Flybe axes UK-bound Galway services

Low-cost carrier Flybe has announced that it will no longer operate any flights out of Galway Airport.

The airline had run regular connections to Belfast, Southampton and Birmingham from its base in the Irish city but has now confirmed that all services have been halted.

Flybe adds two extra services for TT fans

Fans of the Isle of Man TT will have an increased choice of flights between Manchester and the island after Flybe announced extra services.

The airline will add a fourth Saturday service on both May 31 and June 7, with one-way tickets starting from £18.99, and will be added to Flybe’s existing schedule of up to five flights a day.

Mike Rutter, chief commercial officer at Flybe, said: "Convenient and affordable travel to and from the Isle of Man over the duration of the annual TT races is vital for the economy so we hope this will be a win-win for everyone. The additional services will make the Isle of Man even more accessible for fans looking for affordable travel options over this extremely busy time."

Flybe's new Inverness services take off

Low-cost carrier Flybe has begun operating three new services from its base at Inverness Airport.

The airline began flying the new routes last Thursday (May 8), providing connections to Exeter, Manchester and Southampton airports as part of its new summer schedule.

Flights to Exeter and Manchester will operate daily, with one-way fares costing £32.99 and £45.99 respectively. The Manchester service will run twice daily and fares start from £24.99.

Guernsey gets year round link to Paris

Flybe is to operate a year round service between Guernsey and Paris, flying four times a week, from July 11.

One way tickets will start from £29.99 and can be booked from tomorrow (April 23). This news comes soon after the airline announced it would operate flights from Guernsey to Belfast.

Flybe named 'fastest growing' carrier to Germany

Low-cost carrier Flybe has been named the fastest growing budget airline flying to and from Germany.

According to the latest 'Low Cost Monitor' survey issued by the German Centre for Aero and Spacetravel, Flybe has experienced a massive 392 per cent increase in flight ranking over the past 12 months.

Passengers travelling to Germany are now served by 128 weekly flights to five primary airports in Germany, and increase from just 26 flights in 2006/7.

"We're absolutely delighted to be significantly ahead of our competitors in terms of growth in Germany," said Mike Rutter, Flybe's chief commercial officer.

Flybe launches new Guernsey to Dublin route

A new direct service between Guernsey and Dublin is to be started by Flybe, with the first flight taking off on June 7.

The three-times-a-week service will operate on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. One-way tickets start from £29.99.

Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer at Flybe, said: "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."

Jersey to Paris: daily flights from Flybe

Flybe is to start a year-round, six day-a-week service to Paris Charles de Gaulle from Jersey with the first flights taking off next month.

The airline will launch the service on April 28, operating every day except Saturday, and one-way fares will start from £29.99 inclusive of taxes and charges.

At the same time, Flybe has said it will start two new weekly summer routes from Jersey to Newquay and the Isle of Man, operating from May to September.

Extra flights to boost Flybe's Aberdeen to Gatwick service

Flybe has announced that it is adding extra flights to its Aberdeen to London Gatwick route.

The carrier cited "unprecedented demand" for the increased service, which will see two extra return flights added at the weekend during its summer schedule.

Between May 3 and October 25, an extra daily service will be available on Saturday, departing Aberdeen at 11.35am and arriving in Gatwick at 1.15pm.

Dundee gets new routes to Belfast and Birmingham

Flybe has announced the launch of two new routes from Dundee Airport as part of its recently signed franchise agreement with Loganair.

The agreement will see the setting up of a base at Dundee and the start of flights to Belfast City Airport and Birmingham International.

Both routes start on May 21, with daily return flights servicing Belfast and four flights a week operating to Birmingham, one-way tickets on both routes start from £34.99.

Flybe increases frequency from Southampton to France

Flybe has announced plans to increase the frequency of its service between Southampton and Bergerac, in France.

The airline will add another daily flight to the route on weekdays between July 14 and August 22, ensuring there are two daily departures to the destination in the south of France.

At weekends, the single daily flight will be maintained, with fares on the service available from £39.99 one-way, including taxes and charges.

Birmingham to Toulouse service relaunched by Flybe

Flybe will relaunch its Birmingham International to Toulouse service this summer following calls from passengers to bring the flights back.

The weekly service will operate each Saturday throughout the summer from May 24 until October 25, tickets start at £34.99 one way including taxes and charges and can be booked online through the Flybe website.

Mike Rutter, chief commercial officer of Flybe, said: "We’re thrilled to be able to bring the Toulouse route back for Midland travellers. It's another example of Flybe listening to what our customers want and delivering on our promise to bring travel choice to the regions."

