The decision to base a new Flybe airline in Birmingham and not its "spiritual home" of Exeter has been described as "desperately disappointing" by leading business organisations.
Tim Jones, chairman of South West Business Council (SWBC), said the new Flybe firm could had leveraged the goodwill and skills base that is already in the South West, where the original Flybe Ltd airline was headquartered.
And Stuart Elford, chief executive of Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce said its decision to favour the Midlands over the South West was a blow for the region.
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The original Flybe Ltd firm went into administration in early 2020 leaving unpaid debts of more than £650m and later changing its name to FBE Realisations 2021 Ltd.
The business and most of its assets were later acquired by a firm called Thyme Opco Ltd, which then became Flybe Ltd in April 2021, sometimes referred to by observers as Flybe 2.
It is this new Flybe Ltd which has now announced it will use Birmingham Airport (BHX) as its new company headquarters and first new crew base.
Amongst one of the first 海角视频 airlines to be certified by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) since Brexit, the new Flybe said it will serve key regions across the 海角视频 and EU with operations scheduled to begin in early 2022, but has yet to give details of routes and destinations.
BHX's Diamond House will be the location of the company’s new HQ and Operations Centre, in a move that is expected to create about 200 direct jobs in the Birmingham and West Midlands region during the next three years, with an estimated additional 400 direct jobs to be created nationwide during that same time frame.
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However, the decision not to base the new Flybe in Exeter, thereby causing the city to miss out on what Birmingham is boasting as an economic windfall, has been described by Mr Jones as "desperately disappointing".
He said business leaders in the South West had tried to speak to the new company on a number of occasions but received "very little traction" but stressed the region was always willing to speak to Flybe bosses if they were so inclined.
"They have missed an opportunity to piggyback back off their previous involvement in the South West," he said. "The skills base here was ready to engage and would have given them a 'flying' start.
"Importantly also there is a huge brand association with the Flybe name across the five million population in the region. In short they have lost their link with their spiritual home. Our message however is that the door is open if they want to re-engage."
Mr Elford said: "The news that the reborn Flybe is to be based in Birmingham is a blow for the South West, which could have been the perfect headquarters for the airline bringing with it investment and jobs.
"Time will tell what routes they will operate but we must ensure that the South West has the best connectivity with the rest of the country and in particular the major transport hubs that link to the rest of the world, which are essential for regional prosperity.”
Dave Pflieger, newly appointed chief executive of the new Flybe Ltd, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Birmingham Airport (BHX), the City of Birmingham, and the Mayor of West Midlands to make BHX the location of our new headquarters and first crew base.
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"It was an ideal choice for us due to its great people and highly skilled workforce, its central 海角视频 location, and the fact that Birmingham Airport is a global travel hub where local and connecting customers have access to over 150 worldwide destinations.
"Today’s announcement marks the culmination of over 12 months of dedicated hard work by all involved, and it would not have been possible without the support of the CAA and the 海角视频 Government.”
He said the launch of the new Flybe is expected to enhance essential regional connectivity in the 海角视频 and create many valuable airline industry jobs, and also help restart many local economies as they rebound from the pandemic.
This, in turn, should contribute to additional growth in the Midlands and assist with new and ongoing efforts to level-up the country.
Mr Pflieger also emphasised that a key area of focus for Flybe will be environmental sustainability and "ensuring we do everything possible to reduce our carbon footprint and GHGs".
He said: "Our entire fleet will be comprised of the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400, which is a fast turboprop powered aircraft that can complete short journeys almost as quickly as a regional jet, but with lower CO2 emissions.
"In addition, we will also be partnering with local community charities and partners who are focused on the environment as well as other causes which align with our corporate goals and values.
“As for what’s next, please stay tuned. We plan to provide more information in the coming weeks and months about ticket prices, new routes and destinations, and other important news that will help customers visit loved ones, get away for a weekend, and get out on business trips.
"This is an incredibly exciting time for us, and we look forward to sharing more updates in the future.”
Andy Street, mayor of West Midlands, said: “It really is such brilliant news that Flybe is coming back as a commercial airline, and even better that it has chosen Birmingham to house its new headquarters.
“Not only does this mean better domestic and international connectivity for our region as well as local jobs and opportunities being created here, but it’s yet another show of faith in the West Midlands with businesses choosing to commit to our region as we recover from the pandemic.
“Flybe’s choice highlights the strength of the aerospace sector in the West Midlands and the talent pