Loganair in talks to take over running former Flybe routes although it is unclear whether Highland routes are included
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Loganair has already had talks with the Scottish Government officials as it is understood to be preparing to take over a number of Flybe’s former routes.
It is unclear whether Highland routes from airports including Inverness will be included but transport secretary Michael Matheson MSP this morning confirmed his officials had been in discussions with the airline as well as a number of Scottish airports following the collapse of operator Flybe earlier this morning.
The MSP said: “It is very disappointing that flyBe has gone out of business. The carrier was an essential part of our domestic transport network, connecting cities for business and tourism around the UK, as well as providing employment at the main airports in Scotland.
“We understand flyBe had around 300 employees at its bases in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. We have this morning contacted administrators Ernst Young, based in Manchester, to offer support to affected staff through our initiative for responding to redundancy situations Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE).
“My officials have spoken with AGS Airports, Edinburgh Airport and Highlands & Islands Airports this morning to discuss how we can best help ensure connectivity is maintained and enhanced.
"We have also spoken with Loganair, who are preparing to take up a number of flyBe’s former routes to help maintain connectivity.
“The Scottish Government and its agencies will continue to work closely with Scotland’s airports to deliver our collective route development ambitions in a highly competitive global market. We have a strong track record helping airports improve connectivity and that work will continue.”
A number of train operators have also stepped in this morning to offer stranded Flybe passengers free travel today.
Flybe employs around 300 people in Scotland and the advice to passengers who were scheduled to travel with the airline is not to travel to the airport but to visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website for further advice at www.caa.co.uk/news.
The collapse of Flybe marks the final chapter of the airline's 40 year history.
All flights, including those in the Highlands, have been grounded and the UK business has ceased trading with immediate effect.
Alan Hudson, Joanne Robinson, Lucy Winterborne and Simon Edel of EY have been appointed as joint administrators.
The news comes less than two months after the troubled firm was bailed out by the government.
The impact of the coronavirus scare on travel has been described as the final nail in the coffin for the troubled firm.
Related articles: Highlands and Islands Airports Limited issues advice for passengers hit by Flybe collapse
Jobs at risk as Flybe goes into administration
