‘Nice Low Cost Carrier’ Well on its Way to All-A220 Fleety by 2025

Azorra has handed off its first leased Airbus A220-300, delivering it to Breeze Airways direct from Mirabel, Canada.

The delivery marks the first of 22 such aircraft on order to the aircraft lessor, highlighting their faith in the narrowbody A220 as a hot ticket for regional airlines. While its bones should be somewhat dated in theory, Airbus has managed to keep the A220 family fresh with new engines, new flight decks, and new accouterments in the cabin, keeping it in the running for everyone's favorite ULCC steed.

Breeze has so far accepted 23 A220s direct from the Airbus factory in Mobile, Alabama. Earlier this year, the carrier announced an order for another 10 A220-300s, bringing their total headcount for the type to 90 in total. That's a pretty quick start for a new comer, pacing Breeze in 3rd on the "A220 Operator Leaderboards". The carrier has committed to using nothing but A220s by the end of the year, solidifying its choice and simplifying its operations. 

Airbus took a brief moment to highlight that choice with some good old corporate braggadocio, highlighting the A220's "important role in helping decrease airline operating costs and environmental impact." They cited a 25% lower fuel burn and corresponding emissions cut over comparable legacy aircraft, a 50% lower noise footprint, and SAF-ready Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. None of those mean much to passengers, of course, so Airbus entices them with improved entertainment options, charging capacity, and comfort. New lighting and design helps to alleviate some of those old cattle car vibes so often decried in the narrowbody market, with some cute lighting and geometry that tricks the eye to make it feel more spacious than it truly is. 

FMI: www.flybreeze.com