Breeze Airways Takes Flight As Avelo Airlines Retreats

It’s the tale of two airlines, as over in the bustling skies of the United States, we have Avelo Airlines and Breeze Airways. Both newcomers to the friendly skies, they’re pushing their weight around with point-to-point routes in markets that usually get as much attention as a cactus at a rose show.

However, here’s where the plot thickens. Avelo’s choice of aircraft is akin to inviting guests to a party and serving tap water, flying used 737s with the kind of basic product that leaves you asking, “Is there more?” In contrast, Breeze swoops in with shiny, new A220s, boasting Wi-Fi and posh seating options like it’s hosting brunch at the Ritz. And now, on the West Coast’s aviation stage, brace yourself for the latest act…

Breeze Announces Major West Coast Breakthrough

In a rather dramatic turn of events, Avelo just declared its plans to bid farewell to West Coast flights by the end of 2025, pulling the plug on its operations in places like Burbank. Just as Avelo’s exit strategy gets underway, Breeze drops a bombshell of its own: it’s expanding, big time, and yes, it’s launching flights to Burbank for the first time.

Essentially, Breeze is barging into territories Avelo’s fleeing from. Interestingly, don’t expect to book these flights tomorrow; they’re slated for March 2026. It’s quite the wait, especially for a leisure airline keen to court the restlessness of wanderlust. Once launched, Breeze plans to fly 300 routes across 76 cities in 34 states.

The Breeze expansion map features five new markets, all nostalgic Avelo hangouts:

• Arcata, California (ACV)
• Burbank, California (BUR)
• Eugene, Oregon (EUG)
• Pasco/Tri-Cities, Washington (PSC)
• Remond, Oregon (RDM)

In the words of David Neeleman, the brain behind Breeze:

“Boom! Here we are, more of us on the West Coast – connecting these wonderful places to the Breeze Network. We’ve got something special, and it seems folks like it: affordable travel that’s easy-peasy, premium if you want it, all with a side order of Wi-Fi for today’s traveler.”

Will Breeze Succeed Where Avelo Struggled?

The financial workings of both Avelo and Breeze are as transparent as mud, largely due to their lack of public trading. Yet, there’s been a peculiar evolution…

• Initially, Avelo seemed to have the financial edge, while Breeze has been catching up lately.
• Avelo kicked off on the West Coast, while Breeze began its journey over east. Now, both seem to be in something of a transcontinental swap.

Both airlines are essentially chasing the same passenger demographic, but how they perform in similar markets remains an enigma wrapped in a mystery.

• Avelo has the upper hand in operating costs, thanks to its use of older, more economical 737s with higher capacity.
• Breeze, though, offers a bit more with fewer seats, supported by its Wi-Fi and premium seating options, likely pulling in more revenue per passenger.

Without diving into their financial books, which are more locked down than a Swiss vault, it’s tough to call how this tug-of-war balances out. But let’s be honest, if a route didn’t spell success for Avelo, would Fortune really favor the Breeze?

Yet success for an airline isn’t just about having the best route but choosing the most profitable one possible. Domestic flying is feeling the pinch right now, given the demand and yield challenges.

Does Breeze see something more in these markets than Avelo did, or is it merely trying to fill the gaps Avelo has left behind? Also noteworthy, Avelo is now venturing into Val Seny ski resort deportation flights, creating an opportunity cost for its regular operations. Breeze hasn’t yet veered down this lane, implying a more meticulous focus on how its wings take flight.

The Bottom Line

Breeze Airways is throwing down the gauntlet on the West Coast, perfectly timed with Avelo Airlines’ retreat from the same stage. The spotlight here is firmly on Burbank, a city Avelo had claimed as a crown jewel until now. Watching Breeze’s maneuvers in the skies will be interesting…

What’s your take on Breeze’s West Coast antics?