Flybe (1979–2020)

Flybe

Company type	Public (until 2019), then private under Connect Airways and Thyme Opco
Industry	Airline
Predecessor	Jersey European Airways
Founded	1979
Founder	John Habin
Defunct	28 January 2023 (ceased trading)
Fate	Entered administration in March 2020; relaunched in April 2022; ceased trading January 2023
Successor	None
Headquarters	Exeter , England, United Kingdom
Area served	United Kingdom and Europe (regional flights)
Key people	Jim French (former CEO), Saad Hammad (former CEO), Christine Ourmieres-Widener (former CEO)
Products	Passenger air transport services
Owner	Thyme Opco (from October 2020)
Number of employees	Not specified
Parent	Connect Airways (2019–2020)

Flybe (pronounced ), branded as flybe, was a British airline headquartered in Exeter, England. Established in 1979 under the name Jersey European Airways, it adopted the Flybe brand in 2002. At various points, it stood as Europe's largest independent regional airline, operating more than half of the domestic flights within the UK outside of London.

The origins of Jersey European Airways (JEA) trace back to the 1979 consolidation of Intra Airways and Express Air Services. In 1983, JEA was acquired by Walkersteel, which merged it with Spacegrand Aviation under the Jersey European banner by 1985. The airline experienced substantial growth throughout the 1990s, rebranding first to British European in 2000 before becoming Flybe in 2002. On 3 November 2006, Flybe expanded further by acquiring BA Connect, positioning itself as the largest regional airline in Europe. It subsequently listed on the London Stock Exchange on 10 December 2010.

In February 2019, Flybe was purchased by the Connect Airways consortium, which included backing from Virgin Atlantic and Stobart Aviation. The consortium intended to rebrand both Flybe and Stobart Air as Virgin Connect, while keeping their air operator certificates distinct. Nevertheless, financial difficulties intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic led Flybe to enter administration and halt operations on 5 March 2020.

By October 2020, Thyme Opco, associated with former investor Cyrus Capital, agreed to acquire the Flybe brand with plans to relaunch the carrier in 2021 pending regulatory clearance. In April 2021, this new company renamed itself Flybe Limited, obtained necessary operating licences and airport slots, and recommenced flights on 13 April 2022. However, this revived airline ceased trading on 28 January 2023.

Early years

Operations began on 1 November 1979 under the name Jersey European Airways, created through the merger of Bournemouth-based Express Air Services and Intra Airways from Jersey. Founded by John Habin, a resident of Jersey and principal investor, the airline initially flew war-surplus Douglas DC-3 aircraft before progressively updating its fleet.

In November 1983, Habin sold his shares to Jack Walker's Walker Steel Group, owner of Spacegrand Aviation, a charter airline. Although managed separately at first, these airlines merged under the Jersey European identity in 1985, establishing their headquarters in Exeter. That year, the combined carrier transported approximately 160,000 passengers and generated nearly £9 million in annual revenue.

Passenger numbers climbed to 460,000 by 1990, marking a 40% increase from the prior year. The following year saw the launch of Jersey European’s inaugural London route connecting Guernsey with London Gatwick. In 1993, the introduction of British Aerospace 146 regional jets coincided with the addition of business class offerings. The airline’s network grew with hubs at London and Birmingham, facilitating expansion after experiencing minor financial setbacks in preceding years.

By mid-1997, Jersey European achieved record financial performance amid a thriving European regional aviation market. The airline secured a franchise deal with Air France for routes from London Heathrow to Toulouse and Lyon. Fleet capacity increased by nearly one-third; sales grew by 27%, while profits rose by almost a third to £3.4 million. Operating a diverse fleet including British Aerospace 146s, Fokker F27s, and Short 360s—alongside leased BAe 146 aircraft—the airline prepared for further growth. Deputy CEO Jim French revealed intentions to evaluate larger aircraft types seating between 150 and 170 passengers, such as models from the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families.

2000–2010

In June 2000, the airline adopted the name British European to better represent its growing route network. On 18 July 2002, the brand was simplified to Flybe, marking a shift towards a full-service, low-fare airline model. This included measures such as offering discounted one-way fares, abolishing overbooking practices, introducing a customer service charter, and providing compensation for delays.

By June 2005, Flybe placed an order for 26 Embraer E-195 regional jets, opting for the 118-seat variant due to its cost efficiency and performance benefits compared to larger aircraft. As the launch customer, Flybe took delivery of its first E-195 in late 2006, initially deploying these jets on busy trunk routes before broadening their use across the network. The E-195 quickly became a key element of Flybe’s fleet, with additional orders placed throughout the next decade.

