The future of Flybe is again uncertain, amid reports the regional carrier is seeking to secure additional funds to “stave off collapse”.
This morning (January 13) Sky News is reporting that the airline was “locked in survival talks” over the weekend, with accountancy firm EY on standby should Flybe enter administration, and the UK government having also been briefed on the situation.
It’s less than a year since a consortium led by Virgin Atlantic and the Stobart group agreed to purchase the troubled carrier, promising to invest up to £100 million into the airline, and only a few months since plans were confirmed to rebrand Flybe as Virgin Connect.
According to Sky News, the carrier “has been trying to secure additional financing amid mounting losses”, with the report adding that “One source close to Flybe said on Sunday night that the Department for Transport and Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy had been working to determine whether the government could provide or facilitate any emergency financing to the company”.
Flybe operates around 75 aircraft, serving over 80 airports across the UK and Europe.
Flights continue to operate this morning, with Flybe tweeting:
“Flybe continues to provide great service and connectivity for our customers while ensuring they can continue to travel as planned. We don’t comment on rumour or speculation.”
Business Traveller has contacted the airline for further comment, and will add to this article as more information becomes available.
