Breeze Airways To Connect Illinois Capital With Orlando, Tampa

breeze airbus a220
Credit: Rob Finlayson

U.S. startup Breeze Airways unveiled plans to open service from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) in Springfield, Illinois, to two Florida destinations.

From Dec. 1, the airline will begin service from SPI to Orlando International Airport (MCO), followed by a Dec. 4 launch of flights to Tampa International Airport (TPA). Both routes will be flown 2X-weekly with Airbus A220-300 aircraft.

Breeze will become the third airline to serve the Illinois capital. American Airlines operates regional flights from SPI to its Chicago O’Hare International Airport hub. ULCC Allegiant Air offers flights from SPI to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona and Punta Gorda Airport in Florida.

Both the SPI-MCO and SPI-TPA routes will be exclusive to Breeze.

“Springfield will be our first airport served in Illinois and it’s joining the network with two great nonstop routes right from the jump,” Breeze President Tom Doxey says in a statement. “Breeze is all about adding service to underserved markets and city pairs, and we can’t wait to give the community of Springfield some new destinations.”

Frank Vala, chair of the Springfield Airport Authority Board of Commissioners, adds: “Breeze’s commitment to Springfield demonstrates the confidence they have in our community to support these new routes and to grow as new opportunities become available.”

Aaron Karp

Aaron Karp is a Contributing Editor to the Aviation Week Network.