On 3 November 2006, Flybe declared its intention to acquire BA Connect, excluding services at London City Airport. The acquisition was finalized in March 2007, propelling Flybe to become Europe’s largest regional airline. Ownership was divided among Rosedale Aviation Holdings (69%), Flybe employees (16%), and International Airlines Group (15%).

On 14 January 2008, Flybe entered into a franchise agreement with Scottish carrier Loganair, effective from October 2008 following Loganair’s departure from its British Airways franchise. This partnership expanded Flybe’s reach with Loganair-operated flights under the Flybe brand across 55 Scottish routes.

In 2008, Flybe faced controversy when it sought "actors" to occupy seats on flights in order to secure a £280,000 rebate from Norwich Airport, drawing criticism from environmental organizations calling for greater industry oversight.

Flybe’s CEO Jim French was honored with a CBE in the 2009 Queen's Birthday Honours for his contributions to aviation. On 10 December 2010, Flybe launched its initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange with shares priced at 295p, valuing the company around £215 million. The IPO raised £66 million, half of which was allocated for expanding the fleet.

2011–2020

On 23 May 2013, Flybe divested its slots at Gatwick Airport to EasyJet for £20 million, with the transfer set to take place on 29 March 2014. In August 2013, CEO and chairman Jim French stepped down, succeeded by Saad Hammad, formerly of EasyJet, while Simon Laffin assumed the role of chairman. By November 2013, Hammad had begun a company restructuring that included the departure of three senior executives; more than 60 of Flybe's 158 routes were operating at a loss.

Flybe revealed on 23 April 2014 a five-year agreement to commence domestic and international services from London City Airport starting 27 October 2014, targeting approximately 500,000 passengers annually with five aircraft stationed overnight. Earlier in March 2014, the airline underwent a significant brand overhaul introducing a fresh purple color scheme, revamped cabin interiors, and new staff uniforms. In June 2014, British Airways sold most of its remaining stake in Flybe, reducing its holding to 5% following share issuances.

In early 2016, Flybe secured a six-year partnership with SAS Scandinavian Airlines to operate four ATR 72–9 aircraft beginning in October 2016. On 4 March 2015, Flybe announced new routes from Cardiff Airport and plans to establish a base there initially with two Embraer 195 jets, later expanded to three. Subsequently, on 10 November 2015, Flybe positioned two Embraer 195s at Doncaster Sheffield Airport and launched flights to destinations including Amsterdam, Berlin Tegel, Paris CDG, Jersey, Alicante, Málaga, Faro, and Newquay Cornwall Airport. At the same time, Flybe discontinued services from Bournemouth Airport. Dublin Airport was incorporated into the network in October 2016 following Stobart Air’s withdrawal.

On 26 October 2016, Saad Hammad resigned as CEO, prompting a search for his successor. On 21 November 2016, Flybe announced the establishment of its inaugural European base at Düsseldorf Airport with two aircraft and personnel starting February 2017. The airline also expanded its franchise operations at Southend Airport on 22 December 2016 by adding flights to twelve new destinations.

The franchise agreement between Flybe and Loganair concluded in October 2017. Afterwards, Flybe collaborated with Eastern Airways to compete on routes connecting the Scottish mainland to Stornoway (Isle of Lewis), Kirkwall (Orkney), and Sumburgh (Shetland). Christine Ourmieres-Widener took over as CEO on 16 January 2017. Later that year, Flybe commenced Heathrow services to Aberdeen and Edinburgh using slots vacated by Virgin Atlantic Little Red.

On 22 February 2018, franchise partner Stobart Air expressed interest in acquiring Flybe but withdrew its bid on 22 March after it was rejected. Following this development, Flybe's share price rebounded to previous levels. A refreshed livery was introduced in September 2018 maintaining purple and white colors but replacing red and yellow accents with lilac. After experiencing a share price decline of approximately 75%, Flybe announced on 14 November that it was engaged in discussions with multiple parties regarding a possible sale as part of a strategic review. By 22 November, Virgin Atlantic emerged as a prospective buyer focused on acquiring Flybe's Heathrow slots and feeder network into Virgin hubs at Manchester and London Heathrow.

Connect Airways takeover

On 11 January 2019, Connect Airways—a consortium including Virgin Atlantic and Stobart Aviation—confirmed an offer of £2.2 million to acquire Flybe. The consortium planned an immediate loan of £20 million to support operations and purchase Stobart Air, with an additional £80 million upon deal completion. Subject to shareholder and court approvals, the transaction was anticipated by Q2 2019. Post-acquisition operations for Flybe and Stobart Air would be conducted under the Virgin Atlantic brand while maintaining separate air operator certificates. Route network optimization was expected to result in a "limited reduction" of Flybe's fleet.

Connect Airways increased its bid by £600,000 on 15 January 2019 and enhanced loan terms by releasing £10 million immediately plus confirming further funding of £10 million and £80 million subsequently. The revised proposal was accepted by Flybe’s board citing business continuity and protection of stakeholders’ interests. The acquisition covered all operating subsidiaries within the Flybe Group with an expected closing date by 22 February 2019.

In December 2018, shareholders approved changing Flybe Group’s listing status to standard listing which removed the requirement for shareholder approval for asset disposals. However, on 21 January 2019 major shareholder Hosking Partners threatened legal action alleging undervaluation of the company. On 4 February, Flybe declined Hosking’s request for a general meeting aimed at appointing a new director to investigate the sale process. An alternative bid from former Stobart CEO Andrew Tinkler was also rejected by the board. By early February, Flybe warned shareholders that failure to approve the sale could lead to winding up the parent company. On 20 February, the airline rejected a conditional rival offer from Mesa Air Group backed by Tinkler due to timing concerns.

Flybe announced completion of the sale of Flybe Limited and Flybe.com Limited to Connect Airways on 21 February 2019 with normal flight operations continuing uninterrupted. The parent company became an empty shell; shareholders ratified its sale on 4 March which took effect on 11 March. In October that year, Flybe rebranded as Virgin Connect, aligning with Virgin Group branding from early 2020 onward. To prevent confusion with Russia’s Virgin Connect (internet and mobile services), Virgin launched a dedicated UK landing page.

By January 2020 despite financial backing from Connect Airways, Flybe faced growing losses and operational difficulties. A deal reached on 15 January included deferred tax payments alongside increased funding from Connect Airways; concurrently the UK government agreed to review Air Passenger Duty on domestic flights. At this point in time Flybe operated approximately 36% of UK domestic flights—exceeding British Airways and EasyJet—and carried about one quarter (26%) of domestic passengers. In February the government considered offering a £100 million rescue loan while consulting with the EU Commission regarding state aid compliance. However early March concerns over COVID-19’s impact on bookings cast uncertainty over loan approval prospects and raised doubts about Flybe’s future viability.

Cessation of operations

In the early hours of 5 March 2020, Flybe entered administration and immediately halted all flights following the UK government's refusal of a proposed £100 million ($129 million) financial aid package. Virgin Atlantic, which had invested over £135 million via Connect Airways, announced it was unable to "continue providing financial backing," attributing this decision to the detrimental effects of the COVID-19 crisis on Flybe’s business performance. While all Flybe and Stobart Air services were terminated, franchise partners Blue Islands and Eastern Airways maintained their schedules. CEO Mark Anderson emphasized that extensive efforts had been made to prevent insolvency, but insurmountable funding obstacles led to the airline’s downfall.

By 1 May 2020, administrators EY reported that a potential sale as a going concern was still feasible after receiving approximately 20 non-binding bids, including three offers for the entire enterprise and its assets, with final proposals anticipated shortly. They successfully lobbied the UK transport secretary to block the revocation of Flybe’s operating licence, a crucial factor in preserving valuable airport slots. On 9 July, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) reversed its decision to revoke the licence. However, legal conflicts continued regarding Flybe’s Heathrow slots, now under the control of British Airways’ parent company IAG, as well as issues surrounding its air operator certificate.

Revival

On 19 October 2020, Lucien Farrell, formerly associated with shareholder Cyrus Capital, established Thyme Opco with the intention of acquiring the Flybe brand and relaunching the airline subject to regulatory approval. The strategy aimed to "begin modestly and rebuild regional air connectivity within the UK" starting in 2021. Thyme Opco submitted an application for a UK operating licence on 1 December 2020 and registered a 21-year-old Q400 aircraft expected to be its inaugural plane; this aircraft was later purchased by PAL Airlines in Eastern Canada. In April 2021, the British CAA granted both operating and route licences authorizing charter and scheduled flights. The company obtained 86 Heathrow slots for summer 2021 to operate routes to Edinburgh and Aberdeen but did not commence operations in time to utilize these slots.

