Flybe (2nd) has announced it will fly from London Heathrow and Belfast City to the Isle of Man starting on October 29.
In addition, the reborn carrier will also fly this winter on Saturdays and Sundays from Birmingham to Geneva, starting on December 17.
Flybe (2nd) aircraft photo gallery:
Flybe (1st) aircraft photo gallery:
Flybe (2nd) today (April 13) started flying. The first route was between Birmingham and Belfast (City).
The new version of Flybe was established in April 2021.
Flybe Limited is a British commercial airline which will operate throughout the UK and EU.
Top Photo: Alec Wilson. The new 2021 livery for the relaunched carrier.
Flybe (1st) aircraft slide show:
Flybe (1st) aircraft photo gallery:
Flybe shut down all operations on March 5, 2020 leaving passengers stranded.
The defunct company was acquired by Thyme Opco.
The reborn carrier now intends to restart operations in 2022, this time based in Birmingham.
Birmingham Airport issued this statement:
One of Britain’s newest commercial airlines in several decades, Flybe Ltd, has announced that Birmingham Airport will be its new company headquarters and first new crew base.
Amongst one of the first UK airlines to be certified by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) since Brexit, Flybe will serve key regions across the UK and EU with operations scheduled to begin in early 2022. Birmingham Airport’s Diamond House will be the location of the company’s new HQ and Operations Centre, in a move that is expected to create approximately 200 direct* new jobs in the Birmingham and West Midlands region over the next three years, with an estimated additional 400 direct jobs to be created nationwide during that same time frame.
Flybe CEO Dave Pflieger said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Birmingham Airport (BHX), the City of Birmingham, and the Mayor of West Midlands to make BHX the location of our new headquarters and first crew base. It was an ideal choice for us due to its great people and highly skilled workforce, its central UK location, and the fact that Birmingham Airport is a global travel hub where local and connecting customers have access to over 150 worldwide destinations. Today’s announcement marks the culmination of over 12 months of dedicated hard work by all involved, and it would not have been possible without the support of the CAA and the UK Government.”
Andy Street, Mayor of West Midlands, said: “It really is such brilliant news that Flybe is coming back as a commercial airline, and even better that it has chosen Birmingham to house its new headquarters.
“Not only does this mean better domestic and international connectivity for our region as well as local jobs and opportunities being created here, but it’s yet another show of faith in the West Midlands with businesses choosing to commit to our region as we recover from the pandemic.
“Flybe’s choice highlights the strength of the aerospace sector in the West Midlands and the talent pool available, and I wish Dave and his team all the very best ahead of their official launch early next year.”
Nick Barton, Chief Executive, Birmingham Airport, added: “Flybe’s announcement that Birmingham has been chosen to become the headquarters for its launch next spring is fantastic news for our region’s connectivity needs, and it will bring with it some great new employment opportunities. Dave’s vast experience in managing start-up airlines and turnaround situations, coupled with the recovery of the Midlands’ economy post-Covid, means that Flybe’s return to the skies from Birmingham is a shot in the arm for our airport as well as West Midlands businesses and communities. We look forward to working with Dave and his team in preparation for next spring and to launch such a well-known brand here in Birmingham.”
The launch of Flybe is expected to not only enhance essential regional connectivity in the UK and create many valuable airline industry jobs, but also help restart many local economies as they rebound from the pandemic. This, in turn, should contribute to additional growth in the Midlands and assist with new and ongoing efforts to level-up the country.
Pflieger added that “I also want to emphasize that a key area of focus from day one for Flybe will be environmental sustainability and ensuring we do everything possible to reduce our carbon footprint and GHGs. Our entire fleet will be comprised of the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400, which is a fast turboprop powered aircraft that can complete short journeys almost as quickly as a regional jet, but with lower CO2 emissions. In addition, we will also be partnering with local community charities and partners who are focused on the environment as well as other causes which align with our corporate goals and values.
“As for what’s next, please stay tuned. We plan to provide more information in the coming weeks and months about ticket prices, new routes and destinations, and other important news that will help customers visit loved ones, get away for a weekend, and get out on business trips. This is an incredibly exciting time for us, and we look forward to sharing more updates in the future.”
Today’s news follows the April 2021 sale of the business and assets of Flybe Ltd (in Administration, now renamed FBE Realisations Ltd) to Thyme Opco Limited (now renamed Flybe Limited).
