Article from BTNews 21 MAY 2018
Flybe fleet decision
With CEO Christine Ourmières-Widener set to address the Aviation Club on 7 June (BTN 14 May), Flybe last week laid out its future fleet plans, with the Bombardier Q400 destined for a central role.
The airline said it had concluded after a thorough review of regional aircraft options the Q400 “is the best core aircraft for its current and future needs”. It would therefore remain as the backbone of the Flybe fleet for the foreseeable future.
A statement added: “The Q400 is faster than alternative turboprops, with a performance close to jets over the relatively short sectors Flybe operates. With excellent operating economics, it is also cheaper to operate than similar-sized jets.”
The airline added it would also continue to operate “a number” of Embraer E175 jets for longer or busier routes as it continues with its stated strategy to reduce its overall fleet and concentrate on profitable routes only.
“In the past 12 months, Flybe handed back end-of-lease Q400s,” it said. “With a further planned handback of all nine Embraer E195s, the overall fleet is on the way to reducing from 85 at its peak in May 2017 to a target of around 70 by early 2020.”
These and other topics will be on the agenda for the June Aviation Club meeting. Tickets are now available.
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