Showing posts with label FlyBe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FlyBe. Show all posts

08 February, 2023

FlyBe may yet fly again......

The UK's leading travel trade publication TTG is reporting that the former UK regional airline FlyBe may yet fly again after the administrators have put in a request with the CAA for a temporary licence. 

Gary Noakes advises that the failed carrier’s administrators Interpath Advisory is seeking a permit to allow it to engage with the authority and others to restructure the business.  A source close to the administration told them that gaining the licence would allow administrators to explore a sale. "We have a short window in which we can try to get some sort of sale agreed for the business and assets,".

"The UK Civil Aviation Authority has not yet made a decision on whether to grant a temporary licence. Flybe’s licence currently remains suspended in accordance with the undertakings given by the administrators."  a spokesperson said. 







28 January, 2023

Flybe collapses.....again......What to do if you were due to fly with flybe

The UK regional airline flybe has cancelled all flights to and from the UK after calling in the administrators and ceased trading.

On its website the airline posted the following message, asking passengers not to travel to the airport and advising  "Flybe has now ceased trading and all flights from and to the UK operated by Flybe have been cancelled and will not be rescheduled."



If you are a passenger affected by this event, please read the advice below.

If you are due to fly with Flybe today or in the future, please DO NOT TRAVEL TO THE AIRPORT unless you have arranged an alternative flight with another airline. Please note that Flybe is unfortunately not able to arrange alternative flights for passengers.

If you have a Flybe booking sold by an intermediary (i.e. not directly with Flybe) that includes travel on a Flybe flight, please contact the relevant airline or booking / travel agent to confirm if there is any impact to your travel plans as the intermediary may be able to support you with alternative arrangements and provide further advice regarding any claim you may need to make.

Customers are also advised to monitor the Civil Aviation Authority website for further information www.caa.co.uk/news

If you require any further information or assistance, please contact the Administrators at:

flybecustomers@interpathadvisory.com


The UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) advises the following on its site:

If you booked directly with Flybe and paid by credit card you may be protected under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and should contact your card issuer for further information. Similarly, if you paid by debit or charge card you should contact your card issuer for advice as you may be able to make a claim under their chargeback rules.

If you purchased travel insurance that includes cover for scheduled airline failure, known as SAFI, you should contact your insurer. If you did not book directly with Flybe and purchased your tickets through a third party, you should contact your booking or travel agent in the first instance.

Negative response letter
Passengers who booked directly with the company via either a credit, charge or debit card may alternatively be able to make a claim through their card provider. Some card providers will ask for a negative response letter confirming the position. Passengers may also be able to make a claim against their travel insurer.

The negative response letter will be published shortly.

Direct booking with an airline
If you paid the airline directly by credit card you might be protected by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. You should check with your card issuer for further advice. You may have similar cover if you paid by Visa debit card and should check with your bank.

Booked through an Airline Ticket Agent
If you booked your ticket through an airline ticket agent you should speak to the agent in the first instance; they may have provided travel insurance that includes Scheduled Airline Failure cover.

Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI)
Some airlines and airline ticket agents will offer customers either a specific Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI) policy or include similar protection within a broader travel insurance product. The type of protection provided may vary depending on the type of policy taken out. A policy may simply cover the cost of the original tickets purchased or any unused portion, or the additional cost of purchasing new flights, such as new tickets for travel back to the UK.

Paul Smith, Consumer Director at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

"It is always sad to see an airline enter administration and we know that Flybe's decision to stop trading will be distressing for all of its employees and customers.

We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Flybe flights are cancelled. For the latest advice, Flybe customers should visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website or our Twitter feed for more information."

The majority of destinations served by Flybe are within the UK with alternative transport arrangements available.  We recognise that this is an uncertain time for affected employees and their families. Jobcentre Plus, through its Rapid Response Service, stands ready to support any employee affected."

The chief executive of Belfast City Airport, Matthew Hall commented: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with Flybe employees and passengers affected by this disappointing and unexpected news. Passengers booked on Flybe flights should not travel to the airport and should seek further advice from the Civil Aviation Authority.

