Flybe, the UK’s Number One Domestic airline and the world’s largest operator of Bombardier DASH 8 Q-400 turboprop aircraft, has spearheaded the concept for the first ever European Q400 Flight Operations Conference that it will host at its Training Centre at Exeter International Airport later this month.

The two-day event will see dozens of Q400 aircraft operators from across Europe head to the South West for the conference where, together with leading representatives of the Canadian-based aircraft manufacturer, they will discuss and address issues that are unique to them.

Whilst here, they will also have the opportunity to see firsthand the comprehensive range of cost-efficient maintenance services offered by Flybe’s ‘one stop’ Aviation Services’ workshops, the first in the world to be awarded Bombardier Recognised Service Facility status for DASH 8-Q400 aircraft. Delegates will also be able to view the building progress of the airline’s new state-of-the-art Training Academy scheduled to open in December.

Flybe’s Director of Airline Operations, John Palmer, says: “We are naturally delighted that, as a recognised industry leader, plans to convene a dedicated European conference for Q400 flight operations managers here in Exeter has been so well received.

“It is great news for Flybe and highlights our commitment and ability to contribute meaningfully to the regional economy.  We have high hopes that this new forum will not only give European operators of the Q400 aircraft the momentum to create a body of opinion that speaks with one unified voice but that it will also become a key event on the aviation industry’s annual calendar.”