Article from BTNews 25 NOVEMBER 2019
Flybe does not launch Virgin Connect!
Confusion reigned last week after Flybe, for reasons best known to itself, launched phase one of its summer 2020 programme under its present name rather than the new one, Virgin Connect, and with no mention of routes being dropped.
These are said to include Newquay – Heathrow and services from Exeter. Flybe told local media: "We are working closely with our partners … to finalise our full 2020 summer programme relating to those services which may currently not feature in this seasonal schedule."
The first phase does include seven new routes, six from Southend Airport plus Manchester – Stuttgart, while improved timings and added frequency on key business routes are said to be features of the programme.
Flybe said the new schedule marked the beginning of its “exciting journey” which would see it next year “complete a full re-brand as part of the extended Virgin family under the new name of Virgin Connect”. It did not set a date for the change.
Plans in the pipeline also included as part of a new commercial arrangement with Stobart Air to optimise operations a significant increase in its short-haul presence in the London market with 10 routes with up to 214 flights a week to and from Southend.
(See also Connect chief on the future in this issue).
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