Flybe to cease Bristol Airport operations

For the last 3 months, Flybe has carefully examined the economic viability of all routes, airports and services across the UK and Europe as part of its preparation for the acquisition of BA Connect. After much consideration, Flybe has come to the difficult decision that, with the exception of the long-established Jersey route, the airline will cease to operate from Bristol Airport.

This is Flybe’s only proposed base closure. Flybe has today commenced its statutory 90 day consultation process with affected staff. The change to routes will take effect from 25 March 2007.

As a result of yesterdays completed acquisition of BA Connect, Flybe now employ 193 staff at Bristol airport. This morning (March 6th), Senior Flybe staff informed individuals and representatives of recognised Trade Unions of the consequences of the decision to close the Bristol base.

Flybe is committed to consulting and working with individuals and employee representatives, including representatives of recognised Trade Unions. The company wishes to retain as many of its 49 Pilots, 68 Cabin Crew and 15 Engineers currently based at Bristol through redeployment or relocation to nearby bases at Exeter and Birmingham. Through these offers Flybe hopes to keep job losses to a minimum.

Flybe’s chosen business model is not to operate ground handling services across its network and there is hence no operational reason for Flybe to retain in-house Ground Services function at Bristol. Where redundancies are necessary employees will be supported with enhanced redundancy terms as well being provided with professional job search assistance.

Routes affected by today’s decision to cease operations from Bristol are those to Paris, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Glasgow and Edinburgh. BA Connect announced the closure of routes from Bristol to Zurich, Milan and Munich last week. Passengers booked on these flights from 25 March onwards will be given alternative Flybe flights from other airports or recommendation with British Airways or offered a full refund if no suitable alternative is available.

Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer at Flybe commented:

“My team and I took a long hard look at BA Connect’s loss-making operations out of Bristol and regretfully could not make a viable economic case for their retention. This will be the only base closure resulting from the acquisition of BA Connect.

“We will be offering all affected staff relocation opportunities and affected customers alternative flights or full refunds. We apologise for the inconvenience but hope that customers will understand that without swift action there would be no chance of stemming BA Connects chronic losses”

“Flybe commended the management team at Bristol for a long and productive relationship, and confirmed that Flybe’s decision is no reflection on the work of the Airport team".