RICHMOND – Governor Ralph Northam has announced that Breeze Airways, a new United States-based airline providing low-cost, non-stop service to mid-sized markets, will invest $ 5.2 million to establish an operations center in the town of Norfolk. The company targets underserved and unserved cities without non-stop service and has identified dozens of route opportunities from Norfolk International Airport. Norfolk will be one of Breeze Airways’ first four bases of operations in the United States, and the airline also plans to offer flights from Richmond International Airport. Virginia successfully competed with several other sites for the project, which will create 116 new jobs.

“Aviation has long been rooted in the economy of Hampton Roads, and the arrival of Breeze Airways is another sign of this region’s growing position as a hub for commercial flights,” Governor Northam said. “The post-pandemic world will provide more and more travel and tourism opportunities, and the addition of this new low-cost carrier to Norfolk International Airport will be a catalyst for economic growth, welcoming visitors to our Commonwealth with convenient, non-stop service that is often overlooked. markets. We are honored that Breeze Airways has chosen Virginia as one of its first domestic locations and look forward to building a strong and successful partnership with the company. “

Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Breeze Airways is a start-up airline created by David Neeleman, founder of several airlines, including JetBlue. Its goals include inbound travel, local leisure and business travel, and millennial travelers. Breeze Airways will operate primarily in markets in which no other airline currently competes. All employees, which will include airline crew members and aircraft maintenance workers, will remain local. The company plans to offer flights from June 2021. Additional information on today’s announcement is available on flybreeze.com.

“The City of Norfolk and Hampton Roads are fertile ground for a new niche airline like Breeze Airways,” said Secretary of Commerce and Commerce Brian Ball. “Norfolk International Airport will be a prime starting point to reach the company’s growing customer base and provide more travel options for Virginians, and we are confident Breeze Airways will find success in the Commonwealth.”

“We welcome Breeze Airways to our Commonwealth,” said Transport Secretary Shannon Valentine. “Our airports serve as gateways to the world, and this new airline, focused on unserved and underserved communities, will increase accessibility, expand markets and support economic growth in Virginia.

“Breeze is delighted to announce two destinations in Virginia: Norfolk and Richmond,” said David Neeleman, Founder and CEO of Breeze Airways. “Norfolk in particular is a premier destination with a significant number of unserved markets that will provide Breeze with many years of growth opportunities. We look forward to offering Virginians great rates and nonstop service, to get them where they go in half the time, usually for around half the price. “

“The addition of Breeze Airways will be a game-changer not only for Norfolk, but for the Commonwealth as a whole, connecting Area 757 with non-stop service to over 40 route options,” said Rita McClenny, President and Chief from the management of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “This new gateway will boost footfall in important markets, while introducing the Commonwealth to new audiences, including travelers, businesses, students and the military. This new addition will provide visitors with convenient access to one of the most exciting and beautiful parts of the Commonwealth, giving them a chance to experience for themselves why Virginia is for lovers.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Norfolk, Norfolk Airport Authority, Virginia Department of Aviation, Hampton Roads Alliance, Hampton Roads Workforce Council, VisitNorfolk and Virginia Tourism Corporation to secure the project for the Commonwealth. Governor Northam has approved a $ 400,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to help the Town of Norfolk complete the project. The business can also take advantage of the Large Business Job Tax Credit for new full-time jobs created.

“Norfolk is a central Atlantic destination for inbound travel, tourism and business travel,” said Norfolk City Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander. “We are delighted that Breeze has decided to establish an operations center and that the city will get new non-stop direct routes, creating new jobs and increasing tourism. As the primary airport serving Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina, Norfolk remains our region’s primary link to the global transportation network. “

“We are pleased to welcome Breeze Airways to Norfolk International Airport,” said Robert Bowen, Executive Director of the Norfolk Airports Authority. “Our community will respond very favorably to the company’s style of service, and we look forward to being the gateway to a wonderful business and vacation destination for visitors.”

“Breeze Airways’ decision to invest and locate in the City of Norfolk will improve both the quality and market reach of our regional air service,” said Doug Smith, President and CEO of Hampton Roads Alliance. “As a result, our region will be better equipped to recruit other companies to establish operations in Hampton Roads and, just as important, to attract the talented workforce necessary to meet the needs of these companies. We are honored to have worked alongside our state and our local partners on this project.

“On behalf of the Workforce Council, we are thrilled to be part of the team to bring Breeze Airways to our region,” said Shawn Avery, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Workforce Council. “We are confident that our diverse and skilled workforce is perfectly positioned to fill the careers Breeze will need to take off and fly.”

“This is very exciting news as we head into summer, traditionally our busiest season, and at a time when traveler sentiment indicates post-pandemic demand will be exceptionally strong,” Kurt Krause said. , President and CEO of VisitNorfolk. “Kudos to the leaders and staff of Breeze for seeing the vision to launch a new airline during this time of economic revitalization and for recognizing the importance of key markets such as Norfolk.”

“Breeze Airways has chosen Norfolk as one of five cities in which to establish an operations center is a testament to the continued growth of the greater Hampton Roads area as a business center and travel destination,” said Senator Lynwood Lewis. “The investment made by the company and the Commonwealth, along with the continued support of the City of Norfolk, has the potential to directly connect the greater Hampton Roads area to people across the country. This is a great development for the future of Norfolk and the region. “

“As COVID-19 restrictions ease and people become more comfortable traveling again, I am delighted that Breeze Airways is providing an economical travel option as well as good jobs for voters in the 90th arrondissement,” said delegate Angelia Graves. “This project is another great example of Virginia attracting creative and innovative businesses, and I look forward to Breeze’s success in the Commonwealth.”