from WestJet to Morris Air. It really didn't matter what the line was called. Breeze is a good name and I think it gives people good associations and feels good. Nobody ever minds a nice cool sea breeze,” Neeleman said.
Future fleet
At the moment, there is confirmation that Breeze has chosen two types of aircraft. Firstly, this is the Airbus A220 - an order for this aircraft was made some time ago. Neelman undertook to purchase 60 of these machines. Second, Breeze will start operating the Embraer E195 aircraft it will receive from Azul. When Azul receives the new generation E2 aircraft, the E195 will be transferred to Breeze on a very attractive lease offer. According to media reports, the deal is so successful that Breeze does not even need to fly every day to make the flights pay off. She can just leave them on the ground when demand is low.
While the E195s will only have economy class cabins, the A220s will offer premium cabins. Neeleman told the media that he is looking at many different configurations, including one with 36 premium reclining seats and even one with business class flat seats. The aircraft will be equipped with Wi-Fi, although it may not be free, but the E195 will not have screens on the seats. Breeze Airways (MX) seat maps can be viewed here https://seatmaps.com/airlines/mx-breeze-airways/ in case you plan to travel soon.
Start at the turn of 2020 and 2021.
Neelman hopes the new airline will be operational by the end of the year, but he said it's too early to tell when the first flight will take place.
“We are of course not setting a definitive date because we have the FAA and US DoT certification process in place, so announcing an exact date now would be premature. I am absolutely sure that we will do it this year or at the turn of 2020/21. I just can't give you an exact date right now,” Neeleman added.