UK-based airline Flybe changed its day-to-day operating structure to support its ongoing growth and European expansion. The airline will be split into three new divisions – Flybe UK, Flybe Europe and Flybe Aviation Support.
"Flybe has identified a range of exciting opportunities for growth across a number of markets in Europe, organically, by joint venture and by acquisition. At the same time, we are continuing to grow market share in our UK market and aviation support business,” says Jim French, chairman and chief executive officer of Flybe.
"In light of this, the group has recognised that it requires an operational structure which will provide the requisite focus and strength to make the most of these growth opportunities. The introduction of the divisional structure will enable us to do that, and is a significant development for the group."
Former chief operating officer of Flybe Andrew Strong becomes the managing director of Flybe UK, which incorporates the UK domestic and UK-Europe airline business.
Flybe’s former chief commercial officer Mike Rutter is promoted to managing director of Flybe Europe, which oversees the company’s European airline businesses.
Director of airline operations, John Palmer, becomes managing director of the new Flybe Aviation Support division that is responsible for maintenance, repair and overhaul, as well as the Flybe training academy.
Mark Chown, Flybe’s deputy chairman and a trustee of the Walker Trust – one of the group’s major shareholders – will become director of corporate strategy. He will be responsible primarily for mergers and acquisitions.
Chown will stand down as a Walker Trustee and he will be replaced as deputy chairman by Charlie Scott, who has been Flybe’s senior independent director since 2006.
Mark Chown, Andrew Strong and Mike Rutter will remain members of both the group and operating boards, while John Palmer will join the operating board.