Virgin Atlantic has confirmed to the London stock exchange that it continues to review its options in respect to regional carrier Flybe.

The larger airline revealed it was considering all options in November, including potentially making an offer for the acquisition of Flybe.

However, “there can be no certainty that any offer will be made nor as to the terms upon which any offer may be made,” Virgin added in a statement.

Shares in Flybe rose 15 per cent, to 17.5 pence, following the news.

Flybe said last month it was in talks with several potential buyers.

The carrier added it was also looking at other options, such as further reductions in capacity and costs.

Virgin Atlantic has a trading and codeshare relationship with Flybe.

Flybe currently operates 204 routes serving 15 countries from 80 departure points in the UK and Europe and is the largest scheduled airline by air traffic movements at Aberdeen, Belfast City, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Isle of Man, Jersey, Newquay and Southampton airports.

Rothschild, the investment bank, is advising Virgin Atlantic on its interest in Flybe.

Aeroméxico

Also today, Virgin Atlantic announced a new codeshare agreement with Aeroméxico, opening up a plethora of new Mexican destinations for its customers.

Customers booking through virginatlantic.com are now able to select flights direct from London Heathrow to Mexico City, or connect seamlessly through four US airports: New York JFK, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Orlando.

Virgin Atlantic’s new deal with Aeroméxico will complement the existing connections on offer via Delta – providing even more choice and flexibility.

Customers booking the new codeshare will connect smoothly between both airlines with a single booking reference and check in.

Shai Weiss, chief commercial officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented: “We’re committed to working with the best airline partners around the world, and I’m delighted to add Aeroméxico to our growing portfolio.

“This new partnership complements the existing connections our partner Delta offers and provides even more Mexican destinations for our customers. 

“Not only this, but travellers will experience the ease and convenience of booking through a codeshare.”