Breeze Airways Plans for 400 Aircraft as Profits Surge

Breeze Airways is positioning itself for significant growth, planning to expand its fleet to potentially include as many as 400 aircraft in the coming years. The airline, recognized as a premium low-cost carrier, has recently reported its first profitable quarter, generating over $200 million in revenue during Q4 2024. This positive financial trajectory suggests that Breeze’s strategy of targeting underserved markets is resonating well with passengers.

Current Fleet and Future Deliveries

As of now, Breeze Airways operates a fleet of 55 aircraft, consisting of 43 Airbus A220‐300s and 12 Embraer E190s, with an average age of 12.3 years. According to industry data from ch-aviation, five of these aircraft are currently inactive, leaving 50 in active service. The airline is set to receive 49 additional Airbus A220s, which are configured for 137 seats (12 in business class, 45 in economy plus, and 80 in economy) at intervals of approximately three weeks.

David Neeleman, Breeze’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the growth potential available to the airline, noting that 125 cities across the United States have experienced a decline of more than 25% in air service. Currently, Breeze has 90 firm orders for the Airbus A220, with options to increase that number to 120. Neeleman emphasized, “We think there’s enough market for about 400 aeroplanes. And we only have 50. So it is a tremendous growth opportunity.”

Business Model and Market Positioning

Breeze Airways has adopted a distinctive business model focused on serving smaller and underserved markets. This strategic choice allows the airline to operate smaller aircraft effectively, connecting cities that larger carriers might overlook. According to Neeleman, traditional aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 do not attract enough passengers on these routes to ensure profitability.

The airline’s competitive advantage is evident; approximately 87% of Breeze’s routes face no competition. This niche market approach has also been noted by other carriers, such as Avelo Airlines, which recently placed a major order for 100 Embraer E195-E2 jets.

Breeze Airways, which launched in 2021, has seen its strategy yield results. The airline not only recorded its first full quarter of operating profit in Q4 2024 but also achieved an operating margin exceeding 4%. Total revenue for the year ending December 31, 2024, surpassed $680 million, marking a growth of more than 78% compared to the previous year.

According to a report from The Cranky Flier, utilizing data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Breeze posted its first net profit in the second quarter of 2025. While official financial results are still pending, this achievement reflects the airline’s effort to stabilize its operations and capture market share effectively.

The airline industry is known for its capital-intensive nature, typically requiring a timeframe of five to ten years for an airline to achieve financial stability. Breeze Airways’ recent success indicates it is making commendable strides towards that goal, showcasing the effectiveness of its focused strategy in a competitive landscape.