Breeze Air Inaugural Stewart International Flight Takes To The Skies

NEW WINDSOR, NY — Air travelers who use New York Stewart International Airport have a few more itineraries to choose from starting this week.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Breeze Airways celebrated the launch of Breeze Airways’ service out of New York Stewart International Airport (SWF) on Thursday. The airline is offering twice-weekly round-trip service to Orlando, Fla. (MCO), and Charleston, S.C. (CHS), starting this week.

"We’re excited to see Breeze take flight at New York Stewart and expand the menu of unique, affordable options for travelers in the Hudson Valley and beyond," Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said. "From sunny Florida to spectacular Iceland to the stunning Faroe Islands, Stewart has abundant options from several airlines for travelers looking for a convenient and hassle-free getaway."

Service between New York Stewart and Orlando is scheduled to operate on Thursdays and Sundays, while New York Stewart-Charleston service is scheduled to operate on Fridays and Mondays.

The first Breeze Airways flight from Orlando to New York Stewart arrived at 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, with the first Orlando-bound flight departing at 10:25 a.m. Breeze’s first flight from Charleston is scheduled to arrive at New York Stewart on Friday, Feb. 16, at 11:46 a.m., with a Charleston-bound departure at 12:46 p.m.

The new carrier's arrival fulfills a longtime wish from both lawmakers and travelers for more direct flights out of the Hudson Valley Airport.

"Hudson Valley: Prepare for takeoff because new air service has officially landed in Orange County," Sen. Chuck Schumer said. "For years, I have fought to increase service at Stewart Airport, and I am proud to join in celebrating Breeze Airways’ inaugural flight out of Stewart International Airport. This new service will help the Hudson Valley economy soar and better connect the region with the key destinations for our families. The sky is the limit for Stewart International, and I will keep fighting to help the airport grow and reach new heights."

Rep. Pat Ryan said this week's inaugural flights represent a victory for air travelers, but the battle isn't over.

"Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in air travel in the Hudson Valley," Ryan said. "We fought hard to bring these new routes to Stewart, and we’ll keep pushing every day for additional investments that will stimulate tourism, bolster economic development and bring new jobs to the region."

Breeze Airways President Tom Doxey said Stewart International was a natural choice for the airline.

"Breeze’s focus is on connecting underserved markets, adding nonstops between cities without existing service," Doxey explained. "As we introduce service from Stewart International, our fifth airport in New York State, we’re proud to bring affordable and convenient new travel options from the greater Newburgh area to Florida and South Carolina."

Newburgh Town Supervisor Gil Piaquadio said this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship with the new carrier in town.

"The town of Newburgh is very excited to see Breeze Airways choose Stewart for two destinations to start," Piaquadio said. "We’re really optimistic that this is just the beginning of a long relationship with Stewart, and we hope for more destinations in the near future."