Flybe (1979–2020)

File:Jersey European Vickers Viscount.jpg at Düsseldorf Airport in June 1980]]

File:Jersey European BAe 146-300.jpg wearing the 1991–2000 livery]]

File:British European CRJ-200.jpg wearing the 2000–2002 livery]]

File:JerseyEuropeanLogo.png

Flybe started operations on 1 November 1979 as Jersey European Airways as a result of a merger of the Intra Airways from Jersey and Express Air Services based in Bournemouth, England.[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1980/1980%20-%201942.html "World airline directory: Jersey European Airways"]. Flight International, 26 July 1980, p. 323.Wright 2001, p. 48. It was founded by John Habin, a resident of Jersey and the majority investor. After selling Aviation Beauport and other business interests, Habin invested in the firm so that it could establish several routes from Jersey Airport to major airports in the UK. Initially equipped with an aging fleet of war-surplus Douglas DC-3 aircraft, Jersey European Airways gradually reequipped with more modern commuter airliners.

In November 1983, Habin sold his stake in Jersey European Airways to Jack Walker's Walker Steel Group, which already owned the charter airline Spacegrand Aviation based in Blackpool, England. Initially, the two airlines were run separately although they partially shared management; Exeter Airport served as a critical hub, forming a meeting point between the two companies' route networks. In 1985, both airlines were amalgamated under the Jersey European name; the combined entity's headquarters was established in Exeter, England.Wright 2001, p. 49.{{cite web |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/8193696/Flybe-history-from-Jersey-to-regional-dominance.html |title = Flybe history: from Jersey to regional dominance |work = The Telegraph |date = 10 December 2010}} In 1985, Jersey European Airways carried 160,000 passengers and achieved an annual revenue of just under £9{{nbsp}}million.

During 1990, Jersey European Airways' passenger count rose to 460,000, being 40 percent greater than the previous year. During 1991, the airline commenced its first route to London, flying between Guernsey and London Gatwick Airport. In 1993, it received the first of its British Aerospace 146 aircraft, a four-engined jet-powered regional aircraft.{{cite web |url = http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/jersey-european-airways-uk-ltd-history/ |title = Jersey European Airways (UK) Ltd. History |publisher = Funding Universe |access-date = 16 December 2019}} That same year, the airline introduced a business class service aboard some aircraft. Around that time, the Exeter hub was supplemented by connections in both London and Birmingham, England. By 1995, Jersey European Airways was again expanding after incurring minor losses during the prior year.

In mid-1997, Jersey European Airways announced that it had achieved record results in its previous financial year amid a boom in Europe's regional airlines market; in the same year, the firm secured a franchise arrangement with Air France covering routes from London Heathrow to Toulouse and Lyon, expanded its fleet to provide 32% more seat capacity, and recorded a 27% increase in sales while profits had risen by nearly a third to reach £3.4 million.{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/jersey-european-ends-record-year-and-promises-more-to-come/8078.article |title = Jersey European ends record year and promises more to come |work = Flight International |date = 20 August 1997}}{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/flying-franchises/7501.article |title = Flying franchises |work = Flight International |date = 1 November 1996}} That same year, the airline, which operated a mixed fleet of 12 British Aerospace 146s, four Fokker F27s and two Short 360s was in the process of leasing additional BAe 146s to cater for expansion. Jim French, Jersey European's deputy chief executive, announced that the company was performing detailed studies with the aim of introducing larger airliners in the 150- to 170-seat class, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families.{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/jersey-european-may-add-larger-aircraft-to-cope-with-expansion/439.article |title = Jersey European may add larger aircraft to cope with expansion |work = Flight International |date = 16 April 1997}}{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/jea-moves-focus-to-100-seat-study/25563.article |title = JEA moves focus to 100-seat study |work = Flight International |date = 24 March 1999}}

File:Flybe.svg

In June 2000, the airline announced that it had rebranded as British European;Wright 2001, p. 52. according to a company spokesperson, that was due to the Jersey European Airways name no longer being an accurate reflection of the scope of the routes which were covered.{{cite web |url = https://aviationweek.com/jersey-european-airways-changes-its-name-british-european |title = Jersey European Airways changes its name to British European |work = Aviation Week |date = 23 May 2000}} The name was soon shortened to simply Flybe on 18 July 2002 and the airline repositioned itself as a full-service, low-fare airline. Various pricing and product changes were made in line with this position such as discounted one-way tickets, the abolition of overbooking practices, a customer charter of the airline's service standards, as well as compensation for delays.{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/flybe-counting-on-new-approach-to-fly-into-black-/43810.article |title = 'Flybe' counting on new approach to fly into black |work = Flight International |date = 22 July 2002}}

In June 2005, it was announced that Flybe would procure a fleet of 26 Embraer E-195 regional airliners; it would claim that it had opted for the 118-seat E-195 over rival 150-seat aircraft due to economics and performance benefits.{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/flybe-rejects-150-seaters-in-favour-of-e-195-deal/60712.article |title = Flybe rejects 150-seaters in favour of E-195 deal |work = Flight International |date = 14 June 2005 }} Flybe would serve as the launch customer for the E-195, receiving the first example of the type during the later half of 2006. Initially, the E-195 fleet were assigned to the airline's high-volume trunk routes, but the firm later planned to use it on new routes to expand their network.{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/picture-embraer-delivers-first-e-195-to-launch-customer-flybe/69396.article |title = Picture: Embraer delivers first E-195 to launch customer Flybe |work = Flight International |date = 4 September 2006 |first = Darren |last = Shannon}}{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/flybes-new-low-cost-expansion-tool/69673.article |first = Carole |last = Shifrin |title = Flybe's new low-cost expansion tool |work = Flight International |date = 26 September 2006}} Further E-195s would be ordered by the airline over the following decade, the type making up a major proportion of Flybe's fleet.{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/flybe-deferral-opens-path-to-re-engined-embraers/109886.article |title = Flybe deferral opens path to re-engined Embraers |work = Flight International |date = 28 May 2013 |first = David |last = Kaminski-Morrow}}

On 3 November 2006, it was announced that Flybe would buy BA Connect, except for that airline's services out of London City Airport.{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/flybe-feasts-on-bas-regional-arm/70748.article |title = Flybe feasts on BA's regional arm |work = Flight International |date = 21 November 2006 |first = Mark |last = Pilling}} During March 2007, this takeover was completed; as a consequence of the BA Connect takeover, the ownership of Flybe was divided between Rosedale Aviation Holdings (69%), Flybe staff (16%) and the International Airlines Group (15%).{{cite news |title=Directory: World Airlines |work=Flight International |page=83 |date=3 April 2007}} The acquisition increased Flybe's route network in both the UK and continental Europe, making Flybe Europe's largest regional airline.[http://www.flybe.com/news/0703/02.htm announced] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225142020/http://www.flybe.com/news/0703/02.htm |date=25 February 2008 }} that they had completed the acquisition of BA Connect{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/flybe-now-europes-largest-regional-/72635.article |title = Flybe now Europe's largest regional |work = Flight International |date = 19 March 2007}} On 14 January 2008, it was announced that Flybe had signed a franchise agreement with Scottish airline Loganair, to commence on 26 October 2008 following the termination of Loganair's franchise agreement with British Airways on 25 October 2008. The agreement would see Loganair aircraft flying in Flybe colours on 55 routes from Scotland.{{cite web |url=http://www.flybe.com/news/0801/14.htm |title=Flybe signs historic franchise deal with Loganair |work=Flybe Press Office |access-date=14 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117104330/http://www.flybe.com/news/0801/14.htm |archive-date=17 January 2008 |url-status=dead }} In 2008, in order to avoid losing a £280,000 rebate from Norwich Airport, Flybe advertised for "actors", as well as offering free return flights to Dublin on its website.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/norfolk/7321306.stm |work=BBC News |title=Airline sought actors for flights |date=30 March 2008 |access-date=2 April 2010}} As a result, the environmental group Friends of the Earth called on the government to launch an investigation into the aviation industry.[http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/government_must_urgently_i_01042008.html "Archived press release: Government must urgently investigate aviation industry."] Friends of the Earth, 1 April 2008. Retrieved 14 December 2010.