*Based on industry data, it is estimated that an additional two indirect and induced jobs are created for every direct airline job.
Previously on April 14, 2021 Flybe issued this statement:
The Joint Administrators of the company previously known as Flybe Limited, now FBE Realisations 2021 Limited (in Administration), Simon Edel, Alan Hudson, Joanne Robinson and Lucy Winterborne of EY’s Turnaround and Restructuring Strategy team, have on 13 April 2021 completed the sale of Flybe’s business and assets to a new company affiliated with investment adviser Cyrus Capital. The new company previously known as Thyme Opco Limited, will now be renamed “Flybe Limited”.
This announcement marks the successful completion of the asset purchase agreement, which was signed on 19 October 2020, and includes the transfer of Flybe jobs, as well as assets and other parts of the business to the buyer.
Simon Edel, Joint Administrator and EY-Parthenon Turnaround and Restructuring Strategy (TRS) Partner said: “Completion of the sale of Flybe is positive news for local communities previously served by Flybe. The launch of a new Flybe will enhance regional connectivity across the UK and create new job opportunities within the airline industry. Flybe stands to make an important contribution to local economies as they rebuild after the pandemic and as restrictions ease to allow an increase in air travel.”
A Flybe Limited spokesperson added: “We are extremely excited to announce the conclusion of almost six months of dedicated hard work by the great team at Flybe, the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the European Commission, and the many others who made this announcement possible. Today’s news represents a critical first step in our mission to accomplish the first-ever rescue of an insolvent British airline.
“Subject to further success with vaccinations and relaxation of travel restrictions, we plan to launch a new and much improved Flybe sometime this Summer on many of our former routes where there remains a critical need for a strong, reliable, and customer-focused airline. While our company will initially be smaller than before, we intend to grow, create valuable jobs, and make significant contributions to essential regional connectivity in the UK and EU.”
The Joint Administrators were appointed on 5 March 2020 following the significant disruption to the airline industry caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the Administration, Flybe was a UKbased independent regional airline in the UK carrying around eight million passengers a year between 81 airports across the UK and the rest of Europe.
Flybe (1st) aircraft slide show:
Flybe (1st) aircraft photo gallery:
https://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-Europe-1/Airlines-United-Kingdom/Flybe/i-v4SVrCj/A
Flybe, at least a second version, is being prepared for a relaunch this summer on domestic routes in the United Kingdom.
Last month, the British CAA granted the new airline an AOC as well as Type A and B route licenses, enabling the carrier to operate both charter and scheduled services.
The new version of Flybe obtained 86 slots at London’s Heathrow Airport for the summer 2021 season, to be used for flights to Edinburgh and Aberdeen, Scotland.
From Reuters:
“Flybe, the regional British airline which failed last year, is set to relaunch this summer after the sale of the former company’s business and assets to a new company backed by investor Cyrus Capital.
“We plan to launch a new and much improved Flybe sometime this summer on many of our former routes,” said a spokesman for the new company, called Flybe Limited, on Wednesday.”
Previously on April 14, 2021, Flybe issued this statement:
The Joint Administrators of the company previously known as Flybe Limited, now FBE Realisations 2021 Limited (in Administration), Simon Edel, Alan Hudson, Joanne Robinson and Lucy Winterborne of EY’s Turnaround and Restructuring Strategy team, have on April 13, 2021 completed the sale of Flybe’s business and assets to a new company affiliated with investment adviser Cyrus Capital. The new company previously known as Thyme Opco Limited, will now be renamed “Flybe Limited”.
This announcement marks the successful completion of the asset purchase agreement, which was signed on October 19, 2020, and includes the transfer of Flybe jobs, as well as assets and other parts of the business to the buyer.
Simon Edel, Joint Administrator and EY-Parthenon Turnaround and Restructuring Strategy (TRS) Partner said: “Completion of the sale of Flybe is positive news for local communities previously served by Flybe. The launch of a new Flybe will enhance regional connectivity across the UK and create new job opportunities within the airline industry. Flybe stands to make an important contribution to local economies as they rebuild after the pandemic and as restrictions ease to allow an increase in air travel.”