Jersey link to Nice offered by Flybe

The first ever direct service between Jersey and the southern French city of Nice has been announced by Flybe.

A weekly service will operate on Saturday throughout the summer from May 24 until September 27, 2008, with prices starting at £39.99 one way including taxes and charges.

Mike Rutter, Flybe's chief commercial officer, said: "The new route to the French Riviera is great news for passengers and sees Flybe building on our commitment to the Island at a time when our competitors are withdrawing services.

More flights to the Isle of Man from Flybe

Flybe is to increase the frequency of flights it offers to the Isle of Man from both Manchester and Liverpool in time for the summer holiday season.

The extra flights will raise the frequency to Manchester to five a day, and Liverpool to four a day, with one-way ticket prices starting at £18.99 which can be booked now for travel from April 4.

Mike Rutter, chief commercial officer at Flybe, said: "We’ve been bowled over by the success of our Manchester and Liverpool routes and in response to amazing demand, we are able to introduce extra frequency to these key cities. Our market share on the Manchester route is now an impressive 60 per cent, showing that Flybe understands fully the needs of Manx travellers."

Flybe's eco-label scheme recognised by MPs

© Flybe

Members of Parliament have backed Flybe's eco-label scheme, which offers passengers a simple way of comparing how environmentally friendly different aircraft are.

The low-cost operator was recognised in a report by the House of Commons Treasury Select Committee which recommended ‘that airlines adopt a system of eco-labelling, so that consumers can compare the environmental footprint of each airline when purchasing their tickets’.

Flybe was the first airline to attach to flight bookings a breakdown of the fuel consumption, carbon emissions and noise patterns of the aircraft used on a traveller's journey, details are also displayed on the side of all aircraft as well as in on board literature and advertising.

Flybe launches new Mastercard

Flybe has launched a new credit card which, it claims, offers the fastest accrual of frequent flyer points of any card offered by a low-cost airline.

The Spend & Fly Mastercard gives card holders the chance to take one free flight on the airline's network within their first 12 months of taking out the product, even if they spend only one penny on the card.

Points are built up for the airline's Rewards4all programme at one rate, regardless of whether the card is used for booking Flybe flights or for other purchases, with the airline claiming that this marks the product out from its competitors.

Flybe launches new routes from Newcastle

© Britain on View

Flybe has announced plans to launch a new daily service between Newcastle and London Gatwick.

The new route will begin operation on March 30, replacing the current service on the same route provided by Jet2.com. Journeys can be booked now for the service, with fares starting at £21.99, including taxes and charges.

The new route's schedule is as follows:

Monday to Friday:
Departs Newcastle at 6.25am, arrives at Gatwick at 7.55am
Departs Newcastle at 8.30am, arrives at Gatwick at 9.55am
Departs Newcastle at 1.20pm, arrives at Gatwick at 2.45m
Departs Gatwick at 3.15pm, arrives at Newcastle at 4.40pm
Departs Gatwick at 5.05pm, arrives at Newcastle at 6.25pm
Departs Gatwick at 7.05pm, arrives at Newcastle at 8.30pm

Flybe to launch Aberdeen to Gatwick service

Flybe is set to begin operating a new London Gatwick to Aberdeen service, filling the gap left by British Airways's decision to withdraw from the route last year.

Announcing the operation of the new three-times daily service, to begin on March 30, the airline claimed that it represented further proof of its commitment to provide air travel for Scotland.

"The London Gatwick to Aberdeen service is of great strategic importance to Aberdeen and we're delighted to be able to fill the gap and take over this abandoned route from BA," said Mike Rutter, Flybe's chief commercial officer.

Flybe signs franchise agreement with Loganair

Flybe has announced details of a new franchise agreement with Loganair, replacing the Scottish airline's current deal with British Airways that expires later this year.

The new arrangement is set to come into effect on October 26, the day after Loganair's existing franchising set-up with BA comes to an end.

Under the new deal, tickets for the carrier, which operates a number of services in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, will be made available on Flybe's website from June.

Cardiff to Jersey service launched by Flybe

Flybe has announced an expansion of its routes from Jersey with the launch of a new service to Cardiff.

The first flight will take off on March 17, operating on Monday and Friday, with a Saturday service added to the route between May 24 and September 27.

Tickets can be booked through the Flybe website now, with one-way fares starting from £29.99.

Mike Rutter, chief commercial officer of Flybe, said: "We see our new Cardiff service as a natural addition to our newly established route network out of Jersey and we are confident that another alternative destination can only be positive news for islanders both in terms of business and leisure travel."