Chief Executive Officer Jim French was recognised in the 2009 Queen's Birthday Honours List with a CBE for his services to the airline industry.{{cite web |url=http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_178692.pdf |title=HM The Queen's 2009 Birthday Honours List |access-date=7 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101141950/http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/%40dg/%40en/documents/digitalasset/dg_178692.pdf |archive-date=1 November 2013 }} On 10 December 2010, Flybe floated in an IPO on the London Stock Exchange, with trading in shares commencing on the same day. Full public release of shares followed on 15 December 2010. The share price was set at 295p, valuing the company at approximately £215{{nbsp}}million, and raising £66{{nbsp}}million for the company, half of which was to pay for fleet expansion.{{cite news |first=Dan |last=Milmo |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/dec/10/flybe-airline-industry-travel |title=Regional airline Flybe raised £66m from stock market flotation |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=7 January 2014}}[http://www.pressassociation.com/component/pafeeds/2010/11/14/airline_flybe_planning_flotation?camefrom=telecom-finance Press Association] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715112649/http://www.pressassociation.com/component/pafeeds/2010/11/14/airline_flybe_planning_flotation?camefrom=telecom-finance |date=15 July 2011 }}. Press Association, 14 November 2010. Retrieved 14 December 2010.

On 23 May 2013, it was reported that Flybe had sold its slots at Gatwick Airport to EasyJet for £20{{nbsp}}million, and that the slots would be handed over to EasyJet on 29 March 2014.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-jersey-22635728 |title= Flybe ends Channel Islands' Gatwick routes |work= BBC News |date=14 May 2013 |access-date=23 May 2013}} CEO and chairman Jim French retired in August 2013, leaving the post of CEO to Saad Hammad, formerly of EasyJet, while Simon Laffin became chairman.[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/10442227/Flybe-cuts-another-500-jobs-to-secure-future.html telegraph.co.uk: "Flybe cuts another 500 jobs to 'secure future'."] The Telegraph, 11 November 2013. By November 2013, Hammad had shaken up the operation, requesting the resignations of three top managers within six weeks of his arrival. Out of 158 routes flown at the time, over 60 did not cover their direct operating expenses and the costs of crew and aircraft.

On 23 April 2014, Flybe announced that it would launch domestic and international flights from London City Airport from 27 October 2014 after signing a five-year deal with the airport. The airline was expecting to carry around 500,000 passengers a year, with all five allocated aircraft being based around the Flybe network overnight.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-27122754 |title=BBC News Flybe in London City Airport deal |work=BBC News |date=23 April 2014 |access-date=23 April 2014}} In March 2014, it was announced that Flybe would undergo a major brand refresh. This new scheme included a new purple aircraft livery, new interior features and new uniforms.{{Cite web |url=https://www.travelmole.com/news_feature.php?news_id=2010881&c=setreg®ion=2 |title=Flybe goes purple |website=travelmole.com}}{{cite web |url=http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/New-purple-makeover-Flybe-planes-staff/story-20886279-detail/story.html |title=New purple makeover for Flybe planes and staff |date=1 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403143634/http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/New-purple-makeover-Flybe-planes-staff/story-20886279-detail/story.html |archive-date=3 April 2014}} During June 2014, British Airways sold most of its remaining stake in the airline; it had already been reduced to 5% by share issues.{{cite web |url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/british-airways-parent-iag-sells-flybe-stake-1403275077 |title = British Airways Parent IAG Sells Flybe Stake |publisher = Wall Street Journal |first = Robert |last = Wall |date = 20 June 2014 }}

In early 2016, it was announced that Flybe had negotiated a six-year agreement with SAS Scandinavian Airlines to fly 4 ATR 72–9 aircraft on their behalf, starting in October 2016.{{cite journal |title=Flybe |journal=Airliner World |date=February 2015 |page=5}} On 4 March 2015, Flybe announced new routes from Cardiff Airport bringing the number of routes to eleven. Flybe also stated their intention to create a new base at Cardiff Airport in summer 2015,{{cite web | title = Flybe confirms new 11 route network and base at Cardiff Airport | publisher = Flybe | date = 5 March 2015 | url = http://www.cardiff-airport.com/news/2015/03/05/flybe-confirms-new-11-route-network-and-base-at-cardiff-airport/ | access-date = 14 March 2015}} initially basing two Embraer 195 aircraft there, which subsequently increased to three. On 10 November 2015, Flybe announced that it would base two Embraer 195 aircraft at Doncaster Sheffield Airport in South Yorkshire, starting new routes to Amsterdam, Berlin Tegel, Paris Charles de Gaulle (Paris CDG), Jersey, Alicante Airport, Málaga, Faro, Portugal and Newquay Cornwall Airport {{as of|2016|March|27|lc=y}}.{{cite web |url=http://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/business/video-flybe-announces-eight-new-european-destinations-from-doncaster-airport-1-7563154 |title=VIDEO: Flybe announces eight new European destinations from Doncaster Airport |website=derbyshiretimes.co.uk |access-date=10 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014140221/https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/business/video-flybe-announces-eight-new-european-destinations-from-doncaster-airport-1-7563154 |archive-date=14 October 2019 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.flybe.com/flights-from/doncaster/ |title=Cheap flights from Doncaster Sheffield Airport – Book with Flybe today! |website=flybe.com}} The announcement came on the same day that Flybe announced they would be pulling flights from Bournemouth Airport in England.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-34776454 |title=FlyBe ends Bournemouth Airport flights |date=10 November 2015 |work = BBC News}} Dublin Airport was added in October 2016, taking over where Stobart Air left. On 26 October 2016, it was announced that Hammad would be standing down as CEO with immediate effect and consequently, Flybe was beginning the process of finding a replacement. On 21 November 2016, Flybe announced it would open its first European base at Düsseldorf Airport in Germany. In February 2017 that commenced with two aircraft alongside 60 pilots, cabin crew and engineers. On 22 December 2016, Flybe started selling flights for 12 further destinations from Southend Airport in London in an extension to their existing franchise operation with Stobart Air.{{cite news |url=http://www.lse.co.uk/share-regulatory-news.asp?shareprice=STOB&ArticleCode=kap9v7ko&ArticleHeadline=Further_update_on_new_routes |title=Further update on new routes Airport |author=Stobart Group RNS |date=22 December 2016 |access-date=22 December 2016}}