A Flybe Limited spokesperson added: “We are extremely excited to announce the conclusion of almost six months of dedicated hard work by the great team at Flybe, the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the European Commission, and the many others who made this announcement possible. The news represents a critical first step in our mission to accomplish the first-ever rescue of an insolvent British airline.
“Subject to further success with vaccinations and relaxation of travel restrictions, we plan to launch a new and much improved Flybe sometime this Summer on many of our former routes where there remains a critical need for a strong, reliable, and customer-focused airline. While our company will initially be smaller than before, we intend to grow, create valuable jobs, and make significant contributions to essential regional connectivity in the UK and EU.”
The Joint Administrators were appointed on March 5, 2020 following the significant disruption to the airline industry caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the Administration, Flybe was a UKbased independent regional airline in the UK carrying around eight million passengers a year between 81 airports across the UK and the rest of Europe.
Top Copyright Photo: It is unknown at this time whether the new Flybe will look like the old Flybe. Flybe (British European 2nd) Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) G-PRPO (msn 4214) SEN (Keith Burton). Image: 948680.
Flybe (1st) aircraft photo gallery:
Flybe (1st) aircraft slide show:
Flybe entered administration today (March 5, 2020) and ceased all operations.
Flybe was due to become virgin Connect this year.
The airline issued this statement:
Flybe entered Administration on March 5, 2020 and Alan Hudson, Joanne Robinson, Lucy Winterborne and Simon Edel of EY have been appointed as Joint Administrators.
All flights have been grounded and the UK business has ceased trading with immediate effect.
If you are due to fly with Flybe, 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 booking sold by another airline that includes travel on a Flybe flight, please contact the relevant airline or travel agent to confirm if there is any impact to your travel plans.
Customers are also advised to monitor the Civil Aviation Authority website for further information (www.caa.co.uk).
If you require any further information or assistance, please contact the Administrators by email at flybeadministration@uk.ey.com.
In the event that you were an employee of the Company and you require any further information or assistance in relation to the Administration, please contact the Administrators by email at flybeemployees@uk.ey.com.
In the event that you were a supplier or creditor of the Company and you require further details in relation to the Administration, please direct your enquiries to the Administrators’ office by email at flybesuppliers@uk.ey.com.
Flybe aircraft photo gallery:
Flybe is due to become Virgin Connect later this year as previously reported after being acquired by Connect Airways, a consortium of Virgin Atlantic and the Stobart Group.
In the meantime, the airline is facing a financial crunch and is hoping to avoid administration (bankruptcy). The airline is now in talks to secure new financing according to Sky News.
The airline commented on social media:
“Flybe continues to focus on providing great service and connectivity for our customers, to ensure that they can continue to travel as planned. We don’t comment on rumour or speculation.”
Flybe aircraft photo gallery:
Flybe has made this announcement:
As Flybe, we have been connecting passengers across the UK and Europe for 40 years and as we embark on an ambitious transformation, Virgin Connect will continue our work as Europe’s Largest Regional Airline.
As part of the extended Virgin family, Virgin Connect will reflect the innovation and entrepreneurship of Virgin’s wider brands, putting our customers first and offering better value.
Providing great customer experience is at the core of Virgin Connect’s DNA and will be one of the many ways in which we will differentiate ourselves in the regional market upon rebranding next year.
Connect Airways* CEO, Mark Anderson said: “We are hugely excited by this milestone in our airline’s 40-year history. We will remain true to our heritage and reason for being, which is offering essential regional connectivity to local communities.
“At its heart, Virgin Connect will be passionately focused on becoming Europe’s most loved and successful regional airline. It will offer travel that is simple and convenient with the personal touch. Our customers will naturally expect the same exceptional travel experience as they do with other Virgin-related brands. Whatever their reason for flying, we want our customers to feel loved and know we will always put their needs first in every decision we take.
“As part of the Virgin family, we now have a tremendously re-energised team. From here on in, we invite our customers, partners and the communities we serve to join us on every step of this exciting journey!”
Keep an eye on this website and the Flybe social media channels for updates on our exciting journey to Virgin Connect.
We’ll be saying goodbye to purple and hello to red. We’ll also be offering our customers an enhanced customer experience, whilst continuing to connect the regions & our passengers to what matters most.
Your booking won’t be affected. We’ll take care of all the details so all you have to do is look forward to flying.
For now, please visit flybe.com to continue to book flights, check in and manage your booking.
