Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, today launches its 2008/9 winter schedule which includes 25 routes to be operated for the first time under Flybe colours, the result of its agreement with Loganair, Flybe’s franchise partner. Combined, Flybe and Loganair fly:
· Three times as many regional flights than its nearest rival; 31,000 over the last six months, compared to 9,300 by Eastern
· Nearly two million people to and from Scotland from the UK regions and
· Is the second largest operator in Scotland with a greater capacity than ever before
Flybe also celebrates its position as the UK’s number one UK regional airline, domestically out-flying its closest regional rival by nearly two to one (Flybe 1.81 million passengers from Dec 07 to May 07 inc. Compared to 983,553 for Easyjet - full figures in Notes to Editors).
The launch of Flybe‘s winter schedule also sees the launch of ‘Flybe Connections’, a convenient new ‘one-stop’ through-booking service which opens up a vast selection of affordable routes for passengers, with customers now able to build their own flight itinerary.
This means that, with the addition of the wide range of Loganair destinations, passengers can, for example, now book to fly all the way from Southampton to Wick with just one transaction. Flybe Connections removes the complication of having to make two separate bookings meaning that both Flybe and Loganair’s customers can now fully benefit from an expanded, efficient and friendly service that connects people across the UK and Europe with convenient and affordable travel.
Flybe’s franchise agreement with Loganair has created an exciting synergy between two of Scotland’s best known airlines. It offers passengers the many benefits to be gained from a diverse and expanded route network with a wide choice of connections. Scottish passengers qualifying for discounted fares on lifeline routes under the Air Discount Scheme will be able to book these at www.flybe.com/ADS.
Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer, Flybe, comments: “This is an historic day for both Loganair and Flybe: as BA flies off into the sunset, Flybe steps in as Scotland’s regional champion. In spite of the current economic climate, we’ve had a busy and successful first half of 2008. The launch of ‘Flybe Connections’ makes it even easier for our UK regional air passengers to get their hands on great value thru-flights at the click of a mouse.”
Peter Tierney, Chief Executive, Loganair, comments: "The commencement of ticket sales for our air services through Flybe's website is an exciting time for Loganair and we are delighted that our partnership with Flybe has reached this stage. This is a significant step for the company and the franchise agreement going forward.
"Today's announcement brings the recognised brand of Europe's largest regional airline to our customers, providing them with access to a greater choice of UK and European connections. It is a welcome addition to the unrivalled network of air services we currently offer travellers across Scotland's Highlands, islands and the central belt."
Flybe’s 2008/9 winter schedule, effective 26th October, includes a range of popular sun, ski and UK and European destinations suitable for both business and leisure travel and are available for booking now and throughout the winter at www.flybe.com.
The routes being operated by Loganair from 26th October include:
- Glasgow to Islay, Tiree, Campbeltown, Barra, Benbecula, Stornoway, Orkney, Shetland, City of Derry and the Isle of Man;
- Edinburgh to Inverness, Orkney, Shetland, Wick and Isle of Man;
- Aberdeen to Orkney and Shetland;
- Inverness to Orkney, Shetland, Stornoway and Edinburgh;
- Orkney to Shetland and Barra to Benbecula.
Already bookable through Flybe is Dundee to Birmingham and Belfast City.
Adds Rutter: “The launch today of our new Winter Schedule and the start of selling our franchise partner, Loganair’s tickets on the Flybe website, is a milestone in the history of both airlines. Together, we remain committed to developing the growth of regional air travel and to bring exceptional service and low-cost travel to and from Scotland with the ongoing deployment of our environmentally sensitive, fuel efficient fleet across our networks.”
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