Flybe and Loganair separately announced that their franchise agreement would terminate in October 2017. Flybe then announced a partnership with Eastern Airways, a British airline and would now operate routes in direct competition with Loganair–namely flights from the Scottish mainland to Stornoway in the Isle of Lewis, Kirkwall in Orkney, Scotland and Sumburgh in Shetland, Scotland. On 16 January 2017, former CityJet boss Christine Ourmieres-Widener, took over as CEO after Saad Hammad left in October 2016.{{cite news |url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/news/former-cityjet-boss-ourmiereswidener-appointed-as-the-new-ceo-at-flybe-35309776.html |title=Former CityJet boss Ourmieres-Widener appointed as the new CEO at Flybe |work = The Belfast Telegraph}} Later in the year, Flybe began flying from Heathrow to Aberdeen Airport and Edinburgh taking over slots previously used by Virgin Atlantic Little Red.{{Cite web |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/flybe-s-scottish-flights-take-off-from-heathrow-1-4408692 |title=Flybe's Scottish flights take off from Heathrow |website=The Scotsman}}

On 22 February 2018, franchise partner Stobart Air confirmed interest in a takeover bid of 100% of Flybe for an undisclosed fee.{{Cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-stobart-flybe-deal-idUSKCN1G61W1 |title=Britain's Stobart considering bid for airline Flybe |date=22 February 2018 |work=Reuters}} However that bid was rejected by the carrier and Stobart scrapped its interest on 22 March 2018,{{Cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2018/03/22/stobart-scraps-bid-regional-airline-flybe/ |title=Stobart scraps bid for regional airline Flybe |first=Ayesha |last=Javed |date=22 March 2018 |work=The Telegraph}} causing share prices in the airline, which had climbed by up to 25% following the bid, to drop back to their previous level.{{cite web |url=https://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/prices-and-markets/stocks/summary/company-summary-chart.html?fourWayKey=GB00B4QMVR10GBGBXSET3 |website=London Stock Exchange |title=FLYB FLYBE GROUP PLC ORD 1P |access-date=18 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918193655/https://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/prices-and-markets/stocks/summary/company-summary-chart.html?fourWayKey=GB00B4QMVR10GBGBXSET3 |archive-date=18 September 2018 |url-status=dead }} In September 2018, a revised aircraft livery was launched, with purple and white being retained but lilac replacing the red and yellow. On 14 November 2018, after the airline's shares fell by 75%, Flybe announced that it was talking with various parties about a potential sale of the business, as part of a wide-ranging review of strategic options.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-46203183 |title=Flybe up for sale weeks after profit warning |work=BBC News |date=14 November 2018 |access-date=14 November 2018}}{{cite news |title=UK regional operator Flybe in talks to sell company |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-regional-operator-flybe-in-talks-to-sell-company-453614/ |access-date=14 November 2018 |work=Flightglobal |date=14 November 2018}} On 22 November, news emerged that Virgin Atlantic was one of the parties with which Flybe had been holding discussions; Flybe's slots at Heathrow were of particular interest to Virgin Atlantic, along with the potential to use Flybe to feed passengers into the Virgin Atlantic hubs in Manchester and London Heathrow.{{cite news |last1=Kleinman |first1=Mark |title=Virgin Atlantic in surprise bid to take off with Flybe |url=https://news.sky.com/story/virgin-atlantic-in-surprise-bid-to-take-off-with-flybe-11560548 |access-date=23 November 2018 |publisher=Sky News |date=22 November 2018}}{{cite news |title=Virgin Atlantic in talks to rescue Flybe |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-46317706 |access-date=23 November 2018 |work=BBC News |date=23 November 2018}}

On 11 January 2019, a takeover bid worth £2.2{{nbsp}}million by the Connect Airways consortium, which includes Virgin Atlantic and Stobart Aviation, was confirmed. The consortium planned to lend £20{{nbsp}}million enabling Flybe to continue operations and would take over Stobart Air; when the acquisition is completed it would provide a further £80{{nbsp}}million. The initial deal, which would have been conditional on shareholder and court approval,{{cite news |last1=Kaminski-Morrow |first1=David |title=Virgin Atlantic and Stobart link up to take over Flybe |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/virgin-atlantic-and-stobart-link-up-to-take-over-fly-454952/ |work=Flightglobal |date=11 January 2019}} was expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2019.{{cite news |last1=Kaminski-Morrow |first1=David |title=Cuts likely as Virgin shapes Flybe-Stobart combination |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/cuts-likely-as-virgin-shapes-flybe-stobart-combinati-454957/ |work=Flightglobal |date=11 January 2019}} Flybe and Stobart Air would operate under the Virgin Atlantic brand{{cite news |title=Flybe rescued by Virgin and Stobart |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-46834827 |work=BBC News |date=11 January 2019}} though they would retain their own air operator certificates.{{cite news |last1=Dyson |first1=Molly |title=Virgin Atlantic and Stobart agree Flybe take-over |url=https://buyingbusinesstravel.com/news/1129764-virgin-atlantic-and-stobart-agree-flybe-take-over |work=buyingbusinesstravel.com |date=11 January 2019 |access-date=11 January 2019 |archive-date=11 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111175702/https://buyingbusinesstravel.com/news/1129764-virgin-atlantic-and-stobart-agree-flybe-take-over |url-status=dead }} Optimisation of Flybe's routes would likely result in a "limited reduction" in its fleet.

On 15 January 2019, Connect Airways increased its offer by £600,000, and set out improved bridging loan conditions, with £10{{nbsp}}million to be released immediately to support Flybe's business and a further £10{{nbsp}}million available. Subsequent funding of £80{{nbsp}}million was also confirmed. In accepting the revised offer, Flybe's board said that it provided the security which the business needed and preserved the interests of its stakeholders, customers, employees, partners, and pension members.{{cite news |last1=Gallagher |first1=Rosemary |title=Flybe-Connect Airways agreement reached on £2.8m deal |url=https://www.insider.co.uk/news/flybe-shares-connect-airways-flights-13857793 |work=Business Insider |date=15 January 2019}} The deal which covered Flybe Group's operating subsidiaries, i.e. the airline and the website, would be completed by 22 February 2019.{{cite news |last1=Reals |first1=Kerry |title=Connect Airways raises takeover offer for Flybe |url=http://atwonline.com/airlines/connect-airways-raises-takeover-offer-flybe |work=atwonline.com }}

Flybe Group's shareholders had decided in December 2018 to transfer its final shares to a standard listing,{{cite web |title=Results of General Meeting |url=https://www.flybe.com/application/files/2715/4480/2673/2018.12.14.Results_of_General_Meeting.pdf |publisher=Flybe}} meaning that shareholder approval for the sale of the assets was no longer required. Notwithstanding the change, on 21 January 2019 one of the largest shareholders, Hosking Partners, threatened legal action to block the deal which it believed undervalued the company.{{cite news |title=Major Flybe shareholder looking to stop £2.2mln Virgin-Stobart takeover |url=https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/212959/major-flybe-shareholder-looking-to-stop-22mln-virgin-stobart-takeover-212959.html |work=Proactiveinvestors UK |date=21 January 2019 }} On 4 February 2019, Flybe confirmed that it had received a valid request from Hosking Partners to convene a general meeting in order to appoint a new director, but noted that Flybe's articles of association did not give members the powers needed for the new director's proposed investigation of the sale.{{cite news |last1=Davies |first1=Phil |title=Flybe rejects alternative financial approach |url=http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/articles/322991/flybe-rejects-alternative-financial-approach |work=Travel Weekly |date=4 February 2019}}{{cite news |title=Flybe gives shareholders vote on ousting chairman |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2019/0204/1027373-flybe-shareholders/ |publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann |date=4 February 2019 }} It confirmed that it had received and rejected, a preliminary alternative bid from former Stobart CEO Andrew Tinkler.{{cite news |last1=Ribbeck |first1=Michael |title=Struggling airline confirms approach from former Stobart boss |url=https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/2036509-struggling-airline-confirms-approach-from-former-stobart-boss |work=The Business Desk |date=4 February 2019 }} On 7 February, Flybe Group warned its shareholders that after the sale of the operating assets, the parent company would be wound up if they did not approve its sale.{{cite news |title=Flybe will wind up company if sale fails |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/47165902 |date=7 February 2019}} On 20 February, Flybe said it had rejected an alternative "preliminary and highly conditional contingency proposal" from Mesa Air Group in Phoenix and supported by Tinkler, noting that it could not be executed quickly enough to enable the airline to continue trading.{{cite news |last1=Reals |first1=Kerry |title=Flybe Rejects Rival Takeover Bid From Mesa Air Group |url=https://aviationweek.com/awincommercial/flybe-rejects-rival-takeover-bid-mesa-air-group |work=Aviation Week |date=20 February 2019 }}

