Our whole mission is to help travelers score quality cheap flights and we know that sometimes paying more doesn't mean a better experience. We obviously don't believe that here at Going. “I think the experience that their executive team has in airlines shows the opportunity in Norfolk and I think you’ll see more investment.”įor more information, visit has always been this idea that if something is cheap there is a little to no quality behind the product. “I think this validates we’re an untapped market,” Chalk said. Chalk said Breeze’s service also markets the region to other airlines. together to keep Breeze’s interest, he said. The airport, Hampton Roads Alliance, the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, VisitNorfolk and Virginia Tourism Corp. The addition of flights from Norfolk will help in economic development efforts, Chalk said - as the world transitions to remote work, the importance of access to mid-sized cities increases. The Norfolk Economic Development Authority and VisitNorfolk are planning to work together to commit $100,000 through in-kind marketing of the Norfolk region to Breeze’s targeted cities, Norfolk Economic Development Director Jared Chalk said. “I think it’s going to be great for the economy and for people to visit.” “We’re excited to be there,” Neeleman said. Breeze is the entrepreneur’s fifth airline startup after JetBlue, Brazil’s Azul, Canada’s WestJet and Utah-based Morris Air, which was acquired by Southwest Airlines. carrier with an expectation of taking care of people. Neeleman is marketing Breeze as the “Seriously Nice” U.S. Plans don’t call for a route from Norfolk to Washington, he said. Two seats are on either side of the aisle.īreeze targets routes that are more than 300 miles away or would take passengers more than 7-8 hours to drive. The airline is using a larger version of regional jets that can seat 108-118 people versus 50-70 passengers, he said.

The company said 95% of Breeze’s announced routes don’t have airlines offering nonstop service. It’s easier for them to fly to hubs for layovers before their final destinations. It’s always been difficult for the larger airlines to serve smaller cities without regional jets, he said. “We’re trying to find these communities that have attractive locations people want to visit and that are not easy to get to,” Neeleman said. While Breeze had been working to offer flights since before the pandemic, the launch comes at a time of pent-up demand from travelers who are getting vaccinated and want to experience new places, Neeleman said. The company is eligible to receive benefits from the Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit based on full-time jobs created. Northam approved a $400,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund for the project, according to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. We are honored that Breeze Airways has selected Virginia as one of its first domestic locations and look forward to building a strong and successful partnership with the company.” “The post-pandemic world will offer increasing opportunities for travel and tourism, and the addition of this new low-cost carrier at Norfolk International Airport will be a catalyst for economic growth, welcoming visitors to our Commonwealth with convenient, nonstop service to often overlooked markets. E-Pilot Evening Edition Home Page Close Menu

Breeze airways norfolk