The original Flybe entity was renamed FBE Realisations 2021 Limited, while Thyme Opco adopted the name Flybe Limited. On 3 June 2021, after an unsuccessful appeal, the original company’s operating licence was formally revoked. Contrary to earlier expectations, legacy slots were not returned to the slot coordinator but instead leased from British Airways by the newly formed company for services connecting Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

David Pflieger was appointed CEO of Flybe Limited on 26 October 2021. Soon after, a former Flybe Q400 aircraft was unveiled featuring a new purple-and-white livery. In November 2021, Flybe selected Birmingham Airport as its operational base with plans to launch services in early 2022 targeting major destinations across the UK and European Union. By March 2022, ticket sales commenced alongside an announcement that Belfast City Airport would serve as a second base. The airline adopted the slogan "Smile and go the extra mile." Booking opened on 22 March, with inaugural flights beginning on 13 April 2022.

Flybe entered administration once again on 28 January 2023 and ceased all operations. The original company (FBE Realisations 2021 Limited) was officially dissolved on 18 March 2024, leaving creditors with unpaid debts totaling £684 million.

Ownership and structure

Flybe Group plc was a publicly traded company listed on the London Stock Exchange (). Up until November 2013, the principal shareholder holding 48.1% was Rosedale Aviation Holdings Limited, representing the trustee of the Jack Walker 1987 Settlement, established by the late Jack Walker, who played a significant role in Flybe’s initial development.

Birmingham Airport served as Flybe's largest base within the UK, complemented by other key hubs at Belfast City, Manchester, and Southampton. The airline maintained 14 crew and aircraft bases spread across the UK, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. It possessed a UK Civil Aviation Authority Type A Operating Licence, authorizing it to transport passengers, freight, and mail on aircraft seating more than 20 individuals. The Flybe Group encompassed various divisions including Flybe Aviation Services (responsible for engineering and maintenance), Flybe Training Academy (focused on crew training), Flybe UK (handling operations), and Flybe Europe, which included previous entities such as Flybe Nordic.

Business trends

The financial and operational metrics of Flybe Group from 2007 through 2018 (financial years ending 31 March) are outlined below:

	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018
Group revenue (£M)	367.5	535.9	572.4	570.5	595.5	615.3	614.3	620.5	574.1	623.8	707.4	752.6
EBITDA (£M)	−16.2	30.4	0.1	5.7	7.6	−7.1	−23.2	8.1	−35.6	2.7	−48.5	−9.4
Net profit (£M)	−19.9	34.9	4.1	6.7	3.8	−6.4	−41.8	8.0	−35.7	6.8	−26.7	N/A
Average / year-end employees	1,931	3,197	2,860	2,798	2,949	2,781	2,667	2,650	2,069*	2,262*	2,388*	2,346*
Scheduled passengers (million)	5.2	7.0	7.3	7.2	7.2	7.6	7.2	7.7	7.7	8.2	8.8	9.5
Passenger load factor (%)	N/A	N/A	65.4	63.5	61.7	61.9	62.6	69.5	75.2	72.6	69.6	75.6
Aircraft count (average / year-end)	81*	80*	68	67	68	84	81	97	66*	74*	83*	80*

Joint ventures and franchises

Flybe’s inaugural franchise partner was Loganair, a Scottish carrier that operated flights within Scotland and Ireland under a franchise agreement starting in 2008; during this time, Loganair’s fleet featured full Flybe branding. In August 2016, it was declared that this partnership would conclude on August 31, 2017, after which Loganair resumed independent operations.

The airline entered its second franchise arrangement in 2014 with Stobart Air, initially covering European routes from Southend Airport. By the following year, Stobart Air expanded Flybe services at Isle of Man Airport#Ronaldsway Airport Ronaldsway Airport utilizing two ATR 72 aircraft and further enhanced its operations by incorporating Flybe’s Embraer 195 jets for additional Southend routes by 2017.

On January 11, 2016, Flybe revealed a third franchise agreement with Jersey-based Blue Islands, which began flying under Flybe livery from May 2016 onwards; however, this partnership underwent scrutiny concerning potential breaches of competition regulations.

Starting September 1, 2017, Eastern Airways became a franchise partner for Flybe by assuming routes from Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Edinburgh airports previously flown by Loganair—this development created direct competition between the two airlines on some routes; by January 2018, services to Sumburgh were discontinued due to unviability amid competing operations; concurrently, Loganair ceased Glasgow-Manchester flights leaving Flybe as the sole operator on that corridor.

