Breeze Airways Achieves First Full Quarter of Profitability in 2024
Breeze Airways, the premium leisure low-cost carrier (LCC) founded by airline entrepreneur David Neeleman, has officially reported its first full quarter of operating profit since launching in 2021. This milestone comes as the airline continues to expand its network, focusing on underserved secondary markets and utilizing a fleet of fuel-efficient Airbus A220 aircraft.
Let’s dive into how Breeze achieved this financial success and what’s next for the airline.
Breeze Airways’ Road to Profitability
Post-Pandemic Growth and Expansion
Breeze Airways saw its first profitable month in March 2024, followed by another in April. However, due to rapid expansion throughout the year, full-quarter profitability was delayed until Q4 2024.
During 2024, Breeze:
✅ Added 29 new destinations to its network.
✅ Increased available seat miles (ASM) by over 52%.
✅ Carried 4.2 million passengers.
✅ Boosted total revenue by 78% year-over-year.
CEO David Neeleman on Breeze’s Success
Breeze Airways’ founder and CEO David Neeleman highlighted the airline’s unique low-cost hybrid model, known as “Nice Low-Cost Carrier” (NLCC), as a key factor in its growth:
“This milestone is a major accomplishment for Breeze and a strong testament to the hard work, dedication, and determination of our more than 2,000 incredible Team Members.”
“Our hybrid model – one we refer to as ‘Nice Low-Cost Carrier’ – is not just working, but thriving.”
Breeze’s Unique Strategy: Serving Underserved Airports
Minimal Competition on Most Routes
One of Breeze Airways’ biggest advantages is its focus on secondary airports that major airlines have abandoned over the past two decades. As of late 2024:
- Breeze was the sole operator on 87% of its 220 nonstop routes.
- Hundreds of additional new routes are under consideration.
- The airline became the top carrier by destinations served in 24 of its 66 cities.
Why Smaller Airports Work for Breeze
According to Lukas Johnson, Chief Commercial Officer at Breeze, the airline’s business model thrives because it targets routes that other airlines ignore:
“We consider all these different markets that nobody else is able to tap into… It’s that combination—nobody else is doing it with that size of plane, which is brand new and fuel-efficient.”
Key Benefits of Operating from Smaller Airports
✅ Less congestion = Shorter wait times for passengers.
✅ Faster turnaround times = More flights per aircraft per day.
✅ Efficient fleet utilization = Average 10+ flight hours per day per aircraft.
✅ Lower competition = Higher profitability per route.
Breeze’s Airbus A220s are the youngest fleet in the industry, offering a first-class section, extra legroom, and a superior onboard experience compared to other low-cost carriers.
Financial Success & Expansion Plans
Breeze’s Profitable Business Model
According to Trent Porter, Chief Financial Officer, Breeze has built one of the most cost-efficient structures in the airline industry:
“By maintaining one of the most cost-efficient structures in the industry, combined with record-breaking growth and revenues, Breeze is doing something few airlines have managed to do at this age and stage.”
In 2024, Breeze achieved:
✔ 4% increase in fleet utilization, reaching 10+ hours per aircraft daily.
✔ Introduction of a cobranded credit card with Barclays, exceeding expectations.
✔ Continued transition to a full Airbus A220 fleet for better efficiency.
Fleet Expansion
Breeze originally launched with a fleet of Embraer E190 and E195 aircraft but has since transitioned to Airbus A220s for better fuel efficiency and cost savings.
Current and Future Fleet Plan
✔ 2024 Deliveries: 13 new A220s, bringing the fleet to 33 aircraft.
✔ Future Orders: 90 firm A220 orders + 30 options through 2028.
✔ Projected Operations: By 2025, 97-98% of all scheduled flights will be operated by A220s.
What’s Next for Breeze? International Expansion & Partnerships
International Service on the Horizon
Breeze has confirmed plans to launch scheduled international flights soon. While the exact destinations remain undisclosed, the airline is:
- Finalizing FAA certifications for international operations.
- Exploring Hawaii as a new potential market.
- Actively considering Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America destinations.
According to David Neeleman, international expansion is a top priority for Breeze’s next growth phase:
“As we move into this exciting new phase of our growth, including highly anticipated international service, we must remain hyper-focused on operating the safest, most reliable operation in the industry.”
Partnerships with Other Airlines?
To expand its reach beyond its underserved markets, Breeze is exploring:
✔ Interline agreements with larger carriers.
✔ Potential code-sharing partnerships.
✔ Connecting passengers from Breeze’s secondary airports to global hubs.
Breeze Airways is Poised for Long-Term Success
Breeze Airways’ first full quarter of profitability marks a major milestone in the airline’s journey. With a unique network strategy, a cost-efficient fleet, and a strong revenue model, Breeze is proving that its “Nice Low-Cost Carrier” (NLCC) concept works.
As the airline gears up for international expansion and fleet growth, it’s clear that Breeze is on a strong upward trajectory. With continued smart route selection, efficient operations, and financial discipline, the airline is well-positioned to achieve long-term success in the competitive airline industry.
