State College airport, Breeze Airways still mulling Florida flights. What we know
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Community pledges backed over 7,600 annual flights to support new route bid.
- No formal decision yet from Breeze Airways on potential Orlando route in 2025.
- CBICC continues strategic talks to expand air service and regional connectivity.
Two local organizations announced in early July they were aiming to convince a low-cost airline to add two weekly flights to Orlando, Florida, from State College’s airport — but, two months later, no decision on the flights has yet been reached.
Those two organizations, Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC) and local tourism bureau Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB), asked the greater community over the summer to fill out an online form that offered a non-binding pledge to fly on the potential new service. According to CBICC, more than 2,500 responded and pledged to go on more than 7,600 annual flights to Florida — something the organizations hoped would convince Breeze Airways the service was needed.
The organizations initially believed a decision would be announced in the late summer, with the service out of State College Regional Airport starting as soon as the fall. But when asked Friday if a decision had been reached, CBICC’s president/CEO said that remained “to be determined.”
“Securing new air service is a collaborative and strategic process that requires careful evaluation of market demand, alignment with carrier capabilities, and the development of strong community partnerships to ensure long-term viability,” CBICC president/CEO Greg Scott told the CDT in a written statement. “While multiple opportunities are being explored, the timing and scope of any new carrier commitments to State College Regional Airport remain to be determined.”
The move to potentially add another flight to the State College Regional Airport did not come as a surprise. Last October, CBICC released a 5- to 10-year collaborative economic plan that outlined priorities for the region — and adding flights was among them, in part to help attract and retain high-growth companies. The report also stated that nearly every interviewed stakeholder “expressed concerns about the lack of flight options.”
The community has tried to incentivize airlines to add flights before. In 2021, the Centre County government and municipalities across the county worked together to pledge nearly $300,000 if American Airlines were to add at least 12 weekly flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Two years later, the plan failed after American Airlines described the challenges of pilot shortages and inconsistent demand outside of peak service periods.
It’s not known at this point why Breeze Airways has not yet announced a decision, or what its timetable on issuing a decision might be. Scott simply said the organizations hoped to share additional updates “soon.”
Regardless of the outcome, it’s expected this will not be the last attempt to add more flights to State College Regional Airport. The local airport currently offers three daily flights to Washington, D.C.; four daily flights to Chicago; and four daily flights to Philadelphia.
“The Chamber, State College Regional Airport, and The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau are actively working on strategies to attract additional air service, strengthen connectivity, and enhance economic growth in our region,” Scott added.
An “Air Service Summit,” an event and business conversation about Centre County’s future air service, will take place from 8:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Oct. 14 at the airport. The event will be hosted by CBICC, and those interested can register online.
Breeze Airways, which is now considering adding flights to Orlando, was established in 2018. It officially launched under its current name in 2021 and has grown to serve about 70 cities.
It’s known for providing nonstop flights between underserved cities that often lack direct service from other carriers. Breeze Airways was founded by David Neelman, who also founded JetBlue Airways.