On 21 February 2019, Flybe announced that the sale of Flybe Limited and Flybe.com Limited to Connect Airways had been completed,{{cite news |last1=Warrington |first1=James |title=Flybe completes sale to Virgin-led consortium |url=http://www.cityam.com/273638/flybe-completes-sale-virgin-led-consortium-after-dramatic |work=cityam.com |date=21 February 2019 }} with Flybe flights continuing to operate as normal. The sale of the parent company, Flybe Group plc, now an empty shell, was confirmed by its shareholders at a meeting on 4 March{{cite web |title=Shareholders Approve Connect Airways Acquisition |url=https://otp.investis.com/clients/uk/flybe1/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=59&newsid=1237523 |website=otp.investis.com |publisher=Flybe Group plc }}{{Dead link|date=June 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and became effective on 11 March.{{cite web |title=Scheme effective & intended adjournment of Meeting |url=https://otp.investis.com/clients/uk/flybe1/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=59&newsid=1239018 |website=otp.investis.com |publisher=Flybe Group plc }}{{Dead link|date=June 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} In October 2019, it was announced that Flybe would be rebranded as Virgin Connect, reflecting its incorporation into the Virgin Group, with effect from early 2020.{{cite press release |url= https://virginconnect.co.uk/ |title= Our Journey to Virgin Connect |publisher= Virgin Connect |date= 15 October 2019 |access-date= 15 October 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191015161837/https://virginconnect.co.uk/ |archive-date= 15 October 2019 |url-status= dead }}{{cite news |last1=Harper |first1=Lewis |title=Flybe to be rebranded as 'Virgin Connect' |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flybe-to-be-rebranded-as-virgin-connect-461498/ |work=Flightglobal |date=15 October 2019}} The Virgin Group launched a landing page {{URL|https://virginconnect.com}} to avoid confusion with the existing Virgin Connect brand used in Russia for internet & mobile services.{{Cite web|url=https://www.virgin.com/virgin-connect|title=Virgin Connect|date=24 October 2019|website=Virgin|access-date=13 November 2019|quote=Looking for internet, fixed line and mobile services in Russia? Visit virginconnect.ru. In 2020 Flybe will become Virgin Connect, your new go-to name in regional flying. [...] Visit virginconnect.co.uk.}}

In January 2020, it emerged that Flybe was again in difficulties, incurring mounting losses despite the financing provided by Connect Airways.{{cite news |title=Regional airline Flybe in frantic bid to stave off collapse |url=https://news.sky.com/story/regional-airline-flybe-in-frantic-bid-to-stave-off-collapse-11907407 |publisher=Sky News |date=12 January 2020 }} A deal was reached on 15 January, entailing a deferred payment plan for Flybe's tax debts and increased funding from Connect Airways. The UK government also agreed to conduct an urgent review of Air Passenger Duty on domestic flights.{{cite news |title=Government strikes a deal to rescue Flybe |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-51113895 |work=BBC News |date=15 January 2020}} By January 2020, Flybe operated 36% of all UK domestic flights (ahead of the UK's two largest airlines, British Airways and EasyJet), carrying 26% of domestic passengers (behind British Airways and EasyJet which operate larger types of aircraft).{{cite news |title=Why Flybe's market role created a UK political quandary |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/why-flybes-market-role-created-a-uk-political-quandary/136146.article |work=Flightglobal }} In February 2020, the UK government envisaged granting Flybe a £100{{nbsp}}million rescue loan, and held talks with the EU Commission to ensure that state aid rules were not broken.{{Cite news|last=Jack|first=Simon|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-51453196|title=Government considers ownership stake in Flybe|date=10 February 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=11 February 2020}} In early March, the airline faced concern over the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bookings, casting doubt on whether the loan would be granted.{{cite news|last=Jack|first=Simon|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-51733405|title=Flybe: Coronavirus pushes airline to brink of collapse|date=4 March 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=4 March 2020}}

{{See also|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aviation}}

In the early morning of 5 March 2020, the airline filed for administration and ceased all operations with immediate effect after the UK government failed to grant a proposed £100{{nbsp}}million ($129{{nbsp}}million) loan.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/beleaguered-flybe-ceases-operations/137095.article |title= Beleaguered Flybe ceases operations |author= Alfred Chua |date= 5 March 2020 |work= Flightglobal}} Virgin Atlantic said that Connect Airways could "no longer commit to continued financial support" despite its investment of over £135{{nbsp}}million; Virgin Atlantic placed part of the blame on the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Flybe's trading.{{cite news |last1=Kaminski-Morrow |first1=David |title=Coronavirus dealt fatal blow to embattled Flybe: shareholder |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/coronavirus-dealt-fatal-blow-to-embattled-flybe-shareholder/137090.article |work=Flight Global |date=5 March 2020 |language=en}} All flights operated by Flybe and Stobart Air were cancelled, although those operated by franchisees Blue Islands, an airline in the Channel Islands and Eastern Airways continued.{{cite news |title=Everything you need to know about the Flybe collapse |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/flybe-collapse-passenger-rights-flights-cancelled-money-back-compensation-a9376616.html |work=The Independent |date=5 March 2020 |language=en}} The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said that Flybe had made "every possible attempt" to prevent the collapse but were "unable to overcome significant funding challenges".{{cite web |last1=Topham |first1=Gwyn |title=Flybe: airline collapses two months after government announces rescue |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/mar/05/flybe-collapses-two-months-after-government-announces-rescue |website=The Guardian |access-date=5 March 2020 |date=5 March 2020}}

As of 1 May 2020, Flybe's administrators EY believed that a sale of the business as a going concern remained possible, having received around 20 non-binding offers including three for the entire business and assets, and expected to receive final offers for evaluation in early May. They appealed to the UK transport secretary to ensure that Flybe's operating licence is not revoked, as this would prevent the sale of the valuable airport slots.{{cite news |last1=Kaminski-Morrow |first1=David |title=Flybe administrators fight to retain carrier's operating licence |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/flybe-administrators-fight-to-retain-carriers-operating-licence/138191.article |work=Flight Global |date=1 May 2020 |language=en}} The appeal was successful, and on 9 July the CAA withdrew its revocation decision. Further legal action remained, relating to Flybe's slots at Heathrow{{snd}}which have been taken over by British Airways parent IAG{{snd}}and to its air operator certificate.{{cite news |last1=Kaminski-Morrow |first1=David |title=Prospects for Flybe sale lift as administrators retain licence and slots |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/prospects-for-flybe-sale-lift-as-administrators-retain-licence-and-slots/140667.article |work=Flight Global |date=17 October 2020 |language=en}}