Flybe to suspend Manchester to Guernsey route

Low-cost airline Flybe will suspend its flights from Manchester to Guernsey and Norwich for more than two months.

The carrier says that low passenger numbers make the routes harder to justify economically and environmentally during the quiet period from tomorrow (Tuesday, January 8) until March.

The Manchester to Guernsey route will begin again on March 19, and the Norwich link will re-start on March 17.

Flybe to increase Scottish routes next year

Flybe is to offer four new routes from Inverness Airport next year.

Europe's largest regional airline has completed the rollout of its summer 2008 schedule, with more than seven million seats on sale across the UK and Europe. It includes four new routes, from Inverness to Birmingham, Exeter, Manchester and Southampton.

The Birmingham route will begin on March 30 and operate daily, with fares beginning at £24.99 one-way, including taxes and charges. The daily Exeter route will start on May 8, costing from £32.99.

Two new routes to Jersey announced by Flybe

Flybe has announced the launch of two new routes to Jersey as part of its summer 2008 schedule.

The airline will begin flights from Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport and Inverness Airport, with both routes set to start on March 30, and provide a weekly service operating on Saturday.

Tickets for flights from Doncaster Sheffield start at £39.99 one way, while the cost of a single ticket from Inverness starts at £49.99.
Mike Rutter, chief commercial officer at Flybe, said: "The new routes we are introducing to Jersey reflect our continued commitment to the island and to promoting the growth of regional air travel.

More Scottish flights from Flybe

Low-cost airline Flybe is planning to increase the number of flights it operates from Scottish airports.

The carrier has predicted that its acquisition of BA Connect in March this year will enable it to boost the size of its Scottish operations by approximately 60 per cent.

Flybe was paid more than £140 million by British Airways to take over the loss-making regional service, and as part of the deal BA took a 15 per cent stake in Flybe.

Flybe to cut back Norwich flights

Low-cost operator Flybe is to end four flights from Norwich International Airport, claiming a levy being applied on passengers makes its flights too expensive.

Flybe opens executive lounges at Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow

Low-cost airline Flybe has opened three more executive lounges, at Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports.

Earlier this month the carrier opened its first such lounge at Exeter Airport, promising business travellers and frequent flyer passengers "minimum disruption to the working day" (see Flybe opens executive lounge at Exeter Airport).

The lounges have facilities such as plasma screens, Wi-Fi internet access (available soon), panoramic views of the runways, work stations, café lounge seating areas, and refreshments.

Flybe adds extra rugby flights

Budget airline Flybe is increasing the capacity of its flights from the UK to Paris this weekend because of the Rugby World Cup final.

England beat home nation France last weekend in a nail-biting semi-final match, meaning that they will face South Africa in the final. It looks ominous judging by the thrashing England took from the Springboks earlier in the tournament but many English supporters will nevertheless descend on Paris for the game this coming Saturday.

Flybe has put nearly one thousand additional seats to Paris on sale from regional airports around the UK, including Birmingham, Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester and Southampton.

Flybe opens executive lounge at Exeter Airport

No-frills airline Flybe this week opened its first executive lounge at Exeter Airport.

The lounge features Wi-Fi internet access, a plasma screen TV, complimentary refreshments, and a comfortable waiting area. Open to business travellers, the lounge has been designed to cause "minimum disruption to the working day".

Travellers using Flybe's Rewards4All frequent-flyer programme will also be able to use the lounge. Those accruing 20 points will be able to gain access to all Flybe's executive lounges across the UK for a year (one return economy flight is worth two points).

Flybe launches own credit card

Low-cost airline Flybe is set to launch its own credit card in January next year.

The "spend and fly" Mastercard will be tied in with Flybe's Rewards4All frequent flyer program (see related Cheapflights story), and will give users one free return flight upon their first transaction.

Mike Rutter, the airline's chief commercial officer, told the Travelmole website: "The Flybe Mastercard is our latest product innovation which directly benefits our customers and will also add value to the company as a whole.

Flybe picks up two accolades

Exeter-based airline Flybe has received praise for both its business nous and its customer service.

In recognition of the carrier's recent smooth takeover of British Airways' regional arm BA Connect, Flybe was presented with the UK Business Achievement Award at the Franco-British Business Awards, which are hosted by the French Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain (FCCGB).

This group represents more than 1,300 French and British business executives.

Flybe adds more flights on Gatwick to Jersey route

Flybe is to increase the frequency of flights it offers between Gatwick and Jersey, starting from October 28.

The low-cost operator has announced the launch of two additional services during peak travel times, and the addition of a new flight to its Saturday timetable.

