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Huntsville approves memorandum with Breeze Aviation to expand nonstop service; incentives tied to minimum flights
Summary
Council approved a memorandum of understanding with Breeze Aviation Group that ties incentive payments to strict minimum flight requirements and performance milestones. The deal aims to add six nonstop routes, bolster West Coast and New York connectivity and protect the city by withholding payments if performance minima are unmet.
The City Council voted Jan. 23 to approve a memorandum of understanding with Breeze Aviation Group that aims to expand Huntsville International Airport’s nonstop route network and tie incentive payments to strict service performance requirements.
Shane Davis, Director of Urban Economic Development, described the MOU as a performance‑based incentive package that would secure Breeze flights to new destinations, guarantee minimum frequency thresholds and add bonus payments for additional routes if the base requirements are met. "I want Huntsville to be what Atlanta is to Delta," Davis said, explaining the city’s strategy to attract and retain low‑cost and niche carriers.
Under the agreement presented to council (agenda item 20 d), Breeze would be required to operate a minimum number of flights — the base service requires two weekly flights to at least three locations, producing a threshold of 24 flights per month (about 384 additional annual flights) — before the city would make incentive payments. A bonus payment is available if Breeze meets expanded frequency and route targets that include New York and Los Angeles, among others. Davis said the total base incentive remains the same as a prior agreement but requires stronger minimum performance and includes an explicit city right to terminate the MOU without notice if Breeze fails to meet obligations.
Davis reviewed Breeze’s prior performance under an earlier MOU, noting the carrier exceeded minimum monthly flight counts during the earlier agreement and that test flights to Las Vegas and Los Angeles showed strong demand. He also said the presence of Breeze and its planned Newark service prompted Delta to announce seasonal LaGuardia service to New York beginning in April, which Davis said could give residents more nonstop options.
The resolution authorizing the mayor to enter the MOU was moved by Councilmember Doctor Robinson and seconded by the chair; the motion carried by voice vote. Council discussion emphasized performance protections in the agreement and the city’s ability to specify covered destinations.
Clarifying details included the city’s ability to withhold incentive payments if Breeze fails to meet the base minimum (no partial payments), a bonus schedule tied to additional flights to New York, Los Angeles and Charleston, and an explicit termination clause allowing the city to end the agreement immediately if performance standards are not met. Davis said the MOU would increase the number of direct nonstop flight options in Huntsville from the current base of four strongly local nonstop routes toward a broader network including several seasonal and full‑service additions.
