(STATE COLLEGE) Breeze Airways is weighing whether to launch a new nonstop route from State College Regional Airport to Orlando, and local leaders say the proposal remains alive but undecided as of September 10, 2025. The airline has not announced a start date, frequency, or fares. Officials working on the pitch say the company is reviewing demand data, community incentives, and its own network strategy before choosing the next round of cities.
Over the summer, Breeze Airways evaluated expansion to roughly a dozen communities, including State College, with the intent to pick one or two for new service. Local organizers say they expected a decision “within a month or two” from July, but no public commitment has surfaced. The proposed launch would restore direct Florida service lost during the pandemic and give travelers a simple, nonstop option to Orlando.
For families with ties to Florida, Penn State students and alumni, and sports fans, that single hop could replace long drives to Pittsburgh or Harrisburg or inconvenient connections in Philadelphia.
Community support and the pledge drive
Community support has been a key part of the pitch. The Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County (CBICC) and the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) organized a pledge drive to show Breeze that the route would be used.
- Organizers say more than 2,000 people pledged nearly 7,000 round trips per year, a number they believe demonstrates steady demand.
- The pledge was non-binding and closed on July 15, 2025, but it offered Breeze a clear snapshot of interest from residents, visitors, and local employers.
Financial incentives and how they’re used
Money is also on the table. Local governments and organizations assembled about $107,000 in incentives to lower the airline’s risk during the initial months of flying.
- Contributions listed in public minutes include Benner Township ($7,000) and Bellefonte ($5,000), alongside other partners.
- These funds can be used for marketing, start-up costs, or short-term revenue guarantees.
In the small-airport market, such packages are common. Many communities rely on federal and local tools to compete. For background on how small cities build air service, see the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Small Community Air Service Development Program: https://www.transportation.gov/policy/aviation-policy/small-community-air-service-development-program
Proposed schedule and network context
The current proposal calls for a twice-weekly nonstop to Orlando International Airport (MCO). That frequency matches Breeze’s typical approach of serving leisure markets a few times per week rather than daily.
Organizers also point to potential future links—such as Raleigh-Durham—but any expansion beyond Orlando would depend on how an initial Florida route performs. Breeze has made no promises about additional destinations.
How the carrier will decide: selection factors
State College is competing with roughly ten other regional airports for Breeze’s next expansion wave. The airline’s decision is expected to hinge on three main elements:
- Proof of demand — demonstrated by the pledge campaign and other usage indicators.
- Practical incentives — the pooled funds and other support that reduce early risk.
- Network priorities — internal considerations such as aircraft availability, crew placement, maintenance bases, schedule fit, and how a route complements other cities.
The pledge addressed demand; the incentive pool addresses risk. Breeze’s internal priorities remain the least predictable.
“Direct service to Florida could support economic growth and regional connectivity,” said Greg Scott, president and CEO of the CBICC. Local leaders have repeatedly emphasized ties to Florida among residents, Penn State sports fans, and the potential tourism boost.
Fritz Smith, president and CEO of the HVAB, highlighted the importance of air access for tourism, conferences, and large events. Doug Johnson of the Centre County Airport Authority noted the role of incentive packages in a tight market where several cities are courting the same carrier.
Current air service context and local impact
Today, State College Regional Airport offers flights to three hubs: Philadelphia, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Before the pandemic, Allegiant Air connected the region to Florida—with service to Orlando and St. Petersburg—but those flights ended in 2022. Since then, leisure travelers bound for Florida have faced longer, more expensive trips or complicated connections.
A Breeze nonstop to Orlando would restore a simple path for families, students, and businesses that rely on travel to and from the Sunshine State.
Examples of potential local benefits:
- A small State College tech firm sending sales teams to Central Florida could cut travel time by hours, reduce hotel nights, and lower costs.
- Parents visiting Penn State on football weekends would have a direct option instead of juggling connections.
- Hotels, restaurants, car rentals, and event venues could see increased demand tied to alumni events, conferences, and sports weekends.
Timeline and next steps
The timeline remains uncertain. Organizers expected a public decision in late summer or early fall, but Breeze has not provided a fixed date. If selected, stakeholders say the route could begin as early as fall 2025, though no official start window has been announced.
If State College is not chosen this round, county leaders plan to continue pursuing Florida service—whether with Breeze or another carrier. Securing air service for a smaller market is often a multi-year effort built on patience and steady data.
What travelers should know now
While the pledge window closed on July 15, residents and businesses can still help by:
- Being ready to book if Breeze picks State College—early bookings signal real demand.
- Sharing feedback with local organizations about preferred days and times for flights—this can inform schedule talks.
For those planning fall travel, keep options flexible until an official announcement arrives.
Practical points to watch if the route is announced:
- Introductory fares, baggage rules, seat options, and schedule details.
- Breeze’s model typically includes a basic fare with optional add-ons—read the fine print before booking.
Breeze customer service: 501-273-3932 or email at [email protected] for general questions.
Quick facts (current proposal)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Route | State College (SCE) → Orlando (MCO) nonstop |
| Frequency | Proposed two flights per week |
| Decision window | No formal date; local estimates suggested late summer to early fall; as of Sept. 10, 2025 no commitment |
| Incentives | About $107,000 pledged by local partners |
| Competition | One of about a dozen contenders for Breeze’s next additions |
How airlines assess risk (plain terms)
Airlines evaluate routes based on historical travel data, local income levels, university calendars, and competing airports within a two- to three-hour drive. Incentives don’t guarantee success, but they can:
- Lower early losses while awareness builds.
- Tip a close decision in favor of launching service.
The local pledge totals—more than 2,000 pledges and nearly 7,000 round trips—give Breeze an initial forecast. Whether that converts into sustainable ticket sales depends on fare levels and long-term demand.
Success a year after launch would look like a healthy twice-weekly flight running near capacity during holidays and school breaks, with strong weekend loads even in slower seasons. That pattern could justify added days or new routes.
If demand falls short, organizers would regroup—as they did after Allegiant left in 2022—and continue pursuing options.
Where to get updates
Residents who want updates can check local channels from the airport authority and economic groups. For direct questions to Breeze, use the contact above. Local officials’ message remains steady: the community has shown demand, the incentive package is in place, and the pitch is on Breeze’s desk. The airline’s broader Florida expansion suggests interest in the market, but many communities are competing for limited planes and crews—so patience is part of the process.
This Article in a Nutshell
Breeze Airways is actively reviewing a proposal for a nonstop State College (SCE)–Orlando (MCO) route, with a current plan proposing twice-weekly flights. As of Sept. 10, 2025, Breeze has not committed to a start date, pricing, or frequency. Local supporters organized a pledge drive that secured more than 2,000 pledges equating to nearly 7,000 potential round trips annually and assembled approximately $107,000 in incentives from municipalities and partners to lower early operating risk. State College competes with about a dozen other regional airports; Breeze’s decision will depend on demonstrated demand, incentive strength, and the airline’s internal network priorities including aircraft and crew availability. If launched, the route would restore direct Florida service lost after Allegiant ended flights in 2022 and could benefit students, alumni, families, tourism, and local businesses. Organizers say a decision could arrive in late 2025, and residents are encouraged to be ready to book if service is announced.