One-way tickets will start from £19.99 and passengers will travel on Flybe's new E195 Embraer jet, recognised for its reduced carbon emissions and impact on the environment.

Flybe service back to normal after Bombardier groundings

Flybe has announced that all its services are now almost back to normal, following the disruption caused by inspections to some of its aircraft this morning.

Manufacturer Bombardier recommended that the landing gear on all Q400 planes with more than 10,000 landings be inspected, following two emergency incidents.

A Scandinavian Airlines aircraft skidded off the runway today (Wednesday September 12), just three days after another crash-landed in Denmark, on Sunday September 9. Both incidents are believed to have been caused by landing gear problems.

More flights on Newcastle to Jersey route

© Flybe

Low-cost operator Flybe is to increase the frequency of flights it offers on its Newcastle to Jersey service to four a week starting next year.

The airline has said it will fly on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday between the two destinations from March 28, with fares starting from £29.99 one way.

Mike Rutter, chief commercial officer at Flybe, said: "We’re committed to offering a first rate, convenient regional air service, not only catering to the needs of Islanders but also offering a first rate, convenient regional air service between Newcastle and Jersey, popular for short breaks.

Flybe says no to Exeter-London City route

Low-cost airline Flybe will not operate a route from Exeter Airport to London City Airport.

Exeter Chamber of Commerce is currently consulting with its members about whether such a route would be workable, particularly as it would be useful for business travellers, The Express and Echo reports.

Derek Phillips, chairman of the chamber, said: "I am trying to get the views of the chamber members and whether this would be something they would want to support. The ones I have spoken to so far have been quite supportive.

Flybe and Brussels Airlines sign agreement

Flybe and Belgian operator Brussels Airlines are to work closer together after the two agreed a codeshare agreement, enabling passengers to book tickets on each other's flights.

The deal will improve the travel options for Flybe passengers as it will offer them increased choice to the Belgian capital from additional regional bases across the UK.

Brussels Airlines customers will enjoy more travel options on the Manchester to Brussels route as it will be possible to book tickets through travel agents and Flybe’s call centre, offering a choice of six daily flights instead of Flybe’s existing three from Manchester.

Flybe makes all prices online transparent

Flybe has announced that the fares promoted across its website will be completely transparent and feature both the basic flight cost plus all fixed non-optional costs.

The low-cost operator joins a number of other airlines, including easyJet and Wizz Air, in making this move as pressure from the European Union also grows to ensure ticket prices are clear for customers.

Prices on the Flybe site will now be clearly featured from the outset and include government taxes - air passenger duty, any passenger service charges and security and airport fees.

Rewards for Flybe frequent fliers

Flybe has launched its frequent flyer scheme, called Rewards4all, which promises free flights for travellers who collect sufficient points.

The new service assigns points to members automatically as they book tickets and it will not matter what type of ticket is booked, points will still be earned.

So even leisure travellers flying on a £19.99 return ticket will earn points, in this case two, which can be redeemed for a free return flight once 16 points are accumulated. Reaching 20 points gives people a year’s free access to Flybe's airport executive lounges.

Flybe launches wine club for passengers

Flybe has launched a new service and website, Flybe Wines, which will enable passengers to join an exclusive wine club.

The deal with Wines4business, an online wine and Champagne retailer, sees the website www.Flybewines.com offering a selection of wines for purchase to suit every taste and budget.

Registration is free and easy, and members will be able to participate in various Flybe promotions, as well as receiving updates on new wines, special offers and seasonal offerings.

Frequent flyer scheme for all launched by Flybe

Regular passengers travelling on Flybe flights will soon be able to sign up for a frequent flyer scheme that promises to benefit both leisure and business travellers.

The airline has opened up registration for its Rewards4all scheme that assigns points to members automatically as people book tickets and it will not matter what type of ticket is booked, points will still be earned.

Win a holiday for four with Flybe

Offer ends Thursday, July 19: Flybe is giving away a holiday for four people as it celebrates the launch of its winter flight schedule.

In order to enter the prize draw, customers need to visit www.flybe.com and enter their details in an online form. Information required includes name, address, postcode and email address. Optional details include date of birth, occupation, preferred Flybe departure airports and future email alerts.

The winner will receive a holiday for four to any direct destination from their local airport. Possible trips could include skiing in Chamonix via Geneva, or hitting the beach in Malaga. The prize includes return flights and a seven-night stay in a three-star hotel.

Eight new Flybe routes in winter schedule

Low-cost airline Flybe has announced eight new routes in its 2007/08 winter schedule, and has begun its biggest ever winter seat sale.

