FLYBE

The book covers the history of Flybe, from its inception in 1979 as a small regional airline – Jersey European Airways – which operated a small number of regional routes from Jersey, to its establishment as Europe’s leading regional airline in the 2010s. It begins with the background to the merger which formed Jersey European Airways, followed by changes of ownership and fleet enhancement, including the introduction of jet airliners, in response to an increasing route network and passenger numbers. The focus will then shift to growth and expansion during the early decades of the 21st century, renaming and rebranding, further fleet developments, financial challenges and the development of the airline’s regional network through various partnerships and franchise agreements with other operators, including Loganair, Finnair, Stobart and Blue Islands. The financial problems encountered by the airline, which led to the take-over by the Connect Airways Consortium in 2019 and ultimately administration and the end of operations will also be covered. The final chapter will consider the relaunch of Flybe in 2022. The book will be illustrated with over 140 images and will include a full listing of the airline’s fleet through time.