Flybe operated 10 flights to and from Belfast City, eight of which are currently served by other carriers from our airport. Alternative travel to Birmingham; Glasgow; Leeds-Bradford; London Heathrow, Amsterdam; Edinburgh; Manchester; and Southampton can be arranged through Aer Lingus, KLM, British Airways and Loganair which operates flights to Teesside International from Belfast City Airport."

21 October, 2022

New Belfast City to Isle of Man route starts next week

Photo flybe
From 30 October, flybe will offer flights to the Isle of Man from Belfast City six days a week.

Visitors to the Celtic nation will be able to enjoy its unique coastal scenery, whilst residents of the Isle of Man will receive better connectivity with the island’s two neighbouring capitals.

Dave Pflieger, Flybe’s CEO said:  “The entire team at Flybe are thrilled to announce our continued growth and an enhanced winter schedule that not only reflects the expansion of our fleet and network within Great Britain and Northern Ireland, but also into Europe. And, we are even more proud of the fact that our new airline will be providing Isle of Man, Belfast, and other key customers with additional travel options and even more great value offerings — especially now, when they are needed most to help connect to loved ones, experiences, and destinations that matter most this winter and holiday season.”

Isle of Man Airport’s Director, Gary Cobb, said:  “We are very happy to welcome flybe to the Island and the routes show the continued strength of the recovery to the aviation industry and passenger volumes to our airport. We believe these routes will add choice and flexibility of which can only be of benefit to the Island – something which I know is welcomed, based on customer feedback.”










24 August, 2022

More new routes from flybe this winter....

The UK regional airline, flybe, has said it will be offering a lot more flights this winter as it seeks to solidify its position as a major European carrier. 

From 30 October 2022, the airline is adding more destinations,  new routes from Newquay and flying more from Amsterdam, Belfast City and London Heathrow. 

Established in April 2021, flybe Limited is a British commercial airline that operates throughout the UK and EU. Whilst it is bringing new flights to the schedule, the carrier has difficulty in updating its own website - it's 'About us' page hasn't been updated for more than a year.  It says, "We will commence operations in early 2022 with frequent, convenient, and great value flights that connect our customers to the people and experiences that really matter. We are dedicated to the highest standards of safety, passionate about excellent customer service and will always go the extra mile to make your journey the best it can be."

The carrier had to drop some routes in recent months after aircraft leasing firms delayed the deployment of new Q400 aircraft in time for this summer. 

flybe's winter programme.....

12 July, 2022

Flybe starts services between East Midlands and Belfast City airports

Flybe starts services between East Midlands and Belfast City airports


The new version of the UK regional airline Flybe has begun operations to and from East Midlands and  Belfast this month with a daily rotation linking the two cities in a little over 40 minutes.

Belfast and Northern Ireland are great places to explore with so much on offer to tourists and business people alike. For example, the city itself has the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience, is a must-see and is just one of the many cultural escapes, scientific exhibitions and literary-inspired attractions in the city. A short journey away from Belfast, the rugged Causeway Coastal Route - voted the Number 1 Region in the World to visit by Lonely Planet in 2018 - is a popular attraction for lovers of the outdoors and keen walkers.  Of course, for Game of Thrones fans, there is no better place to visit. The popular TV series was filmed in Belfast and across Northern Ireland. The area’s rugged coastlines, historic castles and breath-taking scenery provided the perfect backdrop. The Game of Thrones tour takes in famous filming locations.

Clare James, East Midlands Airport’s Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted that this popular route is being well-served by flybe. Direct connectivity to Belfast is a boost for this region and the new route provides frequent and easy access to Northern Ireland for people who are visiting for leisure or business. It’s also great news for tourism in the East Midlands and we offer a very warm welcome to visitors who want to explore everything this region has to offer.” 


