San Bernardino International Airport Launches First-Ever Commercial Airline Service

    SAN BERNARDINO, CA, August 10, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ -- San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) marked local history today with the launch of first-ever scheduled passenger flights. Breeze Airways began daily nonstop service from SBD to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), with one-stop, same-plane service to Provo Airport (PVU) in Utah. Book seats at FlySBD.com.

Breeze, an airline founded by aviation entrepreneur and JetBlue founder David Neeleman in 2021, focuses on connecting travelers in underserved cities with air service to the U.S. destinations they want to visit most, through efficient and affordable flights.

"This is an incredible day for the Inland Empire and its residents and businesses," said Frank J. Navarro, SBD's Commission President and Mayor of the nearby city of Colton. "Breeze Airways' launch of daily nonstop flights to SFO, with connections to the U.S. and the world, means our community now has a convenient and affordable airport and airline choice for their leisure and business air travel needs.

"New commercial flights raise the Inland Empire's profile in the Southern California region, and create much-needed jobs for our growing community," Navarro continued. "I am thankful to the entire Breeze team for their commitment and investment at San Bernardino International Airport."

Passengers on the inaugural arriving Breeze Airways flight from SFO—which received a water arch welcome by San Bernardino County firefighters—included Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi, Breeze Airways President Tom Doxey, along with other Breeze team members. Arriving passengers were greeted in the terminal by airport staff, and each received a welcome gift bag filled with SBD-branded items.

"We have the rare honor today of being the very first commercial airline to fly into San Bernardino, marking a major milestone for the airport and its community," said Doxey. "We congratulate the government leaders and airport officials that helped make this happen and look forward to serving the residents of the region."

To inaugurate the outbound Breeze Airways flight, airport and airline representatives christened the Embraer E-190 aircraft by spraying bottles of sparkling wine as journalists and other invited guests looked on from the airport tarmac.

Back at Gate 3, the departing flight ceremonies included a DJ playing upbeat San Francisco–themed music, trivia games, an inaugural cake cutting, event-themed balloon decor, remarks from airline and airport officials, and a ribbon cutting.

SBD marked history once again when Breeze Airways' flight to SFO pushed back from the boarding gate as the airport's first departing commercial flight, with passengers and crew members receiving a water cannon salute by airport firefighters.

"I've had the incredible opportunity to experience and see San Bernardino International Airport's revitalization, progression, and evolution for many decades," said SBD CEO Michael Burrows. "I grew up in this community and airport—both on and off the airfield—when it was the former Norton Air Force Base and continue to be amazed at the powerful contributions from our Commissioners, Board, Staff, and partners."

The San Bernardino–San Francisco flight service details follow:

Flight Number City Pair Departs Arrives
MX 603 SFO-SBD 10:10 a.m. 11:40 a.m.
MX 602* SBD-SFO 1:55 p.m. 3:25 p.m.
Flights operate daily. All times are local. SBD-SFO flight time is 90 minutes.
*One-stop, same-plane service to PVU departs SFO at 4:00 p.m., arriving at 6:50 p.m. Flight time is 1 hour, 50 minutes.

"Beyond new, convenient and affordable airline flights to SFO and Provo, the travel experience at SBD includes easy driving access from local roadways and freeways, onsite parking just footsteps from the passenger terminal at only $5.00 per day, and a pre- and post-security concession operated by a local restaurateur," said Director of Aviation Mark Gibbs.

Breeze Airways' daily service is a positive impact on the Inland Empire, infusing up to $57 million annually into the region through new aviation careers such as ticketing and gate agents, ground handlers, TSA employees, flight attendants and pilots, aircraft mechanics, and concessionaires.

More information about San Bernardino International Airport and its continuing evolution as a community partner can be found at FlySBD.com.

BACKGROUND:
BREEZE B-ROLL FOR BROADCAST MEDIA: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/wdVrjlK9EX
AIRPORT FACT SHEET: https://flysbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SBD-Fast-Facts.pdf

About Breeze Airways
Breeze Airways began service in May 2021 from 16 destinations primarily in the east and southeast of the United States. One year later, it was ranked as the No. 2 U.S. best domestic airline of 2021 by Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards. In 2022, Breeze expanded west across the U.S., including coast-to-coast flights, and now offers 87 nonstop routes between 30 cities in 18 states. Founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, Breeze operates a fleet of Embraer 190/195 and Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with a focus on providing efficient and affordable flights between secondary airports, bypassing hubs for shorter travel times. With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24-months of reusable flight credit and customized flight features – including complimentary family seating – 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.

About San Bernardino International Airport (SBD)
Located approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles and within 30 minutes of more than two million people, the former Norton Air Force Base was converted to civilian use in 1992 and later became certified as a commercial-service airport by the FAA. Scheduled passenger service began on August 4, 2022, with Breeze Airways' nonstop flights to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and one-stop, same-plane service to Provo, Utah (PVU). The airport also offers a full range of services and facilities to support additional domestic and international passenger airline service, air cargo operations, general aviation, and maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) businesses. The domestic passenger terminal is located at 105 N. Leland Norton Way, San Bernardino, CA, off the I-10 and I-210 freeways. On-airport parking is only $5.00 per day. For more information, visit FlySBD.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Breeze Airways
Gareth Edmondson-Jones
Head of Corporate Communications
(917) 399-9355 / [email protected]

SBD International Airport
Mark Gibbs
Director of Aviation
(909) 382-4100 / [email protected]

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