The winter season, which begins on October 28, will see Flybe flying from Southampton to Brussels, and offering the first ever connection from Southampton to Avignon.

Also new are links from the Isle of Man to Luton and Geneva, Cardiff to Paris Charles de Gaulle, and from both Jersey and Newquay to Geneva.

Flybe to launch Paris and Amsterdam flights from Inverness

Low-cost airline Flybe is set to launch new routes from Inverness to two of Europe's most important cultural and business centres, Paris and Amsterdam.

The carrier's chief executive, Mike Rutter, said that Inverness was set to be one of its top five expansion areas over the coming two years, with flights to the French and Dutch capitals beginning in September next year.

They will start once the new domestic services from Inverness to Manchester, Birmingham and Southampton have bedded in, he said.

Customer survey backs Flybe

A study of the travel industry and customer booking habits by The Listening Company has placed low-cost operator Flybe among the top.

The airline was recognised as the fourth most recommended carrier overall, just behind Emirates, ferry company P&O and Virgin.

More Flybe flights on Southampton to Manchester link

Flybe is to increase both the frequency and capacity of its flights between Southampton and Manchester this summer.

The low-cost operator is to increase its daily service from six to seven flights a day, as well as begin operating Embraer 195 aircraft on at least half of these services, increasing capacity by 40 per cent.

Mike Rutter, chief commercial officer at Flybe, said: "Southampton has been a key base for Flybe over the past nine years and we have always provided high frequency flights, low fares and the best possible packages for both leisure and business travellers.

Flybe: Flights to be eco-labelled

Regional airline Flybe is to provide eco-labels that will tell passengers exactly how much CO2 the planes they’re flying on emit.

In what is the world's first airline eco-labelling scheme, the carrier will attach a breakdown of the fuel consumption, carbon emissions and noise patterns of the aircraft used on a traveller's journey to bookings.

This will help passengers to choose less environmentally damaging routes, as well as encourage them to contribute to carbon offsetting schemes.

Terminal change for Flybe flights from Paris

Flybe passengers on flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport are being advised that from later this month they will be operating from Terminal 1.

The airline has said that all flights departing Paris CDG after June 12 will leave from Terminal 1, instead of the current Terminal 2B.

Flybe in-flight magazine gets revamp

A new-look in-flight magazine for low-cost airline Flybe will be available on all the carrier's flights from Friday, June 1.

Designed by Brooklands Group, "Flybe Uncovered" will debut next month and will be published bi-monthly in a new size and format.

Twin cities linked by Flybe route

The start of flights yesterday between the twin cities of Exeter and Rennes by Flybe was marked with a special double celebration.

A welcome reception was staged at both airports as representatives of both city's twinning committee took a seat on the inaugural flights from each country.

Guests from each committee and regular passengers were welcomed with tea and cakes after the aircraft touched down, marking a new connection between Exeter and Rennes who have been twinned for more than 50 years.

New aircraft to be added to Flybe fleet

Flybe is set to buy 15 new aircraft over the next two years, with the option to purchase a similar number at a later date, in a deal with Bombardier Aerospace worth $788 million (£395m).

The airline will purchase Bombadier's Q400, a 78-seat aircraft, and says it will be used to replace a number of the Embraer 145s that came into its service as part of the takeover of BA Connect.

The Q400 is recognised as one of the world's quietest aircraft and would help improve fuel efficiency by 30 per cent, as well as reduce by around half the amount of carbon emissions produced in comparison to the older Embraer.

Belfast to Paris flights from Flybe

Flybe has launched twice daily flights from Belfast City Airport to Paris, offering passengers an alternative to easyJet's existing Belfast International Airport to Paris service.

Flights will operate via Cardiff, allowing travellers from south Wales to take advantage of the low-fares service too.

On the way out, flights leave Belfast City at 7.05am and 2.20pm and the flying time is 1 hour, 40 minutes. On the way back, flights leave the French capital at 11.45am and 7pm.

Flybe to launch eco-labelling scheme

Exeter-based airline Flybe has announced that it will launch a new environmental labelling scheme that will provide passengers with information about their flight.

Set to begin in May, the initiative will give travellers detailed environmental information about aircraft performance, as the carrier moves to help create a sustainable aviation future.

This will mean they can become "better informed about those airlines like Flybe who have invested heavily in best of class technology which delivers a lower impact on local and global environments", the airline’s spokesman said in a statement.

Flybe to increase Edinburgh to Newquay flights

Flybe is set to increase the frequency of its direct flights between Edinburgh and Newquay.