{{main|Flybe (2022–2023)}}

On 19 October 2020, reports emerged that Lucien Farrell, in charge of former shareholder Cyrus Capital's London office, had formed a new company, Thyme Opco, to purchase the Flybe brand and relaunch the airline, subject to regulatory approvals.{{cite news |title=Flybe set to fly again after brand is rescued |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54596915 |work=BBC News |date=19 October 2020}} The new owner planned to "start small and restore regional connectivity in the UK" from 2021.{{cite news |last1=Dunn |first1=Graham |title=Interest in revived Flybe shows continued faith in regional opportunity |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/networks/interest-in-revived-flybe-shows-continued-faith-in-regional-opportunity/140695.article |work=Flight Global |date=20 October 2020 |language=en}} On 1 December 2020, Thyme Opco applied for a UK operating licence.{{cite news |last1=Coffey |first1=Helen |title=Flybe could soon take to the skies again |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/flybe-airline-new-owner-uk-flights-b1765581.html |work=The Independent |date=3 December 2020 |language=en}}

Thyme Opco also registered a 21-year-old Q400, which was expected to be the first aircraft for the 'new Flybe'; since then the jet was acquired by PAL Airlines, a regional airline in Eastern Canada.{{cn|date=October 2021}} In April 2021, the British CAA granted the new airline an operating licence as well as Type A and B route licences, enabling the carrier to operate both charter and scheduled services.{{cn|date=April 2021}} The new company also obtained 86 slots at Heathrow for the summer 2021 season, to be used for flights to Edinburgh and Aberdeen, but the airline was not relaunched in time to use these slots.{{cn|date=June 2024}}

The 'original' Flybe company was renamed FBE Realisations 2021 Limited, with Thyme Opco Limited becoming Flybe Limited.{{cn|date=April 2021}} On 3 June 2021, the operating licence for the original company was revoked following an unsuccessful appeal to the Transport Secretary. Despite initial beliefs that its legacy slots at UK airports had returned to the slot coordinator, that was shown not to be the case by coordinator ACL.{{Cite web|last=Telford|first=William|date=2021-10-13|title=Administrators look to claim cash from new Flybe company|url=https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/administrators-look-claim-cash-new-21833195|access-date=2021-10-27|website=Business Live|language=en}} The new operating company also leased Heathrow slots from British Airways for routes to Edinburgh and Aberdeen.{{cite web |title=Completed Slot Trades - Airport Coordination Limited |url=https://www.acl-uk.org/completed-slot-trades/ |work= ACL Airport Coordination Limited Ltd |date=16 May 2017 |access-date=28 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628112938/https://www.acl-uk.org/completed-slot-trades/ |archive-date=28 June 2021}}

On 26 October 2021, the new Flybe Limited confirmed that it had appointed David Pflieger as its chief executive.{{Cite web|last=Ltd|first=Jacobs Media Group|title=Reborn Flybe appoints chief executive|url=http://travelweekly.co.uk/news/air/reborn-flybe-appoints-chief-executive|access-date=2021-10-27|website=Travel Weekly|language=en}} That closely followed the appearance of an ex-Flybe Q400, registered as G-JECX, which had been painted with a new purple-and-white livery.{{Cite web|last=Perry|first=Dominic|title=Flybe appoints ex-Ravn Air chief to spearhead relaunch as crew recruitment push continues |date=26 October 2021 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/flybe-appoints-ex-ravn-air-chief-to-spearhead-relaunch-as-crew-recruitment-push-continues/146087.article|access-date=2021-10-27|website=Flight Global|url-access=limited}} In November 2021, the airline announced that it had picked Birmingham Airport as its new base, with operations scheduled to begin in early 2022 to "key regions across the UK and EU".{{cite news |last1=Perry |first1=Dominic |title=Flybe picks Birmingham as first UK base and HQ |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/flybe-picks-birmingham-as-first-uk-base-and-hq/146469.article |work=Flight Global |date=17 November 2021 |language=en}} On 16 March 2022, Flybe announced that it would start ticket sales the following week, and that Belfast would be the airline's second operating base.{{cn|date=June 2024}} The company slogan was "Smile and go the extra mile."{{cn|date=March 2022}} On 22 March the company's website opened for bookings;{{cite news |last1=Collis |first1=Emily |title=Full list of new Flybe routes from Brum with flights from £19.99 |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/travel/flybe-routes-birmingham-airport-full-23461690 |work=BirminghamLive |date=22 March 2022 }} the first flight took place on 13 April 2022.{{cite news |last1=Orban |first1=André |title=Flybe's first flight takes to the skies from Birmingham Airport |url=https://www.aviation24.be/defunct-airlines/flybe/flybes-first-flight-takes-to-the-skies-from-birmingham-airport/ |work=Aviation24.be |date=13 April 2022 |access-date=13 April 2022 |archive-date=13 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413103523/https://www.aviation24.be/defunct-airlines/flybe/flybes-first-flight-takes-to-the-skies-from-birmingham-airport/ |url-status=live }}

On 28 January 2023, Flybe entered administration and ceased all operations.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-64436500|title=Flybe: Regional carrier ceases trading and cancels all flights|work=BBC News|date=28 January 2023|accessdate=28 January 2023}} On 18 March 2024, administration of the original Flybe (FBE Realisations 2021 Limited) ceased and the company was dissolved.{{cite news |title=UK's flybe dissolved, leaves creditors £684mn short |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/138474-uks-flybe-dissolved-leaves-creditors-684mn-short |work=ch-aviation |language=en}}

File:JackWalkerHouseExeter.jpg in Exeter, England)]]

The former owner, Flybe Group plc, was a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange ({{London Stock Exchange|FLYB}}).{{cite web |url=http://www.londonstockexchange.com/companies-and-advisors/news-events/welcome/flybe.htm |title=The London Stock Exchange welcomes Flybe to the Main Market |publisher=Londonstockexchange.com |access-date=7 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140121225421/http://www.londonstockexchange.com/companies-and-advisors/news-events/welcome/flybe.htm |archive-date=21 January 2014 }} Until November 2013, the main shareholder, with 48.1% of the shares, was Rosedale Aviation Holdings Limited, the corporate representative of the trustee of the Jack Walker 1987 Settlement, which was established by the late Jack Walker, who was involved in Flybe's early development.

In the UK, Flybe's largest base was at Birmingham Airport;{{cite web |url=http://www.airportsinternational.com/2014/01/major-flybe-expansion-at-birmingham/15190 |title=Major Flybe Expansion at Birmingham |publisher = Airports International |date = January 2014}} the airline had other large bases at Belfast City, Manchester and Southampton airports, with a total of 14 crew and aircraft who were based across the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. The airline held a Civil Aviation Authority Type A Operating Licence permitting it to carry passengers, cargo and mail on aircraft with 20 or more seats.{{cite web |url=http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?categoryid=183&pagetype=90&pageid=340 |title=Operating Licence |publisher=Caa.co.uk |access-date=7 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311005729/http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?categoryid=183&pagetype=90&pageid=340 |archive-date=11 March 2007 }} The Flybe Group included Flybe Aviation Services (engineering and maintenance), Flybe Training Academy (engineering and flight crew training), Flybe UK (airline operations) and Flybe Europe, the holding company for all European operations, which previously consisted of Flybe Nordic.

