Breeze Airways Opens Base Of Operations At Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport

WARWICK, RI — Gov. Dan McKee and state leaders joined executives from Breeze Airways on Wednesday in celebrating the airline's first day with Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport as its base of operations.

With the launch of the new base, Breeze Airways completed its initial hiring and expects to expand to providing up to 250 full-time jobs at T.F. Green. Positions available include pilots, flight crews, support staff, and maintenance personnel needed to sustain up to 20 non-stop flights.

"I thank Breeze Airways for choosing Rhode Island, and Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, for its base of operations," McKee said. "This new hub is bringing jobs to our state, economic activity for our small business community, and new non-stop routes which will allow countless tourists and visitors to see what makes Rhode Island a true destination state."

A base is an airport where an airline permanently bases aircraft and crew. State officials said having a base in Rhode Island increases the potential for additional flight options for travelers and enhances the reliability of routes given the availability of reserve crews and backup planes.

Over a five-year ramp-up period, state officials said Breeze Airways would base six to eight planes at T.F. Green, most of which will be the Airbus A-220 – a new aircraft with industry-leading fuel efficiency. State officials said Breeze would also grow from having eight routes at the airport to 20 or more within the next five years.

To help support Breezeway's base, the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation approved tax credits for the airline under the Qualified Jobs Incentive Program, which are available once jobs are created and contribute state income tax for a year. State officials said they expect the airline to receive up to $300,000 annually for 10 years under the tax credit program.

Also read:

• Rhode Island T.F. Green Airport Making Room For 10 Local Restaurants
• RI's T.F. Green Airport Getting Non-Stop Flights To Richmond, Virginia
• TSA Installing New Security Scanners At T.F. Green Airport.