Flybe announces base changes

Flybe has confirmed that it will cease jet operations from four airports in the UK – Exeter. Norwich, Cardiff and Doncaster – as part of its previously stated strategy to reduce its aircraft fleet and return all of its 118-seat Embraer 195 aircraft to its lessors, of which six will be returned this financial year.

The 78-seat Bombardier Q-400 will continue as the backbone of Flybe’s network.

Flybe will cease jet operations to Exeter until on October 26, 2019; the Q400 operated schedule out of Exeter, nor the existing base structure, will not be affected.

Norwich – as with Exeter, Flybe will cease jet operations with effect from the start of the 2019-20 Winter programme. This will not affect services at Norwich operated by Flybe’s franchise partner, Eastern Airways.

Flybe will cease jet operations out of Cardiff and Doncaster airports with effect from the start of the 2019-20 Winter programme. Flybe currently has a base at both airports to service its jet services. Once the jet flights cease, Flybe will close these bases, but will continue to offer flights to and from both Cardiff and Doncaster on Q400 with aircraft and crew flying from other bases.

Flybe has stressed that the current flight cancellations (see yesterday’s announcement here) being experienced are not linked to this decision and “are the result of a combination of other factors”.

Flybe CEO, Christine Ourmières-Widener said: “Our fleet reduction has always been core to improving our profitability. We are committed to assisting all our affected employees across the impacted Flybe bases. We remain fully committed to Exeter, Cardiff and Doncaster airports and will continue to offer a comprehensive choice of regional and European destinations operated by our 78-seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft”