Flybe

[rmac]

Karfa...… I wasn't saying it was successful or not financially... only the fact that they stuck with it for 10 years. The passenger numbers were reasonable, despite it not being a 'business' route, ie timings. Also when Jet2 came off the route Flybe seemed quick enough to take it over.
Tarn Spotter: Interesting comments re: the German market. I would have thought the German market was one of the best given the size of the German economy but not so.

 

[lbaspotter]

If rumours are true we should be hearing something regards Flybe's possible re-brand into "Virgin Connect" tomorrow as well as an order for new Airbus A220 aircraft in the pipeline..

I wonder if they will keep Eastern Airways & Blue Islands Franchise's or let them lose of there agreements

 

[White Heather]

If rumours are true we should be hearing something regards Flybe's possible re-brand into "Virgin Connect" tomorrow as well as an order for new Airbus A220 aircraft in the pipeline..

I wonder if they will keep Eastern Airways & Blue Islands Franchise's or let them lose of there agreements

The rumours weren't true! I am reliably informed that the press conference to unveil Flybe's new identity is on 15th October, so no doubt that will include the new livery and any news about new aircraft ordered. I know the A220 is more efficient to fly than the Embraers, but it would seem odd that having just dumped a lot of their jet fleet and reduced the overall fleet size, they then immediately place orders for more jets of a similar size to those they have got rid of? I would have expected they would go through a period of consolidating on what they have left and get some stability before ordering more jet aircraft, but there again, who has ever been able to figure out what Flybe do??

 

[lbaspotter]

I suppose its a good job it was only a rumour then!

Still don't think they will do anything from LBA, as its looking odds on MAN is going to be the place be for airline!

 

[White Heather]

I expect they will just continue with Belfast City and Newquay, with Southampton on the Eastern aircraft. I can't see them doing anything more from here despite the obvious potential, certainly until such time as the airline is in a better place. Consolidation will once again be the name of the game.

 

[ChrisBBB]

Does anybody know why last nights Belfast to LBA was cancelled? Passengers offered Doncaster, Manchester or next day to LBA.
Colleague paid (through work) circa £100 but already offered £260 (250 Euro) compensation.
40 booked on, say at £260 compensation each, it can’t have been a financial (consolidation of flights) exercise?

 

[Sherburnflyer92]

This is where, the law EU261 (which is correct law to protect us all), is daft. It should be a proportion of the price you paid.

 

[Len Fish]

This is where, the law EU261 (which is correct law to protect us all), is daft. It should be a proportion of the price you paid.

Probably a flat rate to make administration easier and also to reflect that inconvenience is inconvenience whatever price you paid for your flight.

 

[lbaspotter]

Just been confirmed on twitter that Flybe will become part of the Virgin Family in 2020 and will be re-branded to become "Virgin Connect".

See: https://www.virginconnect.co.uk/ for further details

https://twitter.com/x/status/1184092687525384192

 

[Bigman]

So Virgin ‘Connect’ would seem to hint at connections…which surely would hint at an emphasis on connections to Virgin Atlantic flights…which would hint at them only being interested in LHR and good old Manny. So, there seems to be potential for any UK regional airport that does not have connections to both/either to be right royally screwed with other regional routes being canned in order to save brass and probably reduce the fleet size substantially. LBA, DSA, CWL, EXE, SOU etc already seem to be coming out of this badly, and I wonder if BHD and BHX might also see big cuts as a result. Time will tell!

 

[Jerry]

So Virgin ‘Connect’ would seem to hint at connections…

Or connecting the regions. I think we'll have to wait and see what happens.

 

[AirBingley]

A huge slug of what is now Flybe was called BA Connect to 2007!

 

[Bigman]

Being hinted at on the other site that there is likely to be a leaner fleet with an emphasis on connections to Virgin long-haul out of Manny.

 

[Jerry]

Being hinted at on the other site that there is likely to be a leaner fleet with an emphasis on connections to Virgin long-haul out of Manny.

Yet the Virgin Connect press release said about continuing regional connectivity and what Flybe was doing before and strive to continue to be Europe's no1 regional airline.
The reality is that everyone is just guessing including myself!
Summer 2020 will be out in a few weeks so that should give us an indication of where they are going.

 

[Bigman]

Thought of the day. Virgin Connect could run shuttle flights from DSA, HUY, LBA, DTV and NCL to Manchester to connect into long-haul flights. These short hop flights would be a damn sight quicker than the M62/M60 car parks or Trans-Pennine sardine tin trains (when not cancelled), and you would also be straight into the air-side environment at Manny. Plus, it would boost passenger numbers Seemples!!

 

[LBA4EVER]

Thought of the day. Virgin Connect could run shuttle flights from DSA, HUY, LBA, DTV and NCL to Manchester to connect into long-haul flights. These short hop flights would be a damn sight quicker than the M62/M60 car parks or Trans-Pennine sardine tin trains (when not cancelled), and you would also be straight into the air-side environment at Manny. Plus, it would boost passenger numbers Seemples!!

what you mean after the 45min-1hr que through LBA security of which you would be half way to mancs anyway lol

 

[White Heather]

what you mean after the 45min-1hr que through LBA security of which you would be half way to mancs anyway lol

Yes, but if you are booked straight through to your end destination with Virgin Atlantic (so effectively interlining) you wouldn't have to go through MAN security when you get there, which is even worse.

 

[752]

Anybody know why LBA NQY isnt showing on the flybe drop down at all? doesnt appear bookable

 

[mullion]

Perhaps it isn`t bookable next year

 

[Heathrowflyer]

Or Virgin Connect to LGW?