Flybe launches new 'Flybe Cruise' brand

Flybe, one of Europe’s leading low-cost airlines, today announced an exclusive deal with Voyana Ltd, one of the top providers of cruises in the UK and Europe, to launch a new brand ‘Flybe Cruise’, with the objective of becoming one of the largest suppliers of UK to UK cruisers to the British and, in time, European public. The Flybecruise.com website is also launched today.

Flybe is the first UK airline to offer this type of holiday platform to its customers enabling travellers flying into Southampton from any of Flybe’s 33 bases to depart direct for cruises to great locations including Western Europe, Canary Islands, The Caribbean, Baltic and Norwegian Fjords, and of course Transatlantic enjoying cruises on the QE2, Oriana and the Navigator of the seas to name but a few with companies such as P&O, Cunard and Royal Caribbean international. The innovative partnership is designed to drive sales for the airline whilst offering customers easy access to more holiday choice and flexibility. It will expand Flybe’s offering of accessible products and good value for money.

Cruising is the fastest growing sector within the travel industry, with 1.25million passengers travelling in 2005, and Southampton is the largest cruise port. The Voyana deal is a natural next step with the airline’s strong affiliation with the region, where Flybe is the largest scheduled airline. The airline hopes the deal will further consolidate its commitment to the region, by driving tourism and providing easier access for customers across the UK seeking to cruise to some of the world’s most glamorous destinations.

The new facility sits well with Flybe’s other partnerships, which include Hotels and Car Hire and is an example of how it is constantly looking for ways to innovate, develop and expand its customer offering.

Simon Lilley, Director of Marketing, Flybe, commented: “At Flybe we continue to innovate. The cruise market is discreet and therefore with our dominance into Southampton tapping into this growing customer base will provide an added dimension.

“This is not a move back to package holidays, this is synergy of two dominant travel industries in one region. 40% of cruise passengers out of Southampton live in a Flybe catchment area across the UK and therefore Flybe offer the ideal vehicle to commence their journey.”

Mark Van Straten, Managing Director, Voyana Ltd, said: “This partnership is one of the most significant developments for the cruise industry in recent years. It is a fantastic opportunity to partner with a major airline to find a new and relatively untapped cruise market through significant online distribution. This is the first time we’ve sold cruises online through a travel partner. We anticipate this introducing us to a more widespread and mainstream audience which is critical as our business evolves.”