Airlines in Europe and elsewhere are trying to adapt to the new reality. It is not an easy task as it won’t be easy to return to the pre-coronavirus period. Moreover, the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the industry, and countries in Europe are trying to cope with the second wave of coronavirus pandemic. Furthermore, several months famous regional airline Flybe filed for administration and ceased all operations.
The airline based in Exeter, England was struggling to cope with problems even before the coronavirus pandemic. However, the coronavirus pandemic created additional pressure on the Exeter-based regional airline.
Hopefully, the airline could restart its operations next year, after a former shareholder stepped in to buy its remaining assets. According to the new owner Thyme Opco, the airline plans to start off smaller than before, it is not surprising that Thyme Opco plans to choose another approach. As a reminder, before its collapse in March of this year, the company carried eight million passengers a year and ran 40% of regional U.K. flights.
It is worth noting that, there are questions over whether the airline still has a valid operating license. Moreover, the regulators should approve this deal before the airline will be able to serve passengers.
People should keep in mind that, Flybe was a central carrier for many of the U.K.’s smaller airports. The airline used to operate 80% or more flights from Southampton, Exeter, and Belfast City Airports. Importantly, when it collapsed, it employed about 2,200 people many of them in the Exeter area. Other carriers replaced some routes operated by Flybe. However, many flights simply disappeared, creating concern for those in the areas affected by the situation.
Flybe and plans for the future
Interestingly, after the famous airline went into administration in March, Flybe owned no aircraft. Thus, its new owners principally agreed to purchase the airline’s brand and web address.
However, the big question is whether the airline’s operating license is still valid. It is worth noting that, the license contains access to slots at major airports such as Heathrow and Manchester. The slots before the pandemic were worth their weight in gold. Moreover, control of some slots did temporarily at least, pass to other airlines.
As a reminder, regulators at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) initially revoked the airline’s license when the company went into administration.
Flybe was the largest regional air carrier in the European Union, this fact underlines the importance of this company. The airline will create airline industry jobs and will help to boost the country’s economy.
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