The Battle of Discount Airlines in Southern Connecticut

Southern Connecticut is set to witness a fierce competition between two discount airlines, Breeze Airways and Avelo. Both airlines have announced plans to expand their operations in the region, with Breeze introducing 10 new routes from Tweed Airport in New Haven. This move will put them in direct competition with Avelo, the only commercial airline currently operating out of the airport.

Breeze’s new routes from New Haven will primarily focus on Florida, with flights to popular destinations such as Fort Myers, Orlando, and West Palm Beach. Additionally, there will be flights to cities like Charleston, Norfolk, and Raleigh-Durham. This expansion is part of Breeze’s strategy to tap into the high population density of the Northeast U.S. region and provide affordable nonstop travel options for residents.

Both Breeze and Avelo have adopted different approaches when it comes to fleet and route expansion. Avelo currently operates 26 routes from New Haven, while Breeze has 18 routes from Hartford. The airlines differ in their choice of aircraft, with Avelo using older Boeing 737NG planes and Breeze opting for new Airbus A220 jets. Despite these differences, both airlines emphasize leisure travel and aim to provide affordable flying options to their customers.

Breeze has expressed its intention to further expand its operations in Hartford, including the addition of international service in the near future. The airline is in the final stages of securing certification for international flights and plans to start selling tickets to international destinations before the end of the year. This move will not only increase Breeze’s market share in the region but also provide more options for customers looking to travel abroad.

The battle between Breeze Airways and Avelo in Southern Connecticut is set to intensify in the coming months, with both airlines vying for a larger share of the market. As they continue to expand their route offerings and enhance their services, customers in the region can expect more choices and competitive pricing. It remains to be seen how this competition will play out and what impact it will have on the overall aviation landscape in Southern Connecticut.