WARWICK – Budget airline Breeze Airways is taking off in Rhode Island, with plans to open a permanent base at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport next year.
State officials and company leaders on Tuesday announced the deal which will expand the Utah-based airline’s presence in Rhode Island with more nonstop flights, ground operations and crews out of the Warwick airport, bringing up to 250 full-time jobs to Rhode Island. In exchange, the state will offer up to $300,000 in tax credits over a 10–year period under the Qualified Jobs Incentive Program – pending approval by the R.I. Commerce Corp. – according to a release from Gov. Daniel J. McKee’s Office.
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The news comes shortly after Breeze was forced to postpone the launch of several new direct routes out of T.F. Green, citing staffing shortages. Those routes, to Savannah, Ga., and Los Angeles, are now slated to debut next year, PBN has reported.
Despite the recent setbacks, Breeze is now committing to adding even more nonstop flights out of T.F. Green, expanding the eight available or soon-to-come routes to 20 or more over a five-year period, the release stated. The airline has committed to housing between six and eight aircrafts out of T.F. Green, with 20 average weekly departures by the end of 2023, and 44 average weekly departures by the end of 2027.
David Neeleman, Breeze Airways founder and CEO, previously hinted at plans to open a base in Warwick when visiting the airport in May, but said the company was still negotiating with the state on economic incentives to offset what he estimated to be a $160 million investment by the company. In addition to the state tax credits, which will not be offered until the promised jobs have been created, the state will also help advertise the new routes as part of money set aside in the fiscal 2023 budget for destination marketing. Breeze is also expected to apply for money through the state Air Service Development Fund for ground operations at T.F. Green.
Analysis by third-party consultant Appleseed estimates that the project will increase annual state GDP by $76.23 million by 2026, adding about $6 million in income, sales and business tax revenue over a 12-year period.
“Establishing a base of operations at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport not only creates more good-paying jobs, but also supports our tourism efforts by bringing in new tourists and visitors to our great state which in turn supports our economy,” McKee said in a statement. “I want to thank Breeze for choosing Rhode Island. We stand ready to ensure this is a success.”
The Breeze base would be the first permanent airline operation in Warwick airport’s history.
Nancy Lavin is a PBN staff writer. Contact her at Lavin@PBN.com.
