Flybe and Bombardier have signed a strategic services agreement which confirms the Bombardier Q400 as Flybe’s aircraft of choice in its UK branded business and sees Bombardier undertaking a major programme of enhancements over the coming months which will make Flybe’s current 45-strong Q400 fleet one of the most operationally efficient regional fleets in the world.

Saad Hammad, Flybe CEO, commented:

“We are delighted that Bombardier will be supporting Flybe in its mission to become Europe’s best local airline.

The immediate actions we announced in November 2013 have resulted in us reducing our 2014 summer seat capacity by 16%. In the UK today, Flybe is flying the right aircraft on the right routes and, critically, in the right numbers.

This strategic agreement with Bombardier is an important part of our commitment to profitable regional flying. The Q400 is specifically optimised for regional routes and the Flybe fleet will be one of the most operationally efficient regional fleets in the world.

Any decisions regarding incremental capacity deployment in the UK will see the Bombardier Q400 aircraft play an integral role.” 

Ray Jones, Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Asset Management at Bombardier Aerospace, said:

“Flybe is a valued, long-time Bombardier customer and as one of the largest operators of the Q400 in the world, we are pleased that Flybe continues to show its long-term commitment to the Q400 aircraft.

Embarking on a strategic agreement that will assist in its Q400 aircraft fleet enhancement will be integral to Flybe’s market competitiveness.”