The European Commission has today approved the sale of Flybe to Connect Airways.
They've been given 'merger control clearance' from the Commission for its acquisition of Flybe, Propius Holdings Ltd and its investment in Stobart Air Unlimited Company to "secure Flybe’s long-term future and providing more choice for customers across the UK".
With Connect Airways taking over full management control of the business, Mark Anderson, CEO of Connect Airways and the leadership teams from Flybe and Stobart Air will now focus on plans to grow Flybe’s regional network, as well as expanding Stobart Air’s franchise business.
Not only that, but work is underway to develop an exciting new brand and customer proposition, which Connect say will be announced in due course.
Connect Airways is saying it will offer significant benefits for customers including:
- A foundation to secure Flybe’s long-term future, building on the strong financial backing and expertise of Virgin Atlantic, Stobart Group and Cyrus
- More choice for customers through improved connectivity between UK regional airports and Virgin Atlantic’s extensive long-haul network, particularly at London Heathrow and Manchester Airports
- An enhanced customer experience in line with the Virgin brand, which Connect Airways will use in due course
- A leading franchise-flying business, via its investment in Stobart Air’s market-leading proposition
Lucien Farrell, Chairman of Connect Airways said: “Today is an important day as Connect Airways takes full control of Flybe, bringing the team together with Stobart Air.
"Under Mark’s leadership, the company has the opportunity to create a world-class offering for customers, combining a highly successful franchise flying business with Europe’s largest regional airline. I wish Mark and the team every success.”
Warwick Brady, CEO, of the Stobart Group, added: “We are building a talented team capable of establishing a well-structured, profitable airline. From today, that team are building an exciting future based on a low-cost customer-centric regional connectivity strategy. I am excited for the future of this business.”
