JetBlue founder David Neeleman has secured more than $100
million in funding for his planned launch of a new low-cost carrier, Breeze
Airways, that will focus on nonstop service between midsized U.S. city pairs.
The latest round of funding raised $83 million for
the launch, led by investment firm Peterson Partners along with investment
firm Sandlot Partners. Peterson previously invested with Neeleman when he
launched both JetBlue and Azul Brazilian Airlines.
Neeleman expects to launch Breeze next year. This month,
deliveries will begin of Embraer 190 and 195 aircraft that Breeze is leasing
from Nordic Aviation Capital and Azul Airlines. Breeze also has orders for 60
new Airbus 220-300 aircraft, which will begin to be delivered in August 2021.