Dave Pflieger, flybe’s CEO added: “We’re overjoyed to be starting flights from East Midlands Airport to Belfast. Our commitment will always be towards offering customers choice whilst providing the great value we’re known for, and we think this is a fantastic route to represent that.

“Connectivity is a priority for us, which is what makes us proud to play a role in tying together these two iconic locations. The new route will be essential to our mission of becoming the number one choice for both regional flights in the UK and between the UK and EU. We’re confident that our flights from East Midlands to Belfast are yet another step towards the future we envision for flybe.”



20 April, 2022

Flybe’s return to the skies powered by IBS Software’s iFly Res PSS Platform


Flybe’s return to the skies powered

by IBS Software’s iFly Res PSS Platform


 
Flybe CEO Dave Pflieger and IBS Software CEO Anand Krishnan
The new reincarnated regional airline, Flybe has chosen IBS Software’s iFly Res to be the backbone of its commercial operations powering its recent launch.  

IBS Software’s next-gen solution, iFly Res, will support Flybe as it launches its new airline with a customer-centric passenger service system (PSS), providing state of the art offer and order management capabilities, fully supporting IATA’s NDC and ONE Order standard. This includes an airline portal, a modern booking engine for consumers and a unique, comprehensive agency portal to drive indirect sales through a cost-effective channel with merchandising upsell opportunities. 

 “We are excited to be working with IBS Software to realise our goal of launching our new airline, growing and delivering a customer-focused system that merges retail capability with modern technology solutions,” said Dave Pflieger, CEO of Flybe “The flexibility of this reservations system, along with an excellent partnership, made iFly Res the perfect choice for us. We’re looking forward to continuing to leverage technology and innovation with IBS Software by our side.”

IBS Software is a leading SaaS solutions provider to the travel industry globally, managing mission-critical operations for customers in the aviation, tour & cruise and hospitality industries. IBS Software's solutions for the aviation industry cover flight & crew operations, aircraft maintenance, passenger services, loyalty programs, staff travel and air-cargo management. IBS Software also runs a real time B2B and B2C distribution platform providing hotel room inventory, rates and availability to a global network of hospitality companies and channels. For the tour and cruise industry, IBS provides a comprehensive, customer-centric, digital platform that covers onshore, online and on-board solutions. 

“We are delighted to be supporting one of the UK’s newest airlines on its flight path into the skies,” said David Friderici, Senior VP and Head of Aviation Passenger Solutions at IBS Software. “This partnership will help Flybe to provide its customers with a data-driven, personalised digital experience that will make travelling around its network easier than ever before. We have been keen to welcome Flybe as a customer, and we are pleased to stand side-by-side with them as we begin an exciting journey together.”

iFly Res is the first natively compliant IATA NDC and ONE Order management system in the industry, with a rich API portfolio that provides NDC and ONE Order compliant distribution and delivery capabilities at all customer touch points, enabling airlines to apply modern, personalised product and continuous pricing decisions. This includes all distribution channels as well as departure control (DCS) to provide rapid connectivity to content providers, consumers, delivery providers and trade partners.

The new Flybe is trying to build a powerful regional airline playing a crucial role in creating valuable jobs, connecting communities, and helping restart local economies across the UK. It plans to operate a fleet of 32 Dash 8-400 aircraft. 




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16 April, 2022

flybe back in the air.....

The new Flybe has officially started commercial flights this week with a service from Birmingham to George Best Belfast City Airport from Birmingham on Wednesday 13 April. 
 
The inaugural flight took off on Wednesday morning and marked the beginning of up to four daily flights between the two airports. Additional routes served from Belfast will include Belfast City to Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, London Heathrow, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, East Midlands, Manchester, Southampton, Aberdeen, Inverness and Newcastle.
 
The launch follows the news that Belfast City Airport will be the airline’s second main base of operation, creating approximately 100 direct new jobs in the Belfast region, as well as an additional 40 local partner jobs in ground handling and maintenance companies. Flybe’s arrival is expected to create even more indirect jobs elsewhere in the local Northern Ireland economy.
 