*Connect Airways is the name of the holding company owned 40% by Cyrus Capital Partners, 30% by Stobart Group, and 30% by Virgin Atlantic Limited, the holding company of Virgin Atlantic Airways and Virgin Holidays.
Flybe aircraft photo gallery:
https://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-Europe-1/Airlines-United-Kingdom/Flybe/i-CdmQjcb/A
Flybe, under new ownership, is ending service on 23 routes in the fall according to Airline Route.
Following routes will be discontinued:
Cardiff – Faro Last flight on October 26, 2019
Cardiff – Glasgow Last flight on October 25, 2019
Cardiff – Milan Malpensa Last flight on September 28, 2019
Cardiff – Munich Last flight on September 6, 2019
Cardiff – Rome Last flight on September 7, 2019
Cardiff – Verona Last flight on September 7, 2019
Cardiff – Venice Last flight on September 7, 2019
Doncaster/Sheffield – Alicante Last flight on October 26, 2019
Doncaster/Sheffield – Dublin Last flight on October 25, 2019
Doncaster/Sheffield – Jersey Last flight on October 26, 2019
Doncaster/Sheffield – Paris CDG Last flight on October 25, 2019
Exeter – Alicante Last flight on October 25, 2019
Exeter – Faro Last flight on October 26, 2019
Exeter – Malaga Last flight on October 26, 2019
Manchester – Innsbruck – Seasonal service not returning in the winter
Newquay – Leeds/Bradford Last flight on October 25, 2019
Norwich – Alicante Last flight on October 25, 2019
Norwich – Exeter Last flight on October 25, 2019
Norwich – Malaga last flight on October 24, 2019
Southampton – Alicante Last flight on October 26, 2019
Southampton – La Rochelle Last flight on September 22, 2019
Southampton – Nantes Last flight on September 8, 2019
Southampton – Rennes Last flight on September 24, 2019
As previously announced, the carrier will be focusing on the Bombardier Q400 as its core aircraft type in the future.
The Embraer 175s will be phased out in late 2019.
The Embraer 195s will be returned to its lessors by 2020.
Top Copyright Photo: Flybe (Britsh European 2nd) Embraer ERJ 190-200LR (ERJ 195) G-FBEJ (msn 19000155) (Welcome to Yorkshire) MUC (Arnd Wolf). Image: 944998.
Flybe aircraft slide show:
https://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-Europe-1/Airlines-United-Kingdom/Flybe/i-wmVJDCG/A
The European Commission has issued this decision:
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of UK regional air carrier Flybe by Connect Airways, a consortium by Virgin Atlantic, Stobart Aviation and Cyrus. The decision is conditional on full compliance with commitments offered by Connect Airways.
This decision concerns the proposed acquisition by Connect Airways of (i) Flybe, (ii) Propius Holdings Ltd (“Propius”, Stobart Aviation’s aircraft leasing business) and (iii) Stobart Air Unlimited Company (“Stobart Air”, Stobart Aviation’s operating airline business).
Connect Airways is a consortium founded by Virgin Atlantic, Stobart Aviation and Cyrus. Through the consortium, the three companies will jointly control Flybe, Propius and Stobart Air following the merger.
The Commission’s merger investigation
The Commission investigated the impact of the proposed transaction on the market for air transport of passengers on routes from British airports to other European airports as well as some intra-UK routes.
The Commission’s investigation found that the transaction, as initially notified, would have led to quasi-monopolies on two direct European routes, namely Birmingham – Amsterdam and Birmingham – Paris.
This quasi-monopoly situation would result from Air France-KLM acquiring indirect control over Flybe, via its joint control over Virgin Atlantic. The Commission approved the joint acquisition of Virgin Atlantic by Air France-KLM, Delta and Virgin group in February 2019. The Commission also noted that entry of competitors into these routes would be difficult, considering that both Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle airports are very congested airports.
The Commission also investigated the effects of the transaction on several other markets, such as passenger air transport to/from Amsterdam Schiphol airport, cargo air transport services, ground-handling services or airport infrastructure services but did not find competition concerns in any of these.
The proposed remedies
To address the competition concerns identified by the Commission with regard to the Birmingham – Amsterdam and Birmingham – Paris routes, Connect Airways offered a set of commitments.
