Flybe collapse: Loganair to take over 16 routes

Airline will add nearly 400 new flights

Helen Coffey
Thursday 05 March 2020 15:51 GMT
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The key moments that led to Flybe’s collapse

Scottish airline Loganair has said that it will take over 16 of Flybe’s key routes, launching nearly 400 new weekly flights from the UK.

The carrier also said it had opened a special recruitment line for former Flybe staff, with those who have found themselves suddenly unemployed prioritised when it comes to hiring for new roles.

The 16 itineraries being picked up by Loganair will run from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Newcastle airports.

It’s thought altogether they will create more than 100 new jobs at the airline, and the carrier confirmed it would be recruiting pilots, cabin crew and engineers based in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle.

The routes will be rolled out over the next four months, with the earliest launch date expected to be 16 March.

Loganair’s Chief Executive Jonathan Hinkles said: “The collapse of a long-standing airline like Flybe marks a desperately sad day, especially for the airline’s dedicated team of employees and for customers facing disruption to their journeys.

“By stepping in quickly with a comprehensive plan, Loganair is aiming to maintain essential air connectivity within the UK regions to keep customers flying, and to offer new employment to former Flybe staff members who are facing an uncertain future today.”

He added: “It’s critical to the continued success of our own airline that we refrain from over-expansion, and that our growth can be delivered within our operational and financial means.

“I am confident that the plans being announced today are robust and sustainable.”

Flybe’s overnight collapse has wrecked thousands of customers’ travel plans.

Some airlines, including British Airways, Ryanair and easyJet, have announced they are offering “rescue fares” – discounted tickets – to affected Flybe passengers on certain routes.

The Rail Delivery Group said that all impacted passengers and staff can travel for free on UK trains this week if they show a valid plane ticket or employee ID card.

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