Flybe’s CEO, Dave Pflieger (pictured above) said: "After a year of extremely hard work, the entire team at Flybe is absolutely thrilled to be airborne and underway with our new commercial operations, and we are especially excited to be in a new multi-year partnership with Belfast City Airport.
 

We chose Belfast City Airport as an important base for our operations because of its fantastic people, its key location just five minutes from the city centre, and the opportunity it allows to connect Northern Ireland with mainland UK. We have plans to rapidly grow and create further jobs and look forward to adding even more flights as the summer progresses."
 
Matthew Hall, Chief Executive of George Best Belfast City Airport, (pictured above) added: “It’s great to see Flybe take to the skies today from George Best Belfast City Airport. Providing choice and convenience to the people of Northern Ireland is something we pride ourselves on, and securing these 12 new services to destinations across the UK and Europe with Flybe only strengthens that offering further.” 










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25 March, 2022

12 new routes from the new FlyBe from Belfast City Airport!

It's the route news everyone has been waiting for! The new incarnation of Flybe has announced it will commence 12 new routes from Belfast City Airport to destinations across the UK and beyond.




✈️ Birmingham up to 4x a day, taking off on 13th April

✈️ Glasgow up to 4x a day, taking off on 14th April

✈️ Leeds Bradford up to 3x a day, taking off on 28th April

✈️ London Heathrow up to 2x a day, taking off on 28th April

✈️ Amsterdam daily, taking off on 28th May

✈️ Edinburgh up to 3x a day, taking off on 23rd June

✈️ East Midlands up to 2x a day, taking off on 7th July

✈️ Manchester up to 4x a day, taking off on 7th July

✈️ Southampton up to 2x a day, taking off on 28th July

✈️ Aberdeen up to 4x a week, taking off on 25th August

✈️ Inverness up to 4x a week, taking off on 25th August

✈️ Newcastle daily, taking off on 25th August



With fares starting at only £29.99, the new Flybe flights from Belfast City Airport are the perfect excuse to book that weekend break you’ve been thinking about, enjoy a trip to the UK, or reconnect with loved ones across the water.

Katy Best, Commercial Director at George Best Belfast City Airport, said:  “We are thrilled to be sharing the extremely positive news that Flybe has chosen Belfast City Airport as its second base and will operate services to 12 destinations from April this year.
 
“These flights further strengthen our route network and offer our passengers greater choice, convenience, and connectivity to the UK and beyond. We look forward to welcoming Flybe and working with the airline to meet the growing demand for travel.”
 
The announcement comes as the new and improved Flybe reveals its full route network which will see the airline fly up to 530 flights per week across 23 routes, with more to be announced in the months ahead. 
 
Flybe CEO, Dave Pflieger, said: “We are delighted to now be out for sale and starting service next month. We think our new flights will benefit everyone who wants low fares and more flights to go on holiday and visit loved ones.  Our new network will also ensure better regional connectivity inside the UK and between various UK and EU regions.” 
 
Our goal is to create an airline that people love, and we aim to do that by making air travel on Flybe an easy and enjoyable experience so you will fly with us again in the future.  The new Flybe team has worked tirelessly over the past year to create an airline that delivers on price, schedule, and choice, and we look forward to having you book a ticket on flybe.com and start flying again next month, this summer, and in the many years ahead!”





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19 October, 2020

Is flybe about to make a comeback?


Is Flybe about to make a comeback, less than a year after spectacularly collapsed after a failed rescue deal by Virgin Atlantic, Stobart Air and Cyrus Capital.

According to industry experts, the regional air carrier could be flying again as early as the second quarter of next year, after a former shareholder stepped in to buy remaining assets of the firm. 

Investment company Thyme Opco,  51%-owned by Mr  Lucien Farrell, who also runs European operations of  Cyrus Capital, purchased the assets for an undisclosed amount. A spokesperson said the airline would "start off smaller than before".