Connect Airways committed to the release of five daily slot pairs at Amsterdam Schiphol airport and three daily slot pairs at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. Under the proposed commitments, these slots will be released to competing airlines that want to fly the Birmingham – Amsterdam and Birmingham – Paris routes.
The commitments fully address the competition concerns identified by the Commission regarding Connect Airways’ acquisition of Flybe. The Commission therefore concluded that the proposed transaction, as modified by the final commitments, would no longer raise competition concerns. This decision is conditional upon full compliance with the commitments.
The Commission’s derogation decision of February 21, 2019
Under the EU Merger Regulation, companies have the obligation not to implement a notifiable transaction before it has been declared compatible with the common market (Article 7(1) of the EU Merger Regulation). This serves to avoid that competition could be harmed beyond repair before the Commission has taken its decision. At the same time, EU merger rules enable the Commission to give a temporary approval for certain parts of a transaction (on the basis of Article 7(3) of the Merger Regulation) in a way that does not harm effective competition, and in order to avoid negative effects for consumers.
On 21 February 2019, the Commission granted Connect Airways such a derogation. As a result, Connect Airways was allowed to acquire Flybe’s shares prior to the merger clearance, subject to strict conditions, in particular related to voting rights. The derogation decision helped prevent flight cancellations to the detriment of consumers and helped avoid staff layoffs, while the merger review was ongoing.
Companies and products
Flybe, based in the UK, is a British regional airline with a focus on short-haul, point-to-point flights. It currently operates 190 routes serving 12 countries from 73 departure points in the United Kingdom and other European countries.
Cyrus, based in the US, is an investment adviser and an investor in public and private airlines.
Stobart Group, based in Guernsey, is active in aviation and infrastructure markets, including (i) operating regional airline Stobart Air and (ii) developing London Southend Airport.
Virgin Atlantic, is the ultimate holding company of international passenger airline Virgin Atlantic Airways and international tour operator Virgin Holidays. Virgin Atlantic is currently controlled by Virgin Group and Delta Air Lines. On 12 February 2019, the Commission cleared unconditionally the proposed acquisition of joint control by Virgin Group, Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM over Virgin Atlantic.
Air France-KLM, based in France, is the holding company of Air France, the French national carrier airline and KLM, the Dutch national carrier airline. The company provides passenger air transport services, cargo air transport services and maintenance, repair and overhaul services.
Connect Airways issued this statement:
Connect Airways Limited (Connect Airways) has received merger control clearance from the European Commission for its acquisition of Flybe Limited (Flybe), Propius Holdings Ltd (Propius), and its investment in Stobart Air Unlimited Company (Stobart Air), securing Flybe’s long-term future and providing more choice for customers across the UK.
With Connect Airways taking over full management control of the business, Mark Anderson (CEO, Connect Airways) and with the leadership teams from Flybe and Stobart Air will now focus on plans to grow Flybe’s regional network, as well as expanding Stobart Air’s successful franchise business.
Connect Airways will offer significant benefits for customers:
Work is also underway to develop an exciting new brand and customer proposition, which will be announced in due course.
Top Copyright Photo: This will be Flybe’s last livery which was very limited and now short-lived. Flybe (British European 2nd) Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) G-JECP (msn 4136) SOU (Antony J. Best). Image: 946881.
Flybe aircraft slide show:
Connect Airways has acquired Stobart Air and its aircraft leasing division for £40 million and completed the purchase of Flybe for £2.8 million.
Connect Airways is a British consortium, was formed in December 2018 to acquire the assets of Flybe, which had put itself up for sale in November 2018 after issuing a profit warning in October 2018.
The purchase of the operating assets of the Flybe Group was completed on February 21, 2019.
The Combined Group intends for Flybe to continue as an independent operating carrier with a separate UK Air Operator Certificate (AOC) under the Virgin Atlantic brand. Stobart Air is intended to continue under a separate Irish AOC.
The Combined Group will operate independently to Virgin Atlantic under one management team, owned 40% by Cyrus Capital Partners, 30% by Stobart Aviation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Stobart Group, and 30% by Virgin Atlantic Limited, the holding company of Virgin Atlantic Airways and Virgin Holidays.
Flybe issued this short statement:
The confirmation of the sale of Flybe to Connect Airways secures an exciting future for our customers and employees as we continue to provide vital regional connectivity in the UK and beyond. Our confirmed schedule operates as normal.
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