Regional airline group Flybe’s fleet of aircraft is to be significantly upgraded under the terms of a new tie-up with Canadian planes and trains manufacturer Bombardier.
The firms used the backdrop of Farnborough airshow yesterday to hail a new strategic services agreement that Flybe hopes will keep its UK operations in the black in the years ahead.
The partnership confirms the Bombardier Q400 as Flybe’s aircraft of choice for its regional UK services network, which includes services to and from several Scottish hubs.
The agreement also commits Bombardier to the completion of a major programme of enhancements to Flybe’s current fleet of 45 Q400s.
The company’s regular service from Dundee Airport to London Stansted is operated using a Dornier 328 aircraft.
The move comes a month after chief executive officer Saad Hammad hailed the airline’s “rebirth” after a return to profit following a turbulent period that saw it rack up consecutive annual losses over four years and shed hundreds of staff.
The agreement with Bombardier could also prove to be a line in the sand for the restructured business, with Mr Hammad hinting it could lead to an increase in UK services in future after a major drawback in recent months.
“The immediate actions we announced in November 2013 have resulted in us reducing our 2014 summer seat capacity by 16%,” said Mr Hammad.
“In the UK today, Flybe is flying the right aircraft on the right routes and, critically, in the right numbers.
“This strategic agreement with Bombardier is an important part of our commitment to profitable regional flying.
“The Q400 is specifically optimised for regional routes, and the Flybe fleet will be one of the most operationally efficient regional fleets in the world.”
He added: “Any decisions regarding incremental capacity deployment in the UK will see the Bombardier Q400 aircraft play an integral role.”
Ray Jones, senior vice-president at Bombardier Aerospace, said: “As one of the largest operators of the Q400 in the world, we are pleased that Flybe continues to show its long-term commitment to the Q400 aircraft.
“Embarking on a strategic agreement that will assist in its Q400 aircraft fleet enhancement will be integral to Flybe’s market competitiveness.”
Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce also received a boost at the airshow yesterday with confirmation that Avolon had agreed to buy 15 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft which are powered by the firm’s newly-launched Trent 7000 aero engine.