Flybe to 'strengthen' network of flights with new Eastern Airways agreement

Flybe Group plc has announced a new partnership with with Eastern Airways (UK) Limited.

The Heads of Terms agreement includes a five-year franchise alliance in which Eastern will operate its scheduled route network under the Flybe brand.

In addition, there will also be a joint revenue and risk sharing agreement, covering four Eastern aircrafts, to fly existing Flybe branded routes from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester.

The four aircrafts will be operated under the Flybe franchise and improve connectivity for Scotland.

The aim is for contracts to be finalised and signed within the next few weeks.

Tickets, however, will go on sale immediately and flights will start operating under the new arrangements from September 2017.

Headquartered at Humberside Airport, Eastern is a regional airline which operates scheduled domestic and short haul international services and private charter services, with hubs at Aberdeen, Norwich, Teesside, Newcastle, Southampton, Leeds, Cardiff and Paris.

Christine Ourmieres-Widener, Flybe CEO, said: “This alliance with Eastern Airways is an excellent opportunity to strengthen the Flybe network.

“We already operate flights at a number of common airports and this will enable passengers to connect to a greater number of destinations, across the UK and into Europe, all booked through Flybe.com.

“Eastern will operate routes from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Manchester to offer an enhanced service to passengers based in Scotland and travelling to Scotland.

“Combined with our flights to Heathrow from Edinburgh and Aberdeen, this demonstrates our strong commitment to serving Scotland.

Richard Lake, chief executive of Eastern Airways, added: “This alliance will benefit both airlines as not only does it strengthen Flybe’s network, but broadens our distribution and enhances connection opportunities for our customers through its global airline association.

“We have specialised in fixed-wing flying in the oil and gas market for many years and our expertise will provide a greater opportunity to further develop offshore connectivity to Flybe’s network.”

Last November, Flybe announced that the franchise agreement with Loganair to fly under the Flybe brand would be discontinued from the end of August 2017. Eastern Airways will operate some of these routes, namely Aberdeen-Sumburgh, Glasgow-Sumburgh, Edinburgh-Sumburgh, Glasgow-Manchester, Aberdeen-Kirkwall, and Glasgow-Stornoway under the Flybe franchise agreement from 1 September 2017.

In addition to the above routes, the Eastern scheduled network will include routes between Aberdeen, Norwich, Teesside, Newcastle, Southampton, Leeds, Cardiff and Paris.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →