Flybe is supporting the decision to take Exeter airport into the private sector but is concerned that one of the potential owners is not yet willing to reach a del with the low-cost airline. Flybe is supportive of the goal of Devon County Council to maximise the sale value of the airport for the tax payers of Devon but has revealed its concerns in the following statement:

“Flybe is concerned that of the three serious airline operator bidders for the airport that the Balfour Beatty London City Consortium is the only one not to have reached an agreement with Flybe that protects the existing and future flights from the airport and the 1800 jobs that Flybe supports directly and indirectly.

“Flybe can only speculate as to the reasons why the Balfour Beatty
London City Consortium have chosen not to conclude such an agreement
and express concern that significant hikes in prices from Exeter
airport may result, which will directly affect the consumer.

“Flybe confirms it is more than happy to work with Balfour Beatty
London City Consortium as they are both professional organisations
with outstanding track records, but needs the issue to be resolved in
an urgent manner if flights and jobs are to be protected.

“Only when the latter issues are resolved will Flybe be able to welcome the announcement of a preferred bidder.

“We hope this can be resolved quickly therefore avoiding the acrimony
of the previous aborted sales process.
——-