In July 2011, Flybe acquired Finncomm Airlines jointly with Finnair, rebranding it as Flybe Nordic in October that year; this joint venture operated its own services alongside franchise flights codeshared with Finnair under Flybe’s BE-code designation. To streamline expenses, Flybe divested its majority (60%) stake in Flybe Nordic in November 2014 for €1; from May 2015 onward, Flybe Nordic functioned exclusively for Finnair and was renamed Nordic Regional Airlines – Norra.

Sponsorship

Flybe served as the principal sponsor for Exeter City Football Club and extended its support to the Exeter Chiefs, featuring its branding on the jerseys of both teams. The airline also sponsored the ITV Weather segments broadcast across various regional ITV channels and contributed sponsorship to sports sections in regional newspapers such as the Manchester Evening News, Express & Echo (Exeter), South Wales Echo (Cardiff), along with publications on the Isle of Man.

In earlier years, Flybe provided sponsorship for clubs including Birmingham City (2003–2007), Norwich City (2006–2008), Southampton (2006–2010), and Inverness Caledonian Thistle (2007–2010).

Frequent-flyer programmes

Flybe collaborated with Avios, a subsidiary of the IAG, for its frequent-flyer rewards programme until 30 April 2019, when this partnership was discontinued and all associated accounts were closed.

Cabin and service

The airline featured a single-class, all-economy cabin configuration with assigned seating. Passengers had the option to reserve seats online ahead of travel for an additional charge or receive complimentary seat assignments during check-in. The "Café Flybe" buy-on-board service provided a selection of food and beverages, including duty-free spirits and tobacco products on most flights to the Channel Islands.

Available ticket options were:

• "Just Fly": a basic fare allowing optional add-ons at an extra cost.
• "Get More": included reserved seating and one checked bag up to 23 kg.
• "All In": offered complimentary snacks and drinks, lounge access, free pre-booked seating, priority check-in, plus two checked bags.

Destinations

Flybe operated short-haul flights within the United Kingdom, Ireland, and continental Europe.

Former partnerships and codeshare agreements

As part of its 'One Stop to the World' initiative, Flybe entered into codeshare arrangements with several airlines, including:

• Aer Lingus
• Air France
• Air India
• Alitalia
• British Airways
• Cathay Pacific
• Emirates
• Etihad Airways
• Finnair
• Loganair
• Singapore Airlines
• United Airlines
• Virgin Atlantic

Flybe also held franchise agreements with:

• Blue Islands
• Eastern Airways
• Loganair (terminated in 2017)
• Stobart Air

Interline agreement

Flybe maintained an interline agreement with Pakistan International Airlines.

Fleet

Prior to halting operations, Flybe's fleet comprised:

Flybe fleet

Aircraft	In service	Orders	Passengers	Notes
de Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400	54	—	78
Embraer 175	9	—	88
Total	63	—

Fleet strategy and developments

Flybe phased out its last Embraer 195 aircraft in February 2020, returning it to lessors and reaffirming the Q400 as the primary type within its fleet.

Dash 8 Q400

After leasing 24 Dash 8 Q400 aircraft from Republic Airways in 2014, Flybe became the largest global operator of this model. In May 2007, the airline placed an order with Bombardier for 15 Q400s valued at US$394 million (£197 million), along with options for an additional 15, targeting a total fleet size of 60. By September 2014, Republic Airways had agreed to lease 24 Q400s to Flybe, with deliveries beginning in March 2018. However, in June 2017, amid losses approaching £20 million, Flybe retired six of its Q400 aircraft.

Following Flybe's collapse in March 2020, all 54 Dash 8 Q400s were placed into storage. In January 2021, Canadian aerial firefighting company Conair Group acquired 11 of these planes to be converted into water bombers and versatile firefighting aircraft.

Embraer 175

On 20 July 2010, Flybe ordered 35 Embraer 175 jets valued at US$1.3 billion (£850 million), with options for an extra 65 aircraft (worth $2.3 billion/£1.5 billion) and purchase rights for another 40 (valued at $1.4 billion/£0.9 billion). These 88-seat jets were scheduled for delivery between July 2011 and March 2017; the first two arrived in November 2011. In September 2014, Flybe and Embraer agreed to cancel 20 orders and indefinitely postpone delivery of four others.

After Flybe ceased operations in 2020, its nine E175s were returned to lessors—six transferred to Flybe Leasing based in Bermuda, and one acquired by CAW Finance Corp.

