Flybe links with Finnair

Flybe Nordic is the name of a new 60/40 joint venture between Flybe, Europe's largest regional airline, and Finnair, which has purchased Finland's largest domestic carrier Finnish Commuter Airlines (FCA) in a €25m deal to expand in the Baltic market. 

Flybe last year listed on the London Stock Exchange and Finnair is 55% owned by the Government.  Flybe will take over the day-to-day operation of the airline from Monday 1 August 2011.  Underway is a network review expected to be implemented for the start of the airline winter season (30 October).

Commenting on Flybe’s vision, Jim French, Flybe Chairman and Chief Executive said: “Finnish and Nordic passengers will see something very different from what has been available to them in the past.  Flybe and Finnair have come together in a genuine partnership of equals that will bring huge benefits not just for Finnish passengers but also for the country’s economy.”

"We're going after the whole Baltic regional market and want to replicate in the Baltic regional market what we did in the UK – linking secondary and primary cities," he said.  FCA has currently around 400 staff and operates nine ATR aircraft and a pair of Embraer E170s. www.fc.fi

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