The spokesperson added, "The airline is not only a well-known UK brand, it was also the largest regional air carrier in the EU, so while we plan to start off smaller than before, we expect to create valuable airline industry jobs, restore essential regional connectivity in the UK, and contribute to the recovery of a vital part of the country's economy."

Thyme Opco will take on FlyBe's brand, website,  intellectual property, stock and equipment, all much needed to reinvigorate the carrier. However,  the big question is whether the FlyBe operators licence from the Civil Aviation Authority - CAA will still be valid.  Part of the licence includes various slots are the busiest airports in the UK - at least before the coronavirus pandemic, including London's Heathrow and Gatwick, as well as Manchester and others.  A number of the slots have been passed to other airlines to use, at least for the time being. The jury is still out on whether the CAA will reinstate the licence to the new owners and allow a new version of FlyBe fly again.


On balance,   with a lot of negotiation,  I think the Flybe name will grace the skies again, at least for a while.  The market is changing fundamentally, not least because of the current health crisis, but also because the profitable former Flybe routes have already been taken over by the likes of Eastern and Loganair.  The USP of Flybe was the skinny thin regional routes from smaller local airports.  With demand so low from even the major airports,  could there be enough passengers from the smaller regional airports to make a service viable?  I have my doubts,  although,  I really hope I'm wrong, it would be great to see the Flybe name on a plane or two next year,  yet I won't put money on it still being around in two years after starting up!  



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04 March, 2020

Flybe goes into administration after failing to secure more funding

The UK regional airline Flybe has suspended operations and gone into administration, with all flights being axed and leaving more than 2200 staff facing unemployment at a time when other airlines are freezing recruitment over the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis.  

Flybe was still taking reservations on its website and ap until ten minutes before 11pm UK time when the sites stopped working and an error message appearing informing visitors that they might have taken a wrong turn.

Flybe was Europe’s biggest regional airline and had operated nearly 120 routes but had been struggling to survive for the last few years.  It was taken over by a consortium of Stobart Air, Virgin Atlantic and a US investment firm and was about to be rebranded Virgin Connect.  However, the losses continued to mount, despite cash injections from the three investors.  The firm had asked the government for £100 million to bail it out over an already difficult winter season, but that loan was declined. Flybe's chances of success were further dealt a massive blow by the downturn in future bookings as people halted their travel plans because of the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis. The collapse was a foregone conclusion when Virgin Atlantic refused to inject further funding into Flybe earlier this week.

Earlier this evening, mechanics at its Exeter base have been arriving at the hangers and collection their tools and toolboxes to take home.  Ordered not to talk to the media, many had no idea if the airline would still be flying tomorrow, let alone next week.

However, the writing may not have been on the walls, but it was on some aircraft on the ground that were impounded by airports over the unpaid bills for services, fuel and landing fees.  Glasgow and Aberdeen put impound notices on aircraft, a sad end to an airline that had a 40-year history - under many names - of regional operations in the UK.

Blue Islands, a franchise partner of Flybe that operates flights to and from the Channel Islands has promised to continue operating flights and asked passengers to check-in on time at the airports.  It said it would sell tickets at the airport for a flat rate of £50 for other stranded passengers.




Circulating on social media is a letter sent to staff just prior to the demise of Flybe by its CEO which tells of the sadness of not being able to secure further financing.







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Flybe on the verge of collapse

There is a fresh crisis looming for the struggling regional airline, Flybe as it appears the £100 million loan from the government will not be authorised and future bookings have slowed dramatically over the last few weeks due to the ongoing Coronavius COVID-19 situation.

Many believe the carrier is on the verge of collapse this evening.  This evening mechanics at its Exeter base have been arriving at the hangers and collection their tools and toolboxes to take home.  Ordered not to talk to the media, many had no idea if the airline will still be flying tomorrow, let alone next week. 

The UK's main business paper, The Financial Times, has reported that the government bailout loan of £100 million has been refused and the airline thinks it has enough cash to last only until the end of the month.  Included as part of the hastily arranged rescue deal was a deferral by the government of tax the airline owes, a little more money from it airlines owners and a government review into Air Passenger Duty.  However,  it is unlikely that any review of the tax will happen until the UK has passed through the transition period from leaving the European Union.

16 January, 2020

UK Government provides a transport update on Flybe


The Department for Transport, the Treasury and the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy have been in discussions with Europe’s largest regional airline, Flybe, which plays an important role in the UK’s connectivity by flying regional routes.

In a sign of the Prime Minister’s commitment to levelling up all regions of the UK, the government has announced additional measures to support regional connectivity across the UK, to ensure all corners of the country drive the economy, and fully benefit from prosperity in years to come.

A review of regional connectivity will ensure all nations and regions of the UK have the domestic transport connections local communities rely on – including regional services from local airports. This review, led by DfT, will consider all options to ensure we continue to have good regional connectivity. The DfT will work closely with the aviation industry, local regions and devolved nations to identify how we can support connectivity.

15 January, 2020

IAG files complaint over UK's 'state aid' to Flybe....

Willie Walsh, the current boss of IAG has filed a complaint to the European Union over the UK's rescue deal for the troubled regional carrier, Flybe. IAG is claiming the deal breaches state aid rules and it is understood that another European carrier has also submitted, or is in the process of filing a complaint. Walsh said it was a "blatant misuse of public cash".

These complaints come as a backlash against the government's plan to defer some of Flybe's air passenger duty tax bill of over £100 million grows. Ryanair the low-fare-high-fee t had called for "more robust and frequent stress tests on financially weak airlines and tour operators so the taxpayer does not have to bail them out". EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren said: "Taxpayers should not be used to bail out individual companies, especially when they are backed by well-funded businesses."




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14 January, 2020

Flybe saved from bankruptcy by government backed rescue deal.

The UK regional airline Flybe will likely live on to fly another day after the UK government brokers a last-minute rescue deal on Tuesday evening. 

The airline's shareholders, which include Virgin Atlantic, Stobart and an investment firm have all agreed to put in more cash to the struggling regional operator. The UK government has said it will review the air UK passenger duty ahead of the budget.  It is also understood that the government has agreed to defer payment the airline was due to pay for the air passenger duty tax for three months - giving the carrier some 'breathing' time.  That bill is said to be over £105 million. Some aviation commentators are indicating this could be on a rolling three-month basis - which if true could have a major impact on the whole aviation industry in the UK. Others are saying the tax bill will be deferred for three years, which would be remarkable if true.  

Business security Andrea Leadsom MP said "Delighted that we have reached agreement with Flybe’s shareholders to keep the company operating, ensuring that U.K. regions remain connected.  This will be welcome news for Flybe’s staff, customers and creditors and we will continue the hard work to ensure a sustainable future."

13 January, 2020

Flybe flying into history........

Just a year after a last-ditch rescue from a consortium including Virgin Atlantic and Stobart Air, Flybe, the YK regional airline is on the very brink of bankruptcy. 

The airline's boss Mark Anderson sent an email to staff at the Exeter HQ saying that "All my energy, and that of our Leadership Team, is very focused on continuing to turn Flybe, soon to be Virgin Connect, around and deliver the heartfelt service that our customers expect,"- the email continued "I do appreciate that the headlines some of you have already read are disturbing but I want you to know that we are determined to do everything we can to make this work."


Anderson said he was "extremely grateful" to the staff for their hard work and commitment, yet the former Executive Vice President - Customer, for Virgin Atlantic doesn't seem too confident that any rescue deal will be successful.  He and other senior managers at the troubled airline have already held secret talks with and appointed EY Earnst and Young to take on the role of administrators for when the pretty much inevitable happens and Flybe collapses.  

There was no ray of hope from Stobart, a spokesperson at Stobart Air said: “Stobart Air does not comment on speculation.” so far there has been no impact on Stobart Air.

