Budget Airline News

Unprecedented Last Minute Demand For Bank Holiday Sunshine Flights Reports Flybe

Flybe, Europe’s largest and most successful regional low cost airline, is reporting an unprecedented last minute demand for flights to Spain and France. Sales to both countries over the upcoming Bank Holiday are 10% up on last year as desperate bedraggled Brits determine to escape to enjoy some fun in some summer sun.
The airline, gearing up for one of its busiest ever Bank Holiday weekends, has already reported early record demand for regional UK travel with traditional holiday routes,  such as those to and from the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Scotland, amongst its most popular routes. As a result, Flybe’s forecasts an overall 11% increase in passenger numbers for this summer over 2007, boosted by the additional 10% increase in sales this year over last for the four-days over the Bank Holiday period alone.

However, the last minute demand for flights to Spain, France and Portugal –specifically from  Exeter and Southampton International Airports - has already far surpassed that experienced in past years, suggesting that Brits have finally had enough of the rain-soaked holidays and are now determined to pull out all the stops in an attempt to finally enjoy some summer sun.

Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer says: “We’ve never experienced quite such a last minute rush for seats. However, it’s good to see that passengers are recognising and reaping the benefits of the savings to be made through booking with us. We operate three times more domestic routes than any other airline with affordable travel from 34 UK departure points, 49 routes of which are to traditional ‘sun’ destinations.

“It is clear that holidaymakers have indeed re-thought their travel plans this year and, by voting with their feet, continue to make informed choices about their travel options. “

Flybe Extends Winter 2008/2009 Ski Schedule

Flybe, Europe’s largest and most successful regional airline, is extending the schedule for a number of key winter ski flights out of six UK airports on Saturdays to meet strong customer demand.

The continuation of the popular routes is ideal for those looking to catch the last of the snow in some of the best resorts the Alps have to offer such as Verbier, Chamonix, Val D’Isere and Courchevel. 

All extended Saturday flights from Birmingham, Exeter, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Norwich and Southampton airports are bookable at www.flybe.com.

With fares from just £39.99 one way, including taxes and charges, the announcement reinforces Flybe’s commitment to bringing convenient, low cost travel to the regions and sees the airline responding to customer demand by extending the service on these popular ski routes.

Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer, Flybe, says: “Our winter schedule only went on sale two weeks ago, but already we’ve seen such great demand, we’re extending 12 ski routes for Saturday travel through Easter and beyond. To ensure the very best possible fares on these hugely popular routes, people should book so they don’t miss out.”

Flybe unveils Kevin Keegan aircraft (no word on pilot's dodgy perm)

Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, today announces the launch of its G-KKEV registered aircraft, ‘Kevin Keegan’, a uniquely branded Bombardier Q400 named in honour of the Newcastle United manager.

The aircraft was unveiled today by Kevin Keegan at a special ceremony at Newcastle International Airport also attended by Flybe’s Newcastle-born Chief Commercial Officer, Mike Rutter together with members of Keegan’s family and other high profile guests.

The Magpies’ manager, on his third term at the Tyneside club after a successful playing career in the early 80’s and five years as manager in the 90’s, has been honoured for his outstanding service to Newcastle United, his outstanding contribution to football and his iconic status to the people of Tyneside. The plane naming also reflects Flybe’s ongoing commitment to further developing its services at Newcastle International Airport.

Speaking at the event, Kevin Keegan said: “I’m delighted that Flybe has named one of its aircraft after me. To be in the same company as George Best and Matt Le Tissier is a great feeling!

“Newcastle has always been a special place for me and, where my career is concerned, the fans and the city have all given me so much so I’m naturally absolutely thrilled that Flybe is also honouring them with this unique aircraft. The North East is a football-mad region and it’s a good feeling to know local people will now be able to fly to London on an aircraft dedicated to Newcastle United!”

Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer, added: “Naming one of our aircraft after Newcastle legend, Kevin Keegan, was always a matter of when, not if! We are naturally thrilled that Kevin is here today to do the honours by officially unveiling this specially branded aircraft. It’s Flybe own small contribution to not only honouring one of Europe’s most well-known sporting heroes and an icon to the people of Newcastle but also in recognising Newcastle as a key part of the Flybe network. 