Embraer 195

Flybe was the launch customer for the Embraer 195, placing an order for 14 aircraft in June 2005 with options for an additional dozen. At the same time, four Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 options were converted into confirmed orders, increasing its Q400 fleet to 45. The initial delivery of the first 118-seat E195 occurred in September 2006, replacing the BAe 146 and completing a fleet rationalization initiated in 2003. These jets featured head-up display systems and operated with a single-class cabin layout.

In a fleet evaluation conducted in 2018, Flybe opted to maintain the Bombardier Q400 as its primary aircraft type while planning to phase out all nine E195s by 2020; however, some E175s were retained for higher-demand routes. On April 3, 2019, the airline confirmed it would retire six E195s that year and close its bases at Cardiff Airport and Doncaster Sheffield Airport, continuing service to those destinations using Q400s from other bases. The last Embraer 195 was withdrawn from service on February 24, 2020.

Historical fleet

Flybe's former fleet included the following aircraft:

Aircraft	Quantity	Entry into Service	Retirement Year	Additional Information
ATR 42-500	1	2016	2018	Operated by Blue Islands
ATR 72-500	5	2014	2020	Three flown by Blue Islands, two by Stobart Air
ATR 72-600	6	2017	2020
BAe 146-100/Avro RJ70	3	2002	2007
BAe 146-200/Avro RJ85	9	2002	2008
BAe 146-300/Avro RJ100	11	2002	2008
BAe Jetstream 41	1	2017	2019	Operated by Eastern Airways
Boeing 737-300	4	2005	2006	Operated by Astraeus Airlines
Bombardier CRJ-200ER	4	2002	2003	Two operated on behalf of Air France
Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander
de Havilland Canada Dash 8-200	3	2002	2004
de Havilland Canada Dash 8-300	10	2002	2008
de Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400	81	2002	2020
Dornier 328-100	3	2013	2017
Douglas DC-3	2	1979	1980	Inherited from Intra Airways
Embraer 175	11	2011	2020
Embraer 195	14	2006	2020
Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante
Fokker F27 Friendship
Saab 2000	2	2014	2017
Saab 340B	14	2008	2017
Short 330
Short 360
Vickers Viscount

Accidents and incidents

• On 1 August 2008, an Embraer 190-200LR operating from Manchester to Belfast City encountered a malfunction in the air cycle machine, which led to smoke filling the cabin. Difficulties in communication arose because of problems with the oxygen masks, and the subsequent emergency evacuation exposed design shortcomings in the overwing exits. This event prompted recommendations aimed at enhancing safety procedures.
• A flight on 21 July 2012 traveling from Cornwall Newquay to Edinburgh was forced to execute an emergency landing after a false fire alert was triggered by a short circuit within a smoke detector. Errors in following the pilot checklist resulted in cabin depressurisation and multiple system malfunctions. In response, Flybe undertook pilot retraining and resolved the technical issue.
• On 23 February 2017, a De Havilland Canada Dash 8 experienced a collapse of the right main landing gear during touchdown at Schiphol Airport, causing extensive damage to the aircraft. The cause was identified as deformation of the landing gear yoke combined with misleading cockpit indications. The Dutch Safety Board issued safety recommendations directed at Bombardier, Flybe, and the aircraft manufacturer.
• Following takeoff from Belfast City on 10 November 2017, a Dash 8 suffered failure of its nose gear, resulting in a partial nose landing and two injuries. Investigation found that a defective sensor led to interference between the gear door and the landing gear during retraction. Flybe subsequently conducted fleet-wide inspections and initiated development of an improved design.
• On 11 January 2018, shortly after departing Belfast City, a Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 descended unintentionally due to incorrect autopilot settings. Although the descent was rapid, control was maintained throughout. Flybe responded by updating simulator training programs and revising pre-takeoff checklists.
• An Embraer 195 aborted its takeoff at Exeter Airport on 28 February 2019 after smoke was detected inside the cabin. The evacuation process was complicated by flap positioning and exit design issues, resulting in injuries. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch recommended modifications to emergency exit configurations to relevant aviation authorities.
• On 14 November 2019, a DHC-8-400 performed an emergency landing at Exeter following failure of the left aileron cable, which compromised control. Investigations uncovered similar cable failures affecting other aircraft models; manufacturers and operators implemented design enhancements and improved maintenance protocols. The report criticized the use of non-reversible filters on flight data recorders for causing loss of critical data.