Flybe has begun operating its 2008/9 Winter programme which this year also marks an important landmark in the company’s history with franchise partner Loganair taking to the Scottish skies in Flybe colours.The franchise is the first ever deal of its kind for a low cost carrier and is in line with Flybe’s strategy of continuing to build a market-leading position as Europe’s largest regional airline following the acquisition of BA Connect last year.  Such success was also last week recognised when Flybe was recognised as the biggest mid-market private company in Britain in the latest Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 250 league table.

Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer says: “This historic occasion - a win-win for both airlines - sees the realisation of an exciting development in the evolution of the low cost model.”

 

The start of Flybe’s 2008-09 Winter schedule offers passengers an expanded network as a result of the franchise partnership with Loganair that - with Flybe Connections, a convenient new ‘one-stop’ through-booking service - opens up a vast selection of new affordable routes for both business and leisure travellers. As an example, travellers can now fly all the way from Southampton to Wick with just one transaction. Removing the need to make separate bookings means that both Flybe and Loganair’s customers can now fully benefit from an expanded, efficient and friendly service that connects people across the UK and Europe.

 

With Flybe mindful of the need to provide value for money during these challenging economic times, its Winter schedule includes an affordable range of popular sun and ski destinations. As a direct result of strong passenger demand, an extended ski service operating through to April has been added from six regional airports to popular Alpine resorts.

 

Adds Mr Rutter: “Today will go down as an important day in the history of both airlines and Flybe branded aircraft will now be seen flying from as far afield as the Shetland Islands in the north to Malaga in the south!”
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