On 28th January 2023, Flybe entered administration and cancelled all flights for the second time in recent history. This is a blow to the UK aviation sector. I take a look at the rise and fall of this airline.
Flybe initially launched on November 1st 1979 after the merger between Intra Airways and Express Air Services. In 1993 and 1994, the airline earned the title of 'Best UK Regional Airline'. In 1997 it offered international destinations to Paris through a deal with Air France. In 2010, Flybe ordered 35 ERJ 175s from Embrarer worth $1.3 billion. However, these Embraer jets were expensive and Flybe only received 11 of these before cancelling their remaining orders. The airline collapsed in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 crisis- the ultimate cause of the airline's failure.
After its initial collapse, the airline was bought by Thyme Opco and renamed 'Flybe Limited'. In April 2022 it relaunched its flights. The airline resumed operations with plans to operate 530 flights per week across 23 routes. The airline operated flights in 21 routes from Belfast City, Birmingham and London Heathrow to destinations in the UK as well as Amsterdam and Geneva. On 28th January 2023, Flybe announced they were entering administration and released a statement saying:
'On 28 January 2023, the High Court appointed David Pike and Mike Pink as Joint Administrators of Flybe Limited (“Flybe”). All flights from and to the UK operated by Flybe have been cancelled and will not be rescheduled.'
To view the full statement, visit the Flybe website.
However, at the time of writing it has been reported that Flybe ownership has applied for a temporary operating certificate sparking the possibility of a third Flybe.
What do you think of Flybe's collapse? Do you think we could see a third Flybe? Let me know by leaving a comment below.
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