Start-up Breeze Airways drops bid for Compass Airlines' operating certificate, still plans 2021 launch
David Neeleman's latest venture Breeze Airways remains on track to launch commercial passenger flights in 2021 even after deciding to drop a plan to acquire defunct Compass Airlines operating certificate.
Salt Lake City-based Breeze will launch in 2021 under its own operating certificate, spokesperson Gareth Edmondson-Jones told TPG. A certificate is a necessary prerequisite to flying scheduled passenger flights in the U.S.
While he did not provide a specific timeline, the airline maintains its plan to initially lease 15 used Embraer E190s before it begins taking delivery of 60 new Airbus A220-300s in August 2021.
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The confirmation of that timeline follows the decision to drop plans to acquire the certificate of Compass, which Breeze notified the Department of Transportation of on Tuesday. The airline applied to transfer the certificate in July, three months after Compass ceased flying.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) labor union and Sun Country Airlines objected to Breeze's plan to acquire the certificate. ALPA argued that if the transfer was approved, its existing labor contract with Compass needed to be honored. Sun Country argued that Breeze did not meet the regulator's funding level requirements.
Breeze did not respond to the separate objections before withdrawing its application for the certificate.
Breeze is the latest airline founded by industry mogul Neeleman. His previous carriers include JetBlue Airways and Morris Air in the U.S., Azul in Brazil, and WestJet in Canada.
The airline has outlined plans to initially offer point-to-point flights aimed at leisure travelers between 15 cities on the East Coast and in the Midwest, South and Texas. The model is similar to that of Allegiant Air, where Breeze commercial chief Lukas Johnson spent eight years before joining the start-up carrier.
Later plans include flights across the U.S. between the East Coast and California on A220s.
Breeze will release additional details of its launch in September, Edmondson-Jones said.
Related: JetBlue founder’s new U.S. airline now has a name: Breeze Airways
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees