Ideal Business Consultants

Flybe

Regional airline Flybe today said it will continue its expansion into continental Europe after becoming one of only three major European airlines to report profits throughout the recession.

The privately-owned carrier, which recently signed a codesharing agreement with Air France, said it is looking at potential acquisitions of regional airlines in Europe after weathering the economic storm.

But the airline said it would maintain its regional ethos, with flight times continuing to average less than an hour, on board planes with just 85 seats.

Flybe, which operates daily links between Liverpool John Lennon airport and the Isle of Man, is also going to start to operate up to four flights each weekday and three on Saturdays and Sundays to George Best Belfast City from October 31.

The Exeter-based carrier, which is also in flight share discussions with Scandinavian airline Finnair, said it had put in an order to purchase up to 140 new aircraft, which would replace some of its current 68-strong fleet.

Flybe posted pre-tax profits before exceptionals of £6.8 million in the year to March 31, down from £12.8 million the previous financial year, after a marginal decline in turnover to £570.5 million from £572.4 million.

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