Breeze Airways Wants The A220-500

Breeze Airways has, not for the first time, expressed interest in a larger model of the Airbus A220.

Dubbed by some as the A220-500, Breeze Airways, a budget carrier in the United States, has repeatedly discussed what a larger A220 would do for its business.

While the A320neo is a possible upgrade from the A220-300, which is currently the largest model of the regional jet series, this step up does not appeal to all operators.

Breeze Airways has reaffirmed its belief that the A320neo would not be a good solution for its fleet. Analysts point towards adding complexity towards its operations that is not necessary.

Speaking on LinkedIn a week ago, David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue and Breeze Airways, further discussed the fleet makeup, stating that while history suggests Embraer was pivotal, things are now changing.

Neelman says the A220 is the plane that can fly additional distances, is a fully transcon plane, and the E2 isn’t that, making it the optimal choice.

Addressing a stretch of the A220, Neeleman said that the newer technology, which will replace the current airplane and add to the A220’s capacity, is of interest.

The next iteration will have a greater fuel burn, a lighter structure, and a seating configuration that is also deemed more optimal to address the business requirements and serve the route network.

At this stage, no name has been provided for the new iteration that Airbus is studying; however, Neeleman is referring to it as the 500, specifically the A220-500, which it has been dubbed for years.

What Is The Airbus A220-500?

The new A220 model, which was first reported on around two weeks ago, centred around a new high-capacity variant.

With the process to approve the jet and get it to market likely to commence by the end of the year, Airbus would want to add capacity to the A220-300.

The modifications stem from the requirement for an additional overwing exit and ensure the plane remains safe to operate in the event of an emergency. The jet must be compliant.

While adding capacity to the series is now a reality, other adjustments are expected as part of Airbus’ ongoing development of this program and to increase its market share.

Airbus faces competition from Embraer’s E2 series; however, knowing that Boeing hasn’t produced an alternative gives Airbus a greater opportunity to develop the jet in a bid to attract more customers.

Breeze Airways has championed interest in the A220-500, but it isn’t the only carrier that has expressed measured interest in acquiring such a plane if it were produced.

Latvian flag-carrier airBaltic has also led the talks for a prospective A220-500, as it has been dubbed by some, with the belief that the additional capacity would elevate their operations tenfold.