The parent company of new low cost U.S. air carrier Breeze Airways said  it had closed a $200m funding round led by funds, and accounts managed by BlackRock, and Knighthead Capital Management.

Breeze Aviation Group Inc previously raised more than $100m and began flights in late May. Breeze is now serving 16 U.S. cities, and 39 routes. The company said it will use the funding to expand operations. Breeze Chief Executive David Neeleman said the carrier has had more than 100,000 passengers since launching operations.

Breeze is focusing on flights between smaller U.S. cities that have little or no direct service from larger carriers. Breeze is serving cities like Tampa, Florida; Charleston, South Carolina; New Orleans, Norfolk, Virginia, Louisville, Kentucky; Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hartford, Connecticut and Akron, Ohio.

Join 120,000 other PE professionals and subscribe to our weekly newsletter

Subscribe to our Newsletter to increase your edge. Don’t worry about the news anymore, through our newsletter you’ll receive weekly access to what is happening. Join 120,000 other PE professionals today.

About BlackRock

BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. Together with their clients, they are contributing to a more equitable and resilient world – today and for generations to come.

About Knighthead

Knighthead Capital Management is a New York-based registered investment adviser founded in 2008. The firm focuses on long-short investments and specializes in event driven, distressed credit and special situation opportunities across a broad array of industries.

Source: Reuters

Can’t stop reading? Read more