Connect Airways names CEO

The group that now owns Flybe last week named an executive from one of its constituent companies to be its CEO as it awaits clearance from the European Commission under the EU Merger Regulation to acquire management control of the airline.

Mark Anderson takes the helm at Connect Airways from his current role as executive vice-president – customer at Virgin Atlantic. Virgin is a joint owner of Connect with UK-based airline operator Stobart Group and funds managed by US-based Cyrus Capital Partners.

Anderson is credited with leading the successful strategy, creation and delivery of the Virgin Atlantic customer experience. He joined the airline in 2017 from Virgin Holidays, where he was senior vice-president and managing director.

Connect says once it has merger clearance, it will offer “significant benefits”, including providing a strong foundation to secure the long-term future of Flybe, building on the strong financial backing and expertise of Virgin Atlantic, Stobart and Cyrus.

The new group says it will also offer passengers more choice by linking airports around the UK to Virgin Atlantic’s extensive long-haul network through improved connectivity, particularly at Manchester and Heathrow airports.

Officials say there will be a continued focus on maintaining Stobart Air’s position as a pre-eminent franchise-flying business and, in due course, Connect will use the strength of the Virgin brand to offer an enhanced customer experience.

www.flybe.com   www.virginatlantic.com

www.stobartgroup.co.uk

www.cyruscapital.com

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