Trends for Flybe Group during the period 2007–2018 are shown below (as at year ending 31 March):

File:Flybe ATR 72-500 (EI-REM) @ MAN, June 2016 (02).jpg (operated by Stobart Air) in June 2016]]

Loganair, a Scottish airline, was the first franchise partner for Flybe and operated a number of flights in Scotland and Ireland under a franchise agreement from 2008. Loganair aircraft wore the full Flybe livery during the time of the franchise. In 2016, it was announced that the agreement was to end on 31 August 2017 at which time Loganair would become an independent carrier.{{Citation needed|date=December 2019}}

In 2014, Flybe signed their second franchise agreement with Stobart Air,{{Cite web |url=https://buyingbusinesstravel.com/news/2522215-stobart-air-franchise-deal-flybe |title=Stobart Air in franchise deal with Flybe |website=buyingbusinesstravel.com |access-date=14 January 2018 |archive-date=16 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016115837/https://buyingbusinesstravel.com/news/2522215-stobart-air-franchise-deal-flybe/ |url-status=dead }} and initially started operating European routes from Southend Airport. In 2015, Stobart Air began operating more flights on behalf of Flybe from Ronaldsway Airport, Isle of Man using two ATR 72.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/40123-flybe-sources-atr72s-from-stobart-air-for-isle-of-man-ops |title=Flybe. sources ATR72s from Stobart Air for Isle of Man ops |website=ch-aviation}} In 2017, Flybe and Stobart Air began operating additional services from Southend Airport using Flybe Embraer 195 jet aircraft.{{Citation needed|date=December 2019}}

On 11 January 2016, Flybe announced its third franchise deal with the Jersey based airline, Blue Islands. Now all Blue Islands flights operated under the Flybe name, and the Blue Islands aircraft livery was replaced with the current Flybe livery from May 2016.{{cite web |url=http://www.itv.com/news/channel/update/2016-01-11/blue-islands-flights-to-be-run-through-flybe/ |title=Blue Islands flights to be run through Flybe |publisher = ITV News |date = 11 January 2016}} However the deal was under investigation and was reported to potentially break local competition laws.{{cite web |url=http://www.bailiwickexpress.com/jsy/news/bi/?t=i |title=Airlines investigated for potential competition law breach |publisher =Bailiwick Express}}

From 1 September 2017, Eastern Airways became a new franchise partner for Flybe taking over routes previously operated by Loganair from Aberdeen Airport, Glasgow Airport and Edinburgh Airport.Dalton, Alastair. [https://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/more-competition-to-islands-as-flybe-teams-with-eastern-airways-1-4548588 "More competition to islands as Flybe teams with Eastern Airways."] The Scotsman, 1 September 2017. That meant both Flybe and Loganair were now in direct competition with each other. In January 2018, services to Sumburgh were being withdrawn, owing to the competition with Loganair and the route being unable to sustain two carriers.Cope, Chris. [http://www.shetnews.co.uk/news/15717-jobs-go-at-sumburgh-following-flybe-exit "Jobs go at Sumburgh following Flybe exit."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021055040/http://www.shetnews.co.uk/news/15717-jobs-go-at-sumburgh-following-flybe-exit |date=21 October 2018 }} Shetland News, 11 January 2018. It was announced that Loganair was withdrawing services from Glasgow to Manchester leaving Flybe as the sole operator on that route.

Flybe purchased Finncomm Airlines with Finnair of Finland in July 2011,{{cite web |url=http://www.airlinehunter.co.uk/news/Flybe-Nordic.-A-challenge-to-the-Skyways-Cimber-venture |title=Flybe Nordic. A challenge to the Skyways-Cimber venture? |work=AirlineHunter |access-date=4 July 2011}} and on 30 October 2011 rebranded the airline as Flybe Nordic. The joint venture operated its own routes along with franchise routes under a codeshare agreement for Finnair, operating under Flybe's BE-code. Flybe agreed to sell its 60% stake in Flybe Nordic in November 2014 for €1, in an attempt to reduce group costs.{{cite news |last=White |first=Anna |date=12 November 2014 |title=Flybe sells its Finnish business for €1 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/leisure/11225022/Flybe-sells-its-Finnish-business-for-1.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/leisure/11225022/Flybe-sells-its-Finnish-business-for-1.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Telegraph |access-date=18 November 2014}}{{cbignore}} On 1 May 2015, Flybe Nordic began operating solely for Finnair as it was no longer a part of Flybe. Flybe Nordic is now known as Nordic Regional Airlines – Norra.{{cite web |url=http://www.eturbonews.com/58211/flybe-finland-changes-name-nordic-regional |title=Flybe Finland changes name to Nordic Regional – eTurboNews (eTN) |date=28 April 2015 |access-date=6 May 2015 |archive-date=11 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011165910/http://www.eturbonews.com/58211/flybe-finland-changes-name-nordic-regional |url-status=dead }}

Flybe was the main sponsor of Exeter City Football Club and also sponsored the Exeter Chiefs with their branding featured on both teams' shirts. Flybe had also sponsored the ITV Weather forecasts on ITV Channel Television, ITV Cymru Wales, ITV Meridian, ITV West Country, STV, UTV, and the sport sections of the Manchester Evening News, the Express & Echo (Exeter), the South Wales Echo (Cardiff), the Isle of Man Courier and the Isle of Man Examiner.

Flybe had previously sponsored Birmingham City FC (2003–2007), Norwich City FC (2006–2008), Southampton FC (2006–2010), and Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC (2007–2010).

Flybe used the Avios frequent-flyer program until 30 April 2019, when Flybe and Avios ended their partnership and all accounts were closed.{{cite web |url = https://www.choose.co.uk/news/2019/flybe-avios-partnership-ends/ |website = choose.co.uk |title = Avios partnership with Flybe has now ended |date = 2 May 2019}} The programme is operated by the IAG subsidiary Avios Group.

Flybe's cabin interiors were configured with a single-class all-economy layout. It operated an allocated seating policy on its flights. Passengers had the option to choose a specific seat of their choice online in advance for a fee or have one allocated free of charge during online check-in or at the airport check-in. The airline operated a buy on board programme, called "Café Flybe", offering food and drinks for purchase. On most flights to and from the Channel Islands a selection of duty free spirits and tobacco items was also available for purchase.

Passengers had the option of three ticket types, "Just Fly", "Get More" and "All In".

• "Just Fly" was the most basic ticket type, with just the flight included and extra options available to add for an additional fee.
• "Get More" ticket holders were able to reserve a seat and take a 23 kg hold bag.{{Cite web |url=https://www.flybe.com/ticket-types/get-more |title=Get More! – Ticket Types | Flybe UK |website=flybe.com}}
• "All In" ticket holders received a complimentary drink and snack, access to Flybe Executive Lounges, free pre-booked seating, priority check-in, and two hold bags.{{Cite web |url=https://www.flybe.com/ticket-types/all-in/ |title=All In – Ticket Types | Flybe UK |website=flybe.com}}

Flybe provided short haul services to destinations throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland, and continental Europe.

