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AIRPORT PICKUPS LONDON

London City Airport To Host Flybe
24 - Apr - 2014

London City Airport To Host Flybe

 

Flybe airline has just signed a five year operations deal with London City airport. During the official announcement, the airline’s CEO was delighted terming the move as a landmark for Flybe. He added that the move was significant as a symbol of Flybe’s rebirth. Flybe which is an Exeter based airline has been looking to revive its business after the losses it made when it was forced to reduce its operations. The effects were so massive that in November last year the airline had announced plans to close down some of its branches. It further had to sell flight slots at London Gatwick to Easyjet airlines for £20 Million.

Mr. Saad Hammad further said that the airline was glad to set base in London at such a convenient airport. London City is well placed at the heart of the city making it strategic for business passengers. The CEO announced that flybe’s operations at London Gatwick will begin in October 2014 and that routes are estimated to carry 500,000 passengers every year. The airline will first operate six routes to Manchester, Jersey, Belfast city, Birmingham and Amsterdam.

Flybe currently operates 171 routes in different countries of the world. Over the past couple of years, it has experienced growth in its operations. Pre tax reports of six months from March to September 2013 showed £13.8m Profits from a £1. 6Millon losses it experienced from the past year. The airport managed to raise £150 Million earlier this year which is for the airline’s operations expansion. The airline expects that its operations will appeal to people travelling for business purposes to and from Canary Wharf and London City. Aviation analysts have termed the move by Flybe as bold as it will be competing with the likes of British airways which is no easy feat.