Previously known as the largest regional airline in Europe, Flybe moves closer to its reentry into operations with the now finalized purchase from new owners Thyme Opco.
Having operated at 81 airports for domestic UK routes outside London, the Exeter- based had a strong presence at UK airport bases such as Southampton, Aberdeen, Belfast City, and Manchester before the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The carrier entered administration in March 2020 resulting in the loss of 2.400 jobs and the collapse of its route network.
However, Flybe sold its business and certain assets to Thyme Opco on November 4, 2020, and with the finalization of its new owner on April 14, 2021, Flybe has set its sights to return to operation in the summer season of 2021.
Flybe’s new owners Thyme Ocpo – linked with Cyrus Capital – will now be renamed Flybe Limited.
“We are extremely excited to announce the conclusion of almost six months of dedicated hard work by the great team at Flybe, the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the European Commission, and the many others who made this announcement possible,” said a Flybe Limited spokesperson. “Subject to further success with vaccinations and relaxation of travel restrictions, we plan to launch a new and much-improved Flybe sometime this summer on many of our former routes where there remains a critical need for a strong, reliable, and customer-focused airline.”
The carrier’s return to operation hopes to reestablish regional connectivity across the UK and EU and tap into the local communities previously served by the airline through a slimmer fleet. Despite the uncertainties of the pandemic, Flybe aims to create jobs and contribute to regional connectivity.
“While our company will initially be smaller than before, we intend to grow, create valuable jobs, and make significant contributions to essential regional connectivity in the UK and EU,” said Flybe Limited spokesperson.