Flybe soars into the lead in Sunday Times top track 250

Flybe, Europe’s largest and most successful regional airline, has been recognised as the biggest mid-market private company in Britain according to the latest Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 250 league table.

The Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 250 league table lists Britain’s biggest mid-market private companies by sales and Flybe, ranked number one, fended off household names such as Harrods, Dyson and Manchester United FC.

With global airline losses forecast to exceed $5bn* this year and with many industry players struggling in light of the current economic instability, Flybe continues to go from strength to strength, recording pre-tax earnings of £12.2 million for the first quarter of this year (April – June 2008), an increase of 14% on last year.

Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer for Flybe commented: “To be recognised as the number one mid-market private company in the country is a huge testament to the hard work and commitment of all our staff. The significant developments we have made in the last 18 months have created and maintained a thriving and profitable airline.

“In the first quarter’s trading of this year, both revenues and operating profits were significantly higher than in the same period last year for Flybe. The Top Track 250 achievement is recognition of our long-term strategy, focussed management actions and successful business model.”

*Source: IATA forceast