Flybe to be Renamed Virgin Connect in 2020

Flybe, one of Europe's largest regional airlines, will be renamed Virgin Connect in 2020.

The airline was sold earlier this year to Connect Airways - a holding company owned 40% by Cyrus Capital Partners, 30% by Stobart Group, and 30% by Virgin Atlantic Limited, the holding company of Virgin Atlantic Airways and Virgin Holidays.

In addition to the name change, the distinctive purple livery of Flybe's Dash8 turboprops will be repainted red.

Connect Airways has stated that existing bookings will not be affected and that customers should continue to use the flybe.com website to book flights, check-in and manage bookings.

Established in 1979, Flybe handles about 8 million passengers a year between 71 airports across the UK and Europe. It operates over 189 routes across 12 countries.

Connect Airways CEO, Mark Anderson, said, “We are hugely excited by this milestone in our airline’s 40-year history. We will remain true to our heritage and reason for being, which is offering essential regional connectivity to local communities. At its heart, Virgin Connect will be passionately focused on becoming Europe's most loved and successful regional airline. It will offer travel that is simple and convenient with the personal touch. Our customers will naturally expect the same exceptional travel experience as they do with other Virgin-related brands. Whatever their reason for flying, we want our customers to feel loved and know we will always put their needs first in every decision we take.”

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