FlyBE., the UK?s third largest low fares airline, is continuing with its
strategy to deliver more low fare flights from the regions.  In announcing
its biggest summer schedule ever, representing a 30% increase in capacity,
the airline has identified key expansion in the West Midlands, the South
West (Bristol and Exeter), Southampton and Belfast in Northern Ireland.

Managing Director Jim French announces the airline?s commitment to 16 new
routes today (1 December) as the airline looks forward to the imminent
publication of the UK Government?s White Paper on the future of UK air
transport.
Over the past six months, FlyBE. has stepped up its lobbying for a prominent
role for the regions in meetings and shared platforms with politicians from
Bournemouth to Belfast.
FlyBE. advocates that low fares airlines and the valuable role they play be
embraced in that document.  ?The role they play should form a key part of
government regional policy, whereby regions are allowed to invest in
creating favourable conditions to host low cost operations out of their
regional airports,? states Jim French.
FlyBE. has long supported investment in a third runway at London Heathrow,
the principal international hub airport.  It also believes that there should
be investment in strategic air assets outside the south east, and FlyBE. is
championing for a second runway at Birmingham Airport.  Britain?s fifth
largest airport is ideally located offering excellent road and rail access.

“It is important that access to these airports from the regions be
guaranteed and this is why we are urging that priority is given to the
allocation of additional runway slots to regional airports throughout the
UK,? said French ?Furthermore, as with the recent initiative in Northern
Ireland introduced to stimulate new routes, subsidies should be offered.”

FlyBE. recognises however, that more air travel creates environmental
concerns ? generally and for people living near regional airports.  It is
therefore encouraging the creation of an environmental platform from which
to sell aviation growth.  In its final submission to the UK Government, the
airline is urging for the adoption of an environmental labelling scheme
which provides consumers with an informed choice on the environmental
performance airlines and airports.  This was one of the major factors in
determining its $818 million order earlier this year for Bombardier Q400 (Q
for Quiet) new generation aircraft.  (The FlyBE. fleet comprises Q400s and
BAe 146 ?whisper? jets.)

Expanding its presence at 17 UK regional airports
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Over the past 12 months, FlyBE. has changed radically from a high yield,
business regional airline, to a leading low fare airline in the regions,
present at 17 UK airports and now offering a split of 50/50 business and
leisure routes.  It has seen a 30% year on year growth in the number of
passengers carried and this summer the airline will be upping its capacity
to five million seats network wide - departing on aircraft from Britain?s
regional airports.
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