A new airline will take flight from Long island MacArthur Airport early next year. Breeze Airway is going to offer non-stop flights from Long island to Charleston, SC and Norfolk, VA starting February 17. Fares will be as low as $39 one-way.
MacArthur will be Breeze Airway’s first airport in New York State.
According to a press release from the Town of Islip, Breeze will inaugurate four weekly round trips between Islip and Norfolk, VA, on February 17, on Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Mondays. On February 18, Breeze will introduce twice weekly round trips between Islip and Charleston, SC, on Fridays and Mondays.
Breeze Airways Chairman and CEO David Neeleman has already founded five commercial air carriers. Breeze received its air carrier certification from the US Department of Transportation on May 14, 2021, having conducted proving runs and other certification requirements from an operational base at Long Island MacArthur Airport.
Breeze then began commercial operations May 27, 2021.
“It feels so great to be back in New York, albeit down the road somewhat from my days at JFK,” said Neeleman in a statement. “Breeze’s model is to add new non-stop service on routes other airlines don’t fly, connecting cities with a short non-stop that otherwise would require a long drive or a change of planes.”
Breeze will fly 108-seat Embraer 190 aircrafts.
Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter said that the Town had an opportunity to show Breeze Long Island hospitality during the US Department of Transportation air carrier certification process.
“We believe our professionalism, perseverance, and community support helped showcase our area, bringing this exciting new service to fruition,” said Carpenter.
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Hope Knight said New York was proud to welcome Breeze Airways to MacArthur Airport.
“The aviation industry is a key part of the State’s economy, and Long Island - as the Cradle of Aviation - has played a pivotal role in the sector’s growth,” Knight said. “This new partnership will facilitate regional development, create local jobs, and help to promote tourism not just on Long Island, but across the Empire State.”