Flybe returns to the skies with an HQ in Birmingham and eco pledge

An estimated 200 new jobs will be created in the Birmingham and West Midlands region over the next three years - with 400 to follow nationwide
A Flybe plane at George Best Belfast City Airport.A Flybe plane at George Best Belfast City Airport.
A Flybe plane at George Best Belfast City Airport.

UK airline Flybe, which folded in 2020, will start operating again next year with flights from Birmingham Airport.

The company, which was previously the UK’s biggest regional airline, shut down overnight during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic on 5 March 2020.

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The airline, renamed Flybe Ltd, will return next year with its headquarters at Birmingham Airport in a move which is expected to create 200 new jobs in the Birmingham and West Midlands region over the next three years - with an estimated additional 400 direct jobs to be created nationwide, according to Birmingham Airport.

Flybe CEO Dave Pflieger said that a key area of focus from day one will be environmental sustainability.

Flybe, which was bought out by Thyme Opco following its collapse, will serve regions across the UK and EU with operations scheduled to begin in early 2022, although specific routes are yet to be confirmed.

The airline was previously based in Exeter with a presence at many other airports across the UK, and Birmingham Airport’s Diamond House will now be the location of the company’s HQ and operations centre.

What’s been said about Flybe’s Birmingham base?

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Flybe CEO Dave Pflieger, said the airport was chosen due to its central location and the fact that it is a global travel hub.

He said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Birmingham Airport (BHX), the city of Birmingham, and the Mayor of West Midlands to make BHX the location of our new headquarters and first crew base.

“It was an ideal choice for us due to its great people and highly skilled workforce, its central UK location, and the fact that Birmingham Airport is a global travel hub where local and connecting customers have access to over 150 worldwide destinations.

Director of flight operations at Flybe Mark Firth, Birmingham Airport chief executive Nick Barton, David Pflieger of Flybe, West Midlands mayor Andy Street and and Flybe head of air crew Cindy LewisDirector of flight operations at Flybe Mark Firth, Birmingham Airport chief executive Nick Barton, David Pflieger of Flybe, West Midlands mayor Andy Street and and Flybe head of air crew Cindy Lewis
Director of flight operations at Flybe Mark Firth, Birmingham Airport chief executive Nick Barton, David Pflieger of Flybe, West Midlands mayor Andy Street and and Flybe head of air crew Cindy Lewis

Andy Street, Mayor of West Midlands, said: “It really is such brilliant news that Flybe is coming back as a commercial airline, and even better that it has chosen Birmingham to house its new headquarters.

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“Not only does this mean better domestic and international connectivity for our region as well as local jobs and opportunities being created here, but it’s yet another show of faith in the West Midlands with businesses choosing to commit to our region as we recover from the pandemic.

“Flybe’s choice highlights the strength of the aerospace sector in the West Midlands and the talent pool available, and I wish Dave and his team all the very best ahead of their official launch early next year.”

Nick Barton, Chief Executive, Birmingham Airport, added: “Flybe’s announcement that Birmingham has been chosen to become the headquarters for its launch next spring is fantastic news for our region’s connectivity needs, and it will bring with it some great new employment opportunities.

“Dave’s vast experience in managing start-up airlines and turnaround situations, coupled with the recovery of the Midlands’ economy post-Covid, means that Flybe’s return to the skies from Birmingham is a shot in the arm for our airport as well as West Midlands businesses and communities. We look forward to working with Dave and his team in preparation for next spring and to launch such a well-known brand here in Birmingham.”

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Pflieger added that “I also want to emphasise that a key area of focus from day one for Flybe will be environmental sustainability and ensuring we do everything possible to reduce our carbon footprint and GHGs.

“Our entire fleet will be comprised of the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400, which is a fast turboprop powered aircraft that can complete short journeys almost as quickly as a regional jet, but with lower CO2 emissions. In addition, we will also be partnering with local community charities and partners who are focused on the environment as well as other causes which align with our corporate goals and values.

Where has Flybe been?

Flybe had been struggling for several months prior due to the pandemic, and Covid’s impact on air travel was partly to blame for its collapse.

The airline also largely operated regionally, meaning a fall in demand domestically along with the impact of the pandemic caused major issues.

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It also had to compete with train companies such as Cross Country due to its domestic routes.

Flybe folded in March after the UK government failed to grant a proposed £100 million.

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