Franchise operator Eastern Airways is honouring all flights for collapsed carrier FlyBe as it makes a dynamic switch to becoming an independent operator.
The Humberside Airport-based airline has worked closely with Europe’s biggest regional operator in recent years, and as it emerged from near insolvency in January announced a series of new routes.
Now following the overnight loss of Exeter-based Flybe, it appears growth plans following its return to independent ownership will be accelerated.
It has also confirmed the six new routes launching out of Teesside this spring will continue under the Eastern brand.
A spokesperson said: “Passengers holding bookings on Flybe flights operated by Eastern Airways are to check-in as normal, all our flights are operating as planned. All check-in will be at the departure airports and not online in the immediacy of the FlyBe collapse.
“Our flights will continue to operate as normal and we advise passengers to arrive at their airports on time today. We will honour any tickets on Flybe services operated by Eastern Airways for travel today, Friday or Sunday. Further updates for flights next week will follow.
“Our six new routes due to commence from Teesside Airport - Alicante, Belfast City, Dublin Airport, Isle of Man Airport, London City Airport and Southampton Airport - as well as its existing Aberdeen Airport and Cardiff Airport services are unaffected by Flybe ceasing operations. They will be operated by Eastern.”
Eastern was bought back by founder Richard Lake OBE when Bristow - the helicopter specialist - found itself close to collapse last May, having acquired it along with Humberside Airport from him five years earlier.
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The airline is now seeing significant growth, and has recently added new planes to the fleet to serve route expansion and the ad-hoc charter and corporate hire market.
Details are anticipated soon, but Eastern bosses will have to ensure standalone processes are ready to fulfill customer expectations, reverting to its previous operating model.