During the summer, flights will operate five times each week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. This is up from one flight a week last summer.

Flybe prepares for summer season

Regional airline Flybe has released details of 13 new routes serving destinations within the UK and in Europe.

The carrier has recommenced a number of direct routes to France and Spain, partly in response to holiday demand, and is also preparing to run operations to both Dubrovnik and Split.

Mike Rutter, chief commercial officer of the airline, said: "Our ongoing introduction of new routes from the regions proves our commitment to the UK and sees us responding directly to consumer demand, offering our customers a frequent and truly low-cost service from the regions to exciting destinations across the UK and Europe.

Flybe offers Gatwick to Inverness for £35

Budget airline Flybe is offering flights from London Gatwick to Inverness from £34.99 one-way, including taxes, as it takes over the route from BA Connect.

The tickets, which offer passengers savings of up to £19 compared to BA Connect prices, are available for booking now online.

To celebrate the launch of its first flights on the route, Flybe renamed a Q400 aircraft "Spirit of the Highlands", in honour of the region.

Flybe launches online customer accounts

Airline Flybe is offering passengers the chance to open their own online account, allowing them to make bookings and amendments more quickly.

The secure accounts, which can be opened online at www.flybe.com, will make it easier for passengers to access their travel extras such as online check-in, pre-booked baggage and seating.

Registering for an account is easy and can be done either when booking a flight at the "confirmation" stage or via the "log-in and registration" box on the airline's home page.

Flybe launches flights from Cardiff to Paris

Flybe is to launch a new service between Cardiff International and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport from April 29.

The new route comes as part of the deal which saw the airline complete the acquisition of the former British Airways franchise BA Connect last week, establishing itself as leading operator in Europe.

Two flights a day will be offered during the week, with a single flight on Saturday and Sunday. Ticket prices on the Cardiff to Paris service will start from £34.99 one-way including taxes and charges.

Flybe to axe Bristol routes

Flybe is to cancel all its services to and from Bristol, with the exception of the Jersey route.

The move has come about as a result of the airline's takeover of British Airways subsidiary BA Connect and will come into effect on March 25.

"My team and I took a long hard look at BA Connect's loss-making operations out of Bristol and regretfully could not make a viable economic case for their retention," said Flybe's Mike Rutter.

Flybe announces 11 new routes

Low-cost airline Flybe has completed its acquisition of BA Connect and has announced 11 brand new routes.

It will take over BA Connect flights from Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Gatwick and other airports, and promises average savings of £19 per passenger.

As well as this, the airline will launch the following new routes over the coming months:

Manchester to Bergerac (from May 3, priced from £39.99 one-way, including taxes), Guernsey (from May 24, priced from £34.99), Limoges (from May 24, priced from £39.99) and La Rochelle (from May 22, priced from £39.99)

Gatwick to Bergerac, beginning May 12, with prices from £42.99

Flybe increases flights to Scotland

Low-cost airline Flybe has announced a major increase in the number of flights offered from Birmingham to Scotland.

From March 25, the Exeter-based airline will operate nine daily return flights from Birmingham to Edinburgh and from Birmingham to Glasgow.

Demand for travel between England's second city and Scotland has been consistently high for some time and Flybe is expecting considerable interest in its improved service.

Flybe to offer online gaming for flight browsers

Low-cost airline Flybe has announced it will add a feature to its website so that people looking for flights can play online games.

Partnering with charitable gaming operator PAF, Flybe will offer games including bingo, keno, blackjack and roulette that customers can enjoy while browsing and booking flights.

The airline has also ensured that the games are user-friendly - they do not require software downloads. For each game played, a donation of 20 per cent will be given to Flybe's chosen charity, the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Matt Le Tissier takes to the skies

The name of footballing legend Matt Le Tissier will soon be taking to the sky, on the side of a Flybe jet.

The airline has named one of its aircraft The Matt Le Tissier in honour of the former Southampton star, and unveiled it before the player and guests at Guernsey Airport.

Le Tissier, who was born and brought up in Guernsey, is Flybe’s community ambassador and works alongside the airline to promote grass roots football.

Flybe marks anniversary of Fair Deal on Baggage

Low-cost airline Flybe is this week marking the anniversary of the launch of its influential Fair Deal on Baggage initiative.

The policy, which came into force in February this year, introduced the rule that passengers would no longer be charged when choosing not to check in any baggage.

Flybe also doubled the weight allowance that can be carried as hand baggage and removed excess baggage charges for 99 per cent of the travelling public.

