Airline Training Enterprise Snap-shot: Breeze Airways

Breeze Airways is on an upward trajectory.

This May, the carrier celebrated its third anniversary, and is inching toward profitability – this March was the airline’s first ever profitable month.

Breeze has also announced plans to significantly expand its network in the next five years.

Also in May, the airline took delivery of its 25th Airbus A220. This October 28, Gareth Edmondson-Jones, Breeze spokesperson, told CAT, “Currently Breeze has 30 A220-300 with two more arriving by the end of 2024 and 16 scheduled to be delivered in 2025.” This February, Airbus announced Breeze Airways disclosed an order for 10 additional A220-300 aircraft, bringing the airline’s total firm order for the aircraft type to 90, making Breeze the third largest customer worldwide for the A220. With these hefty A220 orders, Breeze continues to move all scheduled service to the A220 fleet by this fall, transitioning from a fleet also containing Embraer E190 jets.

These business dynamics have a huge carry-over impact on Breeze’s training enterprise. Brief insights on developments in this part of the company’s portfolio are provided.

The Demand Signal for More Pilots

Pilots want to work at Breeze because of our culture, our bases and our beautiful new airplanes, Jan Coleman, Director of Talent told CAT. This month, Breeze had a pilot pool of 50(+) pilots awaiting a class assignment and all of our classes are full through January 2025. “So, to answer your question, how are we meeting the requirements for new pilots, we simply post a job, and highly qualified pilots apply!”

Breeze is also meeting its expansion plans with its Embark Program, where the airline partners with flight schools and universities to place aspiring on their path to be first officers at the airline. Current Embark partner schools include ATP Flight Schools, Epic Flight Academy, Utah Valley University, and Southern Utah University.

“We allow these pilots to apply early, go through the selection process, and if selected, let us know when they meet their minimum hours. We are currently placing 1-2 Embark pilots in classes each month. The Embark program provides incentives to Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) to encourage as many qualified applicants as possible,” Jason Holbrook, Director of Flight Training and Standards, initially explained. Under the partnership, eligible ATP instructors can interview with Breeze at 500 hours total time. Successful applicants receive a conditional job offer and mentoring from Breeze airline pilots while gaining additional flight experience.

Breeze utilizes a six-step process for training its new pilot hires: indoctrination; ground school; systems; systems integration training; full flight simulator training; and initial operating experience.

Capt. Holbrook further noted, “Breeze’s pilot training footprint includes its state-of-the-art classrooms and briefing rooms and, for pilots, the world’s best instructors and evaluators. Additionally, we have three Level D full-flight simulators (FFSs) and two Level-4 flight training devices (FTDs).”

FlightSafety International was selected in 2021 by the airline to provide Airbus A220 and Embraer E190 FFSs and FTDs. The baseline A220 FFS and FTD utilize Airbus’ Standard 1.0 software.

Recruit, Train and Retain Breeze Maintainers

Regarding maintenance personnel, the airline is actively looking for qualified team members to support its maintenance bases, charter operations, and aircraft deliveries. Andrew Kozak, Director of Technical Training and Pathway Development, added, “We use our internal job board as well as outside job boards, like JS Firm, to locate these team members. In addition, we have a Tech Ops pipeline and pathway program where we partner with Breeze's Tech Ops training team to visit maintenance schools near our bases. Currently we have established relationships with Cape Cod Community College, National Aviation Academy and CT Aero Tech.”

Breeze follows these maintenance training program steps: indoctrination; fleet type training

A220-300 and E-Jet; RII (Required Inspection); RI (Receiving Inspection); ARA (Airworthiness Authorization); fleet type engine run; fleet type brake riding and maintenance GSE (ground support equipment).

For maintenance, Breeze’s training devices for the Airbus A200-300 and Embraer E-Jet include full flight training device, fixed training devices, cabin training devices (door trainers) and live aircraft use for on-the-job training.

“These resources are integral to our training continuums and our ability to attract and retain the best personnel in the industry,” the maintenance training leader concluded

Other Learning Technology Developments

Breeze has no plans to extensively use XR and AI as of yet for either pilot and maintenance training. The airline’s Kozak concluded, “Some of our vendors may use it in products and the development of products that we use. However, we are always exploring ways to implement new technology to improve safety and efficiency throughout our training process. For both pilots and maintenance, we’re always evaluating our training programs and processes to ensure the best possible training resources for our Team Members.”

In 2025, Breeze will be delivering its own in-house A220 Systems course for their maintenance team members which is currently contracted out.