“Dedicating an aircraft seemed the most appropriate tribute and, as of this afternoon, ‘King Kev’ will be join active service as one of the prime players on our Newcastle to London Gatwick route.”

The ‘Kevin Keegan’ is a 78-seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft with the unique registration ‘K-KEV’. The Q400 is one the world’s most environmentally-sensitive and fuel-efficient passenger aircraft that offering 30% improvement in fuel efficiency over many other short haul aircraft.

Flybe currently offers flights from Newcastle to Belfast, Brussels, Cardiff, Exeter, Jersey, Limoges, London Gatwick, Rennes and Southampton with lead in fares from £21.99 including taxes and airport charges.

Flybe Cut Newquay To Glasgow Route

Budget airline, Flybe has announced it will suspend flights between Newquay and Glasgow due to the rising cost of oil.

The service will end at the beginning of August.

A spokesman for Flybe told journalists that flights would resume as and when oil prices dropped.

Flybe To Double Capacity On Inverness Routes

Flybe have announced that it is upgrading the aircraft used on its Inverness to Southampton and Manchester routes to a 78-seat Bombardier Q400, effectively doubling seat capacity.

Such has been the demand for tickets, the upgrade is being made far earlier than originally planned after ticket sales exceeded all expectations when they went on sale. Flybe only began flying these new routes on the 8th May and, after only one week in operation, the decision has been made to upgrade the aircraft. This changeover from the E145 currently operating the routes will start on July 10th with Flybe’s Inverness to Manchester service.

Highlanders travelling on these new routes will now have the opportunity to fly on one of Flybe’s flagship aircraft which, part of the airline’s $3-billion fleet investment, is one of the most environmentally sensitive passenger aircraft in the world.

Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer for Flybe, says: “We’ve been bowled over by the immediate success of these routes.  It’s always been part of our plan to phase out the older aircraft inherited from our acquisition of BA Connect in March last year and replace them with our newer, more environmentally sensitive Q400s. We’re delighted that these routes have proved so popular, enabling us to introduce them so much earlier than originally planned.”

“This move shows that regional air travel continues to thrive and we remain committed to bringing affordable and convenient travel choice to Inverness.”

More new routes and more low fares as Flybe's summer schedule takes off

Flybe, Europe’s largest low cost regional airline, today launches its first flights of the summer season, bringing 34 new routes to UK travellers, with seats available for booking throughout the summer at www.flybe.com. 

These include two new Loganair routes from Dundee to Birmingham and Belfast, the first ever routes being flown under the Flybe banner as a result of a franchise agreement signed earlier this year: as well as two new year round routes from Jersey to Paris Charles de Gaulle and Dublin to Guernsey.

A full list of new routes for summer 2008 can be found in Notes to Editors.

Flights to destinations across the UK and Europe have been hot property ever since they went on sale in November last year with fares starting from just £18.99 one way, including taxes and charges, reaffirming Flybe’s commitment to bringing convenient, and affordable travel to the regions.

Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer comments: “Our 34 new routes to and from the regions, as well as our agreement with Loganair, is confirmation that we are champions of affordable and convenient travel choices to exciting destinations across the UK and Europe.

“With such a comprehensive range of flights now available, we're advising people to book now to ensure they don’t miss out!”

New Route Lead In Fares:

Aberdeen:

Aberdeen – London Gatwick
• Fares from £29.99 one way including taxes and charges

Aberdeen – Newcastle
• Fares from £24.99 one way including taxes and charges

Aberdeen – Southampton
• Fares from £29.99 one way including taxes and charges

Aberdeen – Jersey
• Fares from £68.99 one way including taxes and charges

Birmingham:

Birmingham - Inverness
• Fares from £27.99 one way including taxes and charges

Birmingham - Newquay
• Fares from £21.99 one way including taxes and charges

Cardiff:

Cardiff-Jersey
• Fares from £29.99 one way including taxes and charges

Cardiff-Edinburgh
• Fares from £24.99 one way including taxes and charges

Cardiff-Glasgow
• Fares from £24.99 one way including taxes and charges

Cardiff-Newcastle
• Fares from £27.99 one way including taxes and charges

Edinburgh:

Edinburgh - Cardiff
• Fares from £24.99 one way including taxes and charges

Exeter:

Exeter - Brussels
• Fares from £29.99 one way including taxes and charges

Exeter - Dubrovnik
• Fares from £69.99 one way including taxes and charges

Glasgow:

Glasgow - Cardiff
• Fares from £24.99 one way including taxes and charges

Glasgow - Newquay
• Fares from £29.99 one way including taxes and charges

Glasgow – La Rochelle
• Fares from £59.99 one way including taxes and charges

Inverness:

Inverness - Birmingham
• Fares from £27.99 one way including taxes and charges

Inverness - Exeter
• Fares from £32.99 one way including taxes and charges

Inverness - Manchester
• Fares from £24.99 one way including taxes and charges

Inverness - Southampton
• Fares from £29.99 one way including taxes and charges

Isle of Man:

Isle of Man - Liverpool
• Fares from £18.99 one way including taxes and charges

Isle of Man – Newquay
• Fares from £34.99 one way including taxes and charges

Isle of Man – Jersey
• Fares from £44.99 one way including taxes and charges

Jersey:

Jersey - Aberdeen
• Fares from £68.99 one way including taxes and charges

Jersey - Cardiff
• Fares from £29.99 one way including taxes and charges

Jersey – Doncaster Sheffield
• Fares from £39.99 one way including taxes and charges

Jersey – Isle of Man
• Fares from £44.99 one way including taxes and charges

Jersey - Newquay
• Fares from £34.99 one way including taxes and charges

Jersey - Nice
• Fares from £69.99 one way including taxes and charge

Jersey – Paris Charles de Gaulle
• Fares from £29.99 one way including taxes and charges

Liverpool:

Liverpool – Isle of Man
• Fares from £18.99 one way including taxes and charges

London Gatwick:

Gatwick – Newcastle
• Fares from £29.99 one way including taxes and charges

Gatwick – Aberdeen
• Fares from £29.99 one way including taxes and charges

Manchester:

Manchester - Inverness
• Fares from £24.99 one way including taxes and charges

Newcastle:

Newcastle - Aberdeen
• Fares from £24.99 one way including taxes and charges

Newcastle – Cardiff
• Fares from £27.99 one way including taxes and charges

Newcastle – London Gatwick
• Fares from £29.99 one way including taxes and charges

Newcastle – Rennes
• Fares from £54.99 one way including taxes and charges

Newquay:

Newquay - Southampton
• Fares from £21.99 one way including taxes and charges

Newquay - Glasgow
• Fares from £29.99 one way including taxes and charges

Newquay - Birmingham
• Fares from £21.99 one way including taxes and charges

Newquay - Jersey
• Fares from £34.99 one way including taxes and charges

Newquay – Isle of Man
• Fares from £34.99 one way including taxes and charges

Southampton:

Southampton - Aberdeen
• Fares from £29.99 one way including taxes and charges

Southampton – Inverness
• Fares from £29.99 one way including taxes and charges

Southampton – Newquay
• Fares from £21.99 one way including taxes and charges

Flybe launch new Guernsey to Dublin route

Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, has today announced the addition of a brand new, three times a week non-stop route to Dublin for Guernsey passengers effective 7th June.

The year round route will hugely benefit both business and leisure travellers who can now book the non-stop service to the Irish capital.

Guernsey – Dublin
Flights operate Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays.
Fares from £29.99 one way including taxes and charges

Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer, Flybe comments: “This new route reflects our continued commitment to the Island and to promoting the growth of regional air travel.  Flybe is grateful for the support given by the States of Guernsey in relation to this new route - an indication of the strategic importance of this link for the Island.

This latest announcement will provide Islanders with even more choice for reliable, low-cost services from their doorstep and people are advised to book now to obtain the best possible affordable fares”.

                                

Flybe Adds Paris To Expanded Schedule

Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, has today announced the addition of three brand new routes for Jersey passengers as part of its existing timetable that now includes a year-round, six days a week service to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport effective 28th April.

The strategic French route will hugely benefit both business and leisure travellers who can now book the non stop service to the European capital and reflects the strong and productive relationship that exists between Jersey airport and Flybe.