Cardiff to Belfast is Flybe's latest new route

Low-cost airline Flybe will begin a new service between Cardiff Airport and Belfast City Airport next spring.

Beginning in May, flights will operate twice daily (once daily on weekends) and fares will begin at £19.99 one-way, including taxes and charges.

Belfast City Airport (otherwise known as George Best Belfast City) is the first Flybe destination offered from Cardiff, but more are on the horizon.

Croatia included in major Flybe expansion

Flybe's latest expansion incorporates 13 new routes to begin next summer, including new links to Croatia.

As well as Dubrovnik and Split, Flybe's summer 2007 schedule will include new flights to Hamburg, Avignon, Rennes, Brest, Nice, Limoges, Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast, Manchester, Newquay and Bergerac, with tickets going on sale today at www.flybe.com. The following fares are for one-way tickets, including taxes and charges.

Flights from Birmingham to Dubrovnik (three times weekly) and Split (weekly) in Croatia will begin on May 1 and May 5, respectively, with fares beginning at £39.99. Also new from the Midlands airport are flights to Hamburg (daily, beginning March 25) from £29.99.

New Flybe shuttle flights from Birmingham to Scotland

Flybe has announced a new frequent service between Birmingham and Edinburgh and Birmingham and Glasgow.

The new shuttle service will feature up to ten flights per day between Birmingham and Scotland and will begin after the low-cost airline completes its acquisition of BA Connect – probably in March 2007.

Earlier this month it was announced that Flybe would acquire BA Connect after parent company British Airways revealed a record loss.

Security staff at Jersey Airport set to strike

Strike action planned for tomorrow by security staff at Jersey Airport may have a severe impact on morning flights to the island.

Workers at the airport are unhappy with a pay deal they have been offered and are planning to stop work from 5am until 9am, a move that will affect flights to and from Jersey as well as postal and newspaper services.

Jersey Airport has set up an emergency telephone number for island residents (492054) and are asking passengers to check-in as normal, unless advised to the contrary by their airline.

Flybe wins disability award

Low-cost airline Flybe has been handed the Gold Award for Disability Equality Achievement (transport sector) by the Southampton Centre for Independent Living.

The centre rewarded the Exeter-based carrier for successfully promoting disability equality across its network of routes and putting into place systems that make air travel as convenient as possible for all.

Measures introduced include giving clear advice on the Flybe website and in the airport; giving free assistance to and from aircraft; introducing the accessible Embraer 195 aircraft; giving relevant training to staff "as a matter of course"; assisting partially sighted travellers; and giving special allowances to those travelling with wheelchairs.

Belfast City Airport curfew could halt Flybe flight plan

Flybe's planned European flights from Belfast City Airport may not go ahead if the airport does not extend its operating hours.

The Exeter-based airline revealed this month that it wanted to begin flying between George Best Belfast City Airport and Paris, Dusseldorf and Frankfurt.

However, projected late arrival times at Belfast mean that the airline needs the airport to open for longer in the evenings.

Flybe to acquire BA Connect and introduce eco-friendly aircraft

Fast-growing low-cost airline Flybe is to acquire BA Connect's regional business and will replace the BA Connect fleet with environmentally friendly planes.

The news comes as British Airways announced a loss of £100 million resulting from the security alert in August. This figure was far higher than the £40 million originally predicted.

Willie Walsh, BA's chief executive, said the sale would improve short-haul profitability, adding: "Point-to-point regional operations are not a strategic part of our business and we believe that such activities are better undertaken by a regional low-cost airline."

Flybe targets hourly flights to Glasgow from Birmingham

Flybe is in talks with Birmingham International Airport to increase the frequency of flights to Glasgow, to as many as one every hour by early next year.

The low-cost operator is marking 20 years at Birmingham and is looking to expand on its current six flights a day with plans to operate an hourly service to Scotland by March.

The airline is also set to announce a celebration fare for flights between Birmingham and Glasgow, with tickets starting from £13.99.

Flybe flies away with award

Flybe.com

No-frills carrier Flybe was the winner of the Best Low Fares Airline category at the Northern Ireland Travel News awards last Friday.

Angela Rippon presented the award to the Exeter-based airline at a ceremony in Belfast. It was the second year running that Flybe had won the award.

"Having won the award last year – which in itself was a great tribute – winning it again for the second consecutive year was a fantastic achievement given the evident strength of the competition here in Northern Ireland," said Flybe's head of sales, Stephen Hobday.

Free flights for football fans at Flybe

Low-cost airline Flybe is giving football fans the chance to win two return flights and meet their sporting heroes.

