Flybe - Largest Regional Low-Cost Airline

Facts About Europe's Biggest Regional Budget Airline

May 17, 2009

Along with Ryanair, EasyJet, and BMIBaby, Flybe has become one of the largest and best known cheap airlines in Europe. Here are some details about the company.

The so-called budget airlines have revolutionized air travel in recent years. Their cheap flights have made it possible for everyone to travel, in Europe and further afield. One of the most successful of these budget airlines is Flybe.

Flybe Facts and Figures

Flybe is the largest regional airline in Europe. It operates out of 36 UK airports, and flies to 30 European airports, with 190 routes in 13 countries. It has 77 aircraft, and carried 7.5 million passengers in 2008.

Following Flybe’s successful acquisition and integration of BA Connect in March 2007, the company’s route network is 70% domestic UK, 20% European business, and 10% European leisure destinations.

Where Does Flybe Fly From?

Flybe has major bases at Birmingham, Southampton, Belfast City, Manchester, Jersey. Guernsey, Inverness, and Glasgow. The airline operates out of more UK airports than any other airline. Almost everyone in the UK now lives fairly close to an airport from which Flybe operates.

What Aircraft Does Flybe Use?

Following a $3 billion investment programme and the phasing out of older aircraft, by summer 2009 Flybe will operate a fleet comprised exclusively of Embraer 195 and Bombardier Q400 aircraft. The company claims that this will be one of the youngest and most environmentally sensitive aircraft fleets in the world.

Flybe Destinations

Flybe has 55 destinations in 12 European countries. These include Malaga, Alicante, and Faro, for those looking for a holiday with some sun. For passengers wanting a city break, the airline flies to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Milan, Brussels, and Edinburgh. Flybe also goes to a wide range of airports in France, and a large number of ski holiday destinations.

Flybe’s Frequent Flyer Programme

Rewards4all is Flyebe’s frequent flyer programme, and is the first low cost airline customer loyalty scheme open to everyone. Passengers need to open a customer account with Flybe, then they simply collect points as they fly. When they have enough points, passengers can use them to book future flights of instead choose a year’s exclusive executive lounge access if they prefer.

Flybe and the Environment

Flybe claims to be at the forefront of the efforts by the airlines to reduce the environmental impact of air travel, and promote sustainable growth in the aviation industry. The airline believes that it has a responsibility to reduce the carbon emissions produced by its aircraft, and takes its responsibilities to communities very seriously.

Travellers looking for a budget airline for a cheap flight would do well to consider giving Flybe a try, next time they are looking for a sunshine holiday or a city break.

The copyright of the article Flybe - Largest Regional Low-Cost Airline in Commercial Aviation is owned by Helen Krasner. Permission to republish Flybe - Largest Regional Low-Cost Airline in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.