Salt Lake City — The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (Go Utah) awarded Breeze Aviation Group, Inc. a temporary, marginal tax reduction for its expansion in Utah. The post-performance corporate incentive is part of the Legislature’s Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (EDTIF) program.

As part of the agreement, Breeze Airways plans to bring up to 78 new high-paying jobs and invest $8 million in Utah during the next five years.

“This significant expansion from Breeze brings jobs, connects Utahns through new flight routes to new destinations, and provides opportunities for people to visit Utah for work and play,” says Dan Hemmert, the Office of Economic Opportunity’s executive director. “We’re excited to see this Utah company grow, and we’re even more excited to take advantage of its budget-friendly airfare.”

Breeze Airways is a Utah-based airline that began flying in the summer of 2021. The company focuses on offering nonstop flights and low fares on routes ignored or abandoned by other airlines. By flying nonstop routes with little or no competition, Breeze Airways opens up travel to many that did not have the option or could not previously afford it.

“It’s been the question on everyone’s lips since we first opened our headquarters — when are you flying from Utah,” says Breeze’s founder and CEO David Neeleman. “We’re excited to continue growing and hiring from here, and now flying from Utah too. The beautiful, newly renovated Provo airport will give our guests an easy way to travel to both coasts and provide a wonderful ‘home base’ for Breeze.”

Breeze Airways may receive up to 15 percent of the additional state taxes it will pay over the five-year life of the agreement in the form of a Utah Legislature-authorized Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (EDTIF) tax credit (U.C.A. 63N-2-106(2)). Each year that Breeze meets the criteria in its contract with the state, it will qualify for a portion of the total tax credit.

“We’re encouraged by Breeze Airways selecting Utah as a national training center for its pilots and maintenance staff,” says Theresa A. Foxley, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah. “Workforce development is critical to any industry, and we anticipate Breeze will find competitive operating costs and logistical advantages citing this center here.”

Tax Credit Projections

Timeline:                                             5 years

Capital investment:                            $8 million

Jobs:                                                  78

Wages:                                               $21,338,285

Projected new state tax revenue:      $1,800,249

EDTIF new state tax credit:               15 percent

Learn more about the state’s post-performance EDTIF program here.

About the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity

Under Gov. Spencer J. Cox’s direction, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (Go Utah) provides resources and support for business creation, growth, and recruitment. It also drives increased tourism, film production, outdoor recreation, and mixed martial arts in Utah. Utilizing state resources and private sector contracts, the office administers programs in economic areas that demonstrate the highest potential for development and the most opportunity for Utahns.

About Breeze Airways

Breeze Airways began service in May 2021, primarily in the east and southeast of the United States, but is expanding west across the US with 90 nonstop routes between 31 cities in 18 states. Founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, Breeze is a low-fare carrier offering “new, nice and nonstop flights” between secondary airports, bypassing hubs for shorter travel times. Breeze’s mission is to make the world of travel simple, affordable, and convenient, using technology, ingenuity, and kindness to improve the travel experience. With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24-months of reusable flight credit, and customized flight features delivered via a sleek and simple app, Breeze makes it easy to buy and easy to fly. Flights are on sale at flybreeze.com and via the Breeze app.