16 October, 2019

Connect to retire FlyBe brand to become Virgin Connect

In 2020 Flybe will become Virgin Connect


One of Europes largest regional airlines will disappear next year,  the consortium that rescued the ailing FlyBe confirmed it will change the name to.......Virgin Connect.

As Flybe, the airline has been connecting passengers across the UK and Europe for 40 years and despite its financial trials and tribulations, has unusually held up a strong brand recognition and consumer respect. Yet, Connect Airways, the trading name of the holding company which is owned by Cyrus Capital Partners 40%, by Stobart Group 30 %, and 30% by Virgin Atlantic Limited, have decided to change the name Virgin Connect!

As part of the extended Virgin family, Virgin Connect will, it has been promised, reflect the innovation and entrepreneurship of Virgin's wider brands. They say they will provide great customer experiences and plan to differentiate the airline in the regional market upon rebranding next year.

28 May, 2019

Christine Ourmières-Widener steps down as boss of Flybe

Christine Ourmières-Widener, one of the all too few women in CEO roles in the aviation industry,  is leaving the British regional airline Flybe, which was sold earlier in this year to rushed together consortium including Virgin Atlantic and Stobart Group called Connect Airways. 

Ourmières-Widener confirmed the news in a letter to the airline's staff, "It has been the greatest privilege to lead Flybe over the past two tumultuous years and to work with such an outstanding and dedicated team of people." she wrote.

"I knew that taking the helm at the time I did would pose real challenges - but the scale of them after years of difficulty at the company surprised even me."

"However, together we persevered and, despite the many curve balls thrown at us late in the day, have been able to secure 2,500 jobs with the sale to Connect and provide our customers with the service they have come to enjoy without any significant disruption".

Christine Ourmières-Widener's last day at the company will be 15th July and her successor will be announced before she leaves, according to information from the Exter based company, however, indications are that it is someone from the upper management structure of Virgin Atlantic, although no details have yet been released. 

16 May, 2019

A non-flexible cable tie lead to a nose gear up landing for a FlyBe Bombardier Q400

Photo AAIB
The UK's Air Accident Investigation Branch has issued its final report into an incident involving a FlyBe    Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 turboprop at Belfast International Airport.

The aircraft, registration G-JEDU made an emergency landing during a commercial passenger flight on 10 November 2017.  The aircraft was travelling from Belfast City to Inverness when cockpit indications showed that the nose landing gear doors had not closed after landing gear retraction. The crew diverted to Belfast International and carried out all relevant procedures but were unable to lower the landing gear. The aircraft landed with the nose landing gear up. There was an emergency evacuation and two of the 53 passengers sustained minor injuries.

07 February, 2019

Flybe directors recommend Connect Airways offer for the crisis hit firm

A full document has been issued from Flybe on the offer from Connect Airways - a company jointly-owned by DLP Holdings S.à.r.l., Stobart Aviation Limited and Virgin Travel Group Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Virgin Atlantic Limited. The document focuses on advising shareholders to agree to the deal before a general meeting is due to take place a March 4th.

Connect Airways has offered 1 pence in cash per Flybe share, the Acquisition values the issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Flybe at approximately £2.2 million on the basis of the fully diluted share capital of 216,656,776 Flybe Shares.

Flybe flight BE1265 diverts due to technical problem


Flightradar24 followed the flight.                             image Flightradar24

A flybe Bombardier Q400 registration G-JECX flying from Manchester to Luxembourg performing flight BE1265 this afternoon developed a technical fault that caused the crew to divert and make an emergency landing at Birmingham.

The aircraft concerned was also at the centre of an Air Accident Investigation Branch investigation in April last year following a tail strike at Newquay airport. The 12-year-old aircraft has an all economy seating configuration capable of accommodating up to 78 passengers. 

The flight crew shut one engine down during the flight and the aircraft was met on arrival by Birmingham Airport's fire service who followed the aircraft to stand.  There were some unconfirmed reports of smoke coming from the shutdown powerplant.


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