Flybe (1979-2020)

Established in 1979 as Jersey European Airways, Flybe was a regional carrier headquartered in Devon. The carrier operated services within the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Channel Islands and Europe via its hub at Exeter International Airport. Flybe also operated from secondary hubs in Manchester, Belfast and Birmingham. The carrier was part of the Flybe Group PLC, which was acquired by Connect Airways on 11-Jan-2019. Connect Airways is a UK limited company and owned by Virgin Atlantic (30%), Stobart Aviation (30%), and DLP Holdings (40%) - a wholly owned company of Cyrus Capital. Flybe delisted from the London Stock Exchange following regulatory approval of the airlines sale to Connect Airways in Mar-2019 with plans of rebranding as Virgin Connect.

The carrier ceased service operations on 04-Mar-2020 and entered administration on 05-Mar-2020.

The sale of Flybe Limited, now FBE Realisations 2021 Limited (in administration) was completed on 13-Apr-2021 to a new company affiliated with investment adviser Cyrus Capital. The new company previously known as Thyme Opco Limited, will now be renamed “Flybe Limited”. A new airline is planned to relaunch in summer 2021.

In Nov-2021, Flybe Ltd announced Birmingham Airport will be its new company headquarters and first new crew base. Flybe will serve key regions across the UK and EU with operations scheduled to begin in early 2022.

On 13-Apr-2022, Flybe launched Birmingham-Belfast City service with Dash 8-400 equipment, marking the airline's first commercial operation since it entered administration in Mar-2020.