The airline is sponsoring three teams in the Coca Cola Championship – Southampton, Norwich and Birmingham – and is organising a mini "Flybe league" between them.

Fans correctly predicting the scores from three matches between the teams will be entered into a prize draw, with the winner being awarded tickets to a match of their choice, a chance to meet their team's players and free Flybe flights.

Flybe Channel Islands route comes closer

A new Flybe link between the Channel Islands and Paris is a step closer to take off.

The future of the proposed triangular route between Jersey, Guernsey and Charles de Gaulle Airport in the French capital had been in doubt after Flybe revealed that the Jersey authorities were reluctant to commit to funding.

However, the island has now agreed to offer marketing assistance, a subsidy based on the number of passengers arriving in Jersey and a reduction in landing charges at the airport, The Guernsey Press and Star reports.

Flybe plans to charge for check-in

Flybe has announced that it will begin charging passengers for using traditional check-in desks within two years.

The low-cost airline wants to encourage the use of online check-in and self-service kiosks by introducing a £1.50 charge for those wanting to check in the regular way.

Flybe introduced its online check-in "Q-Buster" service in March. The facility is available at airports across the UK and was recently extended to include those making bookings via travel agents. Self-service check-in kiosks are in place for the airline's passengers at Manchester Airport.

Extra Flybe flights for Saints fans

Low-cost airline Flybe is to operate extra flights to fly Southampton fans to Sunderland and Hull for Coca Cola Championship football matches.

On November 11, the Saints will play Sunderland and Flybe will operate a flight from Southampton at 10am, with the return leg departing at 8pm. Prices begin at £49.99 each way, including taxes and charges.

On December 2, the team will play Hull and an extra flight for fans has been scheduled for 10am, again returning at 8pm. Prices for this flight also begin at £49.99 and the flying time for both is around 80 minutes each way.

Flybe unveils Southampton to Nice route

Low-cost airline Flybe is to begin another new route from its hub at Southampton, this time to Nice on the French Riviera.

The new link will begin operating from March next year and will continue the Exeter-based airline's rapid growth plan, TravelMole reports.

"The announcement of a new base in Nice is one of our most important to date, demonstrating our aggressive policy in the UK and across Europe," said Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer.

Flybe to fly from Southampton to Galway

Low-cost airline Flybe is launching a new route between Southampton and the west of Ireland.

The four-times weekly service to Galway will begin on December 16, operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets will cost from £29.99 one-way, including taxes and charges.

Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer of Flybe, said that the new route was a response to customer demand. When the route begins, Flybe will fly to a total of 33 destinations from Southampton, including Palma, Malaga, Faro and Bordeaux.

Flybe adds Inverness to Belfast link

Flybe has announced the launch of a new service between Inverness and Belfast City Airport, soon after easyJet said it would drop its own flights on the route.

From December 16 travellers will have the option of four flights a week, operating throughout the winter season, with one-way tickets starting from £24.99 inclusive of fees.

This new route comes after easyJet announced that from October it would end its service between Inverness and Belfast, with Flybe claiming they have come to the rescue.

Flybe steps up Southampton to Amsterdam flights

No-frills airline Flybe is increasing the frequency of its flights between Southampton and Amsterdam to three per day.

As reported previously on Cheapflights (see Flybe launches Southampton to Amsterdam route), the Exeter-based airline launched a twice-daily service to the Dutch capital that began yesterday (September 11).

The inaugural flight was filled to capacity and the airline has enjoyed high demand for the route, prompting it to increase its flights from the Hampshire port to three times per day on weekdays and twice daily at weekends, beginning in October.

Tickets for the route cost from £24.99 one-way, including taxes and charges.

Flybe expands online check-in service

Low-cost airline Flybe is extending its online check-in service to cover passengers who make their booking via the Flybe call centre, travel agents and b2b websites.

Back in April the carrier launched its "Q-Buster" facility, which allows passengers to print out boarding cards at home and process hand luggage as well as hold baggage. However, the facility excluded those booking their tickets through travel companies.

Now the service is available to passengers who buy tickets at all booking portals. It is a key service development for the airline.

Flybe to switch to eco-friendly aircraft

© Embraer

Low-cost airline Flybe has made a £500 million investment in environmentally friendly Embraer 195 aircraft.

The new planes will deliver what Flybe calls a "five-star" standard of environmental performance and will offer "unparalleled passenger comfort".

The Embraer 195s use more than 20 per cent less fuel than the BAe 146 aircraft that they are replacing in the Flybe fleet. This will lead to significantly fewer emissions of greenhouse gases.