The first-ever scheduled Breeze Airways flights to and from Colorado were celebrated at the Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) on Tuesday, February 6th when three-times weekly service to Orange County, CA commenced. Governor Jared Polis, Mesa County Commissioners, Grand Junction City Council Members, and the Grand Junction Regional Airport Authority Board joined other community leaders and Airport staff to welcome Breeze and celebrate the new airline and routes.
The inaugural Breeze flight from the John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana/Orange County, CA to GJT landed just after 1 PM. Deplaning passengers were welcomed by local elected officials and swag celebrating the new service. Festivities ramped up at 2 PM with a champagne christening of the Breeze Airbus 220-300 followed by commemorative remarks from Governor Jared Polis, CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew, Breeze VP of Airport Operations and Guest Empowerment Danny Cox, City of Grand Junction Mayor Anna Stout, Mesa County Commissioner and Grand Junction Regional Airport Authority Board Member Cody Davis, Grand Junction Regional Airport Executive Director, Angela Padalecki, and Grand Junction Regional Airport Authority Board Chairman Tom Benton.
Amidst the excitement, Governor Jared Polis underscored the significance of this milestone for Grand Junction tourism, recognizing the city’s allure, as highlighted by its recent accolades, including a coveted spot on the New York Times’ list of top destinations. “The secret is out about Grand Junction which was listed by the New York Times as one of the 52 best places to go in 2023,” stated Governor Polis in his opening remarks. “Over a half million passengers come right through here at Grand Junction Regional Airport each year and with the exciting addition of nonstop service from Grand Junction to Orange County and soon to San Francisco we are thrilled to welcome even more visitors to the Western Slope.”
Following the Governor’s welcoming remarks, Danny Cox, Breeze VP of Airport Operations and Guest Empowerment, extended heartfelt gratitude to the community on behalf of Breeze’s extensive team. His acknowledgment of the community’s integral role in the Breeze family set the stage for a partnership marked by growth and mutual success. “On behalf of all 1500 Breeze team members, thank you for being a part of the Breeze family and the Breeze network. We are excited for where we grow from here.”
Echoing these sentiments, City of Grand Junction Mayor Anna Stout expressed her pride in the collaborative efforts of the community to bolster the local economy and foster both business and leisure travel. She highlighted the alignment of Breeze’s mission of “nice people, flying nice people to nice places” with the outstanding character of the community. “Breeze’s mission is very appropriate to Grand Junction because we are very proud of the nice community we have here.”
To celebrate the new route, fares to Orange County will start from $39 one-way, if purchased by February 9, for travel April 23 to May 24, 2024. To take advantage of these introductory rates or for more information regarding flights and availability, visit FlyBreeze.com.