Jersey - Paris Charles de Gaulle
Effective 28th April 2008
Flights operate daily except Saturday
Fares from £29.99 one way including taxes and charges

Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer, Flybe comments: “This new route reflects our continued commitment to the Island and to promoting the growth of regional air travel.  However, none of this would have been possible without the support given by the Jersey government in relation to the Paris route - an indication of the strategic importance of this route for the Island.
“This is an important new link for business people, particularly the crucial community of non-domiciled residents who need to limit their days spent in the UK for tax purposes. Because of Flybe’s long-term commitment to Jersey and our excellent working relationship with the island’s business community, we know there is a clear advantage for such non-dom’s to be able to fly direct to Charles de Gaulle.
“In addition, our comprehensive marketing programme in France, especially with the Parisian media, will be used to good effect in promoting inbound tourism to Jersey from France.”

In further demonstrating Flybe’s commitment to better serving the people of Jersey, two other brand new destinations have been announced to the low cost airline’s existing summer schedule, namely Newquay and the Isle of Man.

Jersey - Newquay
Effective 24th May - 27th September, 2008
Flights operates Saturdays
Fares from £34.99 one way including taxes and charges

Jersey - Isle of Man
Effective 24th May - 27th September, 2008
Flights operates Saturdays
Fares from £44.99 one way including taxes and charges

This latest announcement will provide Islanders with even more choice for reliable, low-cost services from their doorstep and people are advised to book now to obtain the best possible affordable fares.

Flybe franchisee launches new routes from Dundee to Birmingham

Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, today announces a new route to Dundee being offered out of Birmingham International Airport by newly announced franchisee, Loganair who are creating an additional base at Dundee Airport.

The flights, effective 21st May, can be booked from today on www.flybe.com.

Birmingham International to Dundee City
• Three return weekday flights, plus a Sunday return, begin on 21st May 2008
• Flights start at £34.99 one way including taxes and charges

The new route to Dundee will boost  travel options from the Midlands and marks a welcome addition to the growing network of air services provided by Loganair. Flybe expects the new services will be especially popular with the growing demands being made by business travellers, students, tourists and residents travelling to and from Dundee and its environs.

Mike Rutter, Flybe Chief Commercial Officer said: “The new route to Dundee is a taste of things to come. With Flybe and Loganair working in partnership, we will be able to offer passengers from across the UK increased services, great fares and new routes to Scottish destinations that support both business and leisure passengers.”

Announcing the new route at Dundee City Airport Scott Grier, Chairman of Loganair, said: “It is a good feeling to be returning to Dundee where Loganair operated its first scheduled services in 1963.

“The new route to Dundee is a welcome addition to the growing network of air services we currently offer travellers in and around Scotland and demonstrates our commitment to providing a first-class service to meet passengers’ needs.”

The new route from Birmingham to Dundee will operate under the Flybe banner ahead of the franchise arrangement with Flybe which starts on 25 October. 

Flybe franchisee launches new routes from Dundee to Belfast City

Loganair, under its new franchise arrangement with Flybe, is to launch a new route from George Best Belfast City Airport to Dundee.  This will be the first service offered from Belfast by the Loganair/Flybe partnership and is in addition to their existing flights from City of Derry to Glasgow and Dublin.

Mike Rutter, Flybe Chief Commercial Officer said,  “Flybe’s announcement today of this new service is tangible evidence of our commitment to grow our network, offer competitive fares and provide genuine regional connectivity through our unique alliance with Loganair.  The Dundee route will perfectly complement Flybe’s own services to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness already operational from George Best Belfast City Airport.”

From 21st May 2008, daily return flights will be introduced between Belfast and Dundee.  On sale from 10th March 2008 at www.flybe.com lead-in one-way fares inclusive of taxes and charges start from £34.99.

Benefiting from a prime location in the heart of Scotland Dundee is a popular destination for both business and leisure travellers and is also an important university city attracting a significant number of students from Northern Ireland.  Also known as the “City of Discovery” it boasts a wealth of cultural and historic sites from Shakespeare’s Glamis Castle to Captain Scott’s RRS Discovery.

Scott Grier, Chairman of Loganair said, “It is a good feeling to be returning to Dundee where Loganair operated its first scheduled services in 1963.

“The new route to Dundee is a welcome addition to the growing network of air services we currently offer travellers in and around Scotland and demonstrates our commitment to providing a first-class service that meets passengers’ needs.