Deal sees new route to Paris for Welsh travellers, extensive expansion of route network across the UK and Europe, increased frequency and lower fares
From today, passengers are set to benefit from lower fares, more routes and increased frequency on Flybe services as the airline announces the completion of its acquisition of BA Connect, the regional airline business of British Airways.
In addition to the launch of new routes and destinations, Flybe will take over many BA Connect routes with significant price savings of an average of £19 per passenger.
The deal will have a sizeable impact on Flybe’s operations out of Cardiff with the creation of a new route to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport from the Welsh base.
In total, the deal brings the creation of 11 new routes out of Flybe’s regional bases and sees the airline taking over 20 of the routes currently operated by BA Connect.
With 152 routes, operating from 22 UK and 34 European airports, Flybe will become Europe’s largest regional airline and will carry a higher proportion of business passengers with new routes to key commercial centres including Paris, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Milan.
This latest news confirms Flybe’s commitment to the regions with more growth, more flights and more investment.
Flybe plans to phase out all of the existing BA Connect fleet as soon as possible and fast-track completion of its £1.2bn investment programme in new Bombardier Q400 and Embraer 195 aircraft by 2009. Flybe will have a fleet of 82 aircraft, which will be one of the youngest and most environmentally sensitive fleets in the world. In line with its environment policy, Flybe will by then have reduced fuel consumption by over 50% per seat.
Says Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer, Flybe: “Today’s announcement is not only great news for air travellers in Cardiff but across the UK and Europe. Flybe’s Welsh passengers will now be able to benefit from the airline’s efficient and friendly service at a price which provides outstanding value on a wider selection of routes.
“Flybe remains firmly committed to serving Cardiff, and the acquisition now enables us to build a bigger and stronger airline which will allow us further opportunities to develop routes, encourage further business to the area and see the Cardiff hub go from strength to strength. Customers will now be able to turn to Flybe as their number one choice for domestic, European city and French regional flying.
“With minimal route overlap, integration will be seamless and passengers will soon be flying to 56 business and leisure destinations in new, more efficient and significantly more comfortable aircraft.”
New route lead in fares and booking details
Cardiff – Paris
Flights will operate from 29th April
Fares from £34.99 one way including taxes and charges