which launched at the Akron-Canton Airport just two years ago, is poised to become the airport’s largest carrier later this year.
After Southwest purchased AirTran in 2011, however, it eventually consolidated its Northeast Ohio operations at Cleveland. At about the same time, United was downsizing at Hopkins, opening up opportunities for competitor airlines, including low-cost carriers Frontier and Spirit. She credited Breeze’s unique product – low fares combined with some higher-end options, including extra-legroom seating – for the carrier’s appeal.
And Breeze’s numbers are expected to continue to grow. In November, the carrier will launch its eighth destination from Akron-Canton, to Fort Myers, Florida. The fund, $10 million annually, was created in 2020 to help restore air service after pandemic-related cuts. “Due to its success at CAK, Breeze has added two routes – Norfolk, Va. and West Palm Beach – without choosing to have them incentivized through the Air Service Restoration Program,” he said.