Flybe formerly had codeshares with the following airlines under the 'One Stop to the World' programme:{{cite web |url=http://centreforaviation.com/profiles/airlines/flybe-be |title=Profile on Flybe |website=CAPA |publisher=Centre for Aviation |access-date=30 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030160823/http://centreforaviation.com/profiles/airlines/flybe-be |archive-date=30 October 2016 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://onestop.flybe.com/en-GB/flights |title=Flybe One Stop to the World |website=onestop.flybe.com |access-date=6 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422192523/http://onestop.flybe.com/en-GB/flights |archive-date=22 April 2017 |url-status=dead }}

{{div col}}

• Aer Lingus
• Air France
• Air India
• Alitalia
• British Airways
• Cathay Pacific
• Emirates
• Etihad Airways
• Finnair
• Loganair
• Singapore Airlines
• United Airlines
• Virgin Atlantic

{{div col end}}

The airline also had franchise agreements with the following airlines:

{{div col}}

• Blue Islands
• Eastern Airways
• Loganair (agreement ended 2017)
• Stobart Air

{{div col end}}

Flybe had an interline agreement with Pakistan International Airlines{{Cite web |url=https://www.piac.com.pk/interline-travel |title=Interline and Codeshare Travel |website=Pakistan International Airlines}}

File:DASH.8-400 G-JEDR 4087 FLYBE PURPLE 09 02 15 TLS (16217391023).jpg in February 2015]]

Before ceasing operations these were the aircraft in the Flybe fleet:{{cite web |url=https://siteapps.caa.co.uk/g-info/|title=GINFO Search Results Summary|publisher=Civil Aviation Authority|access-date=16 January 2020}}

Flybe retired its final Embraer 195 in February 2020,{{Cite web |title=UK's flybe. ends E195 operations |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/86742-uks-flybe-ends-e195-operations |access-date=2022-04-10 |website=ch-aviation |language=en}} which was returned to lessors once it was retired. It had said that the Q400 would be the backbone of its fleet going forward.{{Cite press release |title=Travel Advice: Flybe Announces Base Changes |url=https://flybe.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1592 |publisher=Flybe |date=3 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403141724/https://flybe.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1592/ |archive-date=3 April 2019 |url-status=dead}}

File:G-JECP Flybe (6226139642).jpg wearing the 2002 livery]]

Flybe became the world's largest operator of the Dash 8 Q400 after it added 24 jets leased from Republic Airways, a US regional airline, in 2014. In May 2007, the airline signed a deal with Bombardier, an aircraft manufacturer in Montreal, Canada for a further 15 Q400 aircraft valued at US$394{{nbsp}}million (£197{{nbsp}}million), with options for a further 15, increasing its fleet of the type to 60.[http://www.atwonline.com/news/other.html?issueDate=5%2F9%2F2007 Air Transport World] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071021230356/http://atwonline.com/news/other.html?issueDate=5%2F9%2F2007 |date=21 October 2007 }} 9 May 2007 In September 2014, Republic Airways agreed to lease 24 of their Q400 aircraft to Flybe with delivery over two years starting from March 2018.{{cite news |last1=Wild |first1=Jane|title=Flybe reconfigures its fleet by leasing smaller aircraft |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/43822460-3e64-11e4-b7fc-00144feabdc0.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/43822460-3e64-11e4-b7fc-00144feabdc0.html |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=6 March 2016 |work=Financial Times|date=17 September 2014}}{{cite news |last1=Marowits |first1=Ross |title=U.K.-based Flybe to become world's largest Bombardier Q400 operator|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/u-k-based-flybe-to-become-world-s-largest-bombardier-q400-operator-1.2011248 |access-date=13 January 2020 |work=CTV News |date=17 September 2014}} In June 2017, Flybe announced that due to a loss of near to £20{{nbsp}}million, it would retire six Q400 aircraft in 2017.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40198727 |title=Flybe promises overhaul after £20m loss |date=8 June 2017 |work=BBC News |access-date=8 June 2017 }}

When Flybe collapsed in March 2020 its 54 Dash 8 Q400s were placed into storage. In January 2021, aerial firefighting airline specialist Conair Group in Abbotsford, British Columbia in Canada announced that it had purchased 11 of Flybe's Q400 for conversion into water bombers and multi-role firefighting aircraft.{{cite news |last1=Kaminski-Morrow |first1=David |title=Flybe Q400s to be converted into firefighters for Conair |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/aerospace/flybe-q400s-to-be-converted-into-firefighters-for-conair/141994.article |work=Flight Global |date=16 January 2021}}

File:Embraer ERJ 175 (G-FBJF) of Flybe arrives Birmingham Airport, England 27June2019 arp.jpg painted in the 2002 livery]]

On 20 July 2010, Flybe placed an order for 35 Embraer 175 aircraft worth US$1.3 billion (£850{{nbsp}}million), with options for 65 more (value $2.3{{nbsp}}billion/£1.5{{nbsp}}billion) and purchase rights for a further 40 (value $1.4{{nbsp}}billion/£0.9{{nbsp}}billion). The 88-seat aircraft was originally planned to be delivered between July 2011 and March 2017;{{cite web |url=http://www.flybe.com/news/1007/20.htm |title=Flybe announces a deal for up to 140 Embraer E Series Aircraft |publisher=Flybe Press Office |access-date=20 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722185442/http://www.flybe.com/news/1007/20.htm |archive-date=22 July 2010 }} with the first two aircraft arriving in November 2011.{{cite web |url=http://www.flybe.com/corporate/media/news/1111/28.htm |title=Flybe celebrates arrival of new jets with a soaking! |publisher=Flybe |date=28 November 2011 |access-date=7 January 2014}} In September 2014, Flybe agreed with Embraer to cancel 20 orders for the E-175 jets and deferred delivery of the other four until further notice.{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}

In 2020 Flybe's nine E175s were transferred to various lessors when they collapsed. Six of the new aircraft which had been acquired went to a company in Bermuda called Flybe Leasing, with CAW Finance Corp acquiring another one.

File:G-FBEJ Embraer 195 Flybe "Welcome to Yorkshire" (26248209660).jpg with the "Welcome to Yorkshire" special livery landing at Glasgow Airport in April 2016]]

The airline placed an order for 14 Embraer 195 aircraft in June 2005, plus options on an additional 12 aircraft, making it the type's worldwide launch customer. In the same month, four existing Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 options were converted into firm orders; after delivery its fleet of Q400s numbered 45.Air International, July 2005 Flybe received its first 118-seat Embraer 195 in September 2006, and the aircraft began to replace its existing BAe 146s, completing the fleet rationalisation which was started in 2003. The E-195s were fitted with a head-up guidance system (HGS) and configured to offer single-class service.{{Citation needed|date=December 2019}}

In 2018, Flybe completed a review of its future fleet deciding that the Bombardier Q400 would continue to be its core aircraft; all nine of its E195 aircraft were to be withdrawn by 2020 but some E175s would be retained for busier routes.{{Cite web |url=http://www.iii.co.uk/alliance-news/1526464772728040500-3/flybe-to-reduce-jet-fleet-and-concentrate-only-on-profitable-routes|title=Flybe To Reduce Jet Fleet And Concentrate Only on Profitable Routes |website=Interactive Investor |access-date=16 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516174827/http://www.iii.co.uk/alliance-news/1526464772728040500-3/flybe-to-reduce-jet-fleet-and-concentrate-only-on-profitable-routes |archive-date=16 May 2018}} On 3 April 2019, Flybe confirmed its intention to withdraw six of its E195s in 2019 and the remainder in 2020; its bases at Cardiff and Doncaster would be closed and these destinations served by Q400s from other bases.

The last Embraer 195 was retired and returned to its lessor on 24 February 2020.[https://www.austrianaviation.net/detail/flybe-flottet-letzten-embraer-195-aus/ austrianaviation.net] (German) 27 February 2020

File:Jersey European Twin Otter G-BKBC.jpg

File:G-BHJZ Bandeirante Jersey European BHX 18-08-86 (28058130893).jpg

File:Jersey European Short 360-200.jpg

File:Jersey European F-27.jpg

File:Jersey European BAC 1-11.jpg

Flybe previously operated the following aircraft:

• On 1 August 2008 an Embraer 190-200LR from Manchester to Belfast City Airport suffered a failure of the No. 1 air cycle machine (ACM), releasing smoke and fumes into the aircraft. A Mayday was declared and an expeditious diversion was carried out. After donning oxygen masks the pilots of Flybe flight BE484 had great difficulty communicating with each other, ATC and cabin crew, because of technical problems with the masks. During the emergency evacuation the right overwing emergency exit door became jammed and unusable. Passengers who evacuated via the left overwing exit were unaware of how to get from the wing down to the ground. Several recommendations were made as a result of the incident.{{cn|date=December 2022}}
• On 21 July 2012 a Flybe aircraft with 47 passengers on board from Cornwall Airport Newquay to Edinburgh made an emergency landing and was evacuated at Edinburgh after a short circuit in a smoke detector triggered a fire alarm. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch noted pilots initiated a checklist inappropriately for the false alarm, causing depressurisation of the cabin, loss of displays on the copilot side and disconnection of the autopilot. Flybe retrained their pilots and took action to eradicate future false alarms from similar short circuits.{{cite news |last= |first= |date=April 12, 2012 |title=Flybe criticised over Newquay-Edinburgh false alarm |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-17680816 |work=BBC |location= |access-date=May 13, 2021}}
• On 23 February 2017 a De Havilland Canada Dash 8 registered G-JECP from Edinburgh to Amsterdam suffered a collapse of the right main gear upon landing at Schiphol Airport resulting in severe damage to the aircraft. Damage was found to the lower fuselage structure, right-hand outboard wing tip and nose landing gear along with damage to the right-hand fuselage caused by fragments from the right (#2) engine and debris and gravel from the runway. After the aircraft came to a stop, the crew declared a Mayday and initiated an evacuation of the aircraft. The accident was caused by deformation in the right-hand landing-gear yoke causing the landing gear to be in the down but unlocked position while the gear position indicator in the cockpit displayed three green lights falsely indicating to the crew the gear was in a down and locked position. The Dutch Safety Board made several recommendations to Bombardier, Flybe and the landing gear manufacturer.{{cite news |title=Plane evacuated after landing gear collapses |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-39071466 |access-date=28 November 2024 |work=BBC News |date=23 February 2017}}{{cite news |title=Video shows Flybe plane crash-landing at Schiphol airport |url=https://news.sky.com/story/video-shows-flybe-plane-crash-landing-at-schiphol-airport-10778968 |access-date=28 November 2024 |work=Sky News |date=24 February 2017}}{{cite web |title=Dutch Safety Board investigation to DHC-8-Q402, G-JECP |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/reports/2017/20170223_DH8D_G-JECP.pdf |website=Flight Safety Foundation |publisher=Dutch Safety Board |access-date=28 November 2024}}
• On 10 November 2017 a Flybe De Havilland Canada Dash 8 suffered a nose gear failure after takeoff from Belfast City Airport to Inverness Airport, diverting to Belfast International Airport and partially landing on its nose. The underside of the nose, forward pressure bulkhead, and the nose gear as well as its doors were damaged and there were two injuries. The accident was caused by a faulty sensor causing the doors to close onto the gear while it retracted. Flybe inspected their entire fleet. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch noted the aircraft and landing gear manufacturers were already working on a revised design prior to the accident.{{cite news |last=Mullan |first=Kevin |date=June 15, 2012 |title=Two injuries after Flybe plane had to land on its nose due to faulty sensor: AAIB |url= https://www.derryjournal.com/news/transport/two-injuries-after-flybe-plane-had-land-its-nose-due-faulty-sensor-aaib-688184|work=The Derry Journal |location= |access-date=May 13, 2021}}
• On 11 January 2018 a Flybe Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 flying to Glasgow Airport made an unintentional descent due to an incorrect autopilot setting shortly after departing Belfast City Airport. The plane descended from 1,500 feet to 928 feet over eighteen seconds reaching a maximum rate of descent of 4,300 feet per minute. Flybe revised their simulator training and pre-takeoff checklists in response.{{cite news |last= |first= |date=November 7, 2018 |title=Flybe flight plummeted 500ft in 18 seconds due to autopilot error – report |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/flybe-flight-plummeted-500ft-in-18-seconds-due-to-autopilot-error-report-37504927.html |work=Press Association (via The Belfast Telegraph) |location= |access-date=May 13, 2021}}
• On 28 February 2019 a Flybe Embraer 195 destined for Alicante, Spain aborted takeoff and was evacuated on the runway at Exeter Airport after the copilot noticed smoke from an air conditioning vent before fumes began entering the aircraft. The evacuation left a passenger and a member of cabin crew injured. The rapid engine shutdown meant that wing flaps were not correctly positioned for evacuation, leaving a large drop for those attempting to use overwing exits, some of whom reentered the cabin and evacuated via slides. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch made recommendations to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States proposing changes to the design and layout of emergency exits on commercial aircraft.{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Colleen |date=September 17, 2020 |title=Newquay flight was diverted to Exeter after cable failed |url=https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/exeter-airport-plane-evacuation-investigation-4523960 |work=Devon Live |location= |access-date=May 13, 2021}}
• On 14 November 2019{{cite news |last= |first= |date=October 15, 2020 |title=AAIB investigation to DHC-8-402, G-FLBE |url=https://www.gov.uk/aaib-reports/aaib-investigation-to-dhc-8-402-g-flbe |work=Air Accidents Investigation Branch |location= |access-date=May 13, 2021}} a Flybe DHC-8-400 destined for Heathrow Airport made a precautionary emergency landing at Exeter Airport. Shortly after departing from Cornwall Airport Newquay, the flight crew noticed that their handwheels required significant offsets for the aircraft to maintain level flight. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch concluded that a broken left aileron cable was responsible; they also discovered that the right aileron on the aircraft and others in the fleet sometimes failed to respond to handwheel inputs. Although Flybe ceased operations before the probe was concluded, airlines and the plane's manufacturer made changes to design and maintenance. The report also criticised the use of irreversible filters, which are banned in the United States, on the flight data recorder resulting in the loss of relevant data.{{cite news |last=Channon |first=Max |date=October 16, 2020 |title=Newquay flight was diverted to Exeter after cable failed |url=https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/newquay-flight-diverted-exeter-after-4612277 |work=Cornwall Live |location= |access-date=May 13, 2021}}

{{reflist}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite book |last1=Richardson |first1=Nigel |title=Flybe |series=Airlines Series, Vol. 12 |date=2023 |publisher=Key Publishing |location=Stamford, Lincs, UK |isbn=9781802823578 |url={{GBurl|b0dazwEACAAJ}} |language=en}}
• {{cite journal |last1=Wright |first1=Alan J. |title=Independent Survivor |journal=Air International |date=July 2001 |volume=61 |issue=1 |pages=48–52}}
• {{cite book |title=Airlines of the British Isles since 1919 |publisher=Air-Britain |last=Wickstead |first=Maurice J. |date=2014 |isbn=978-0-85130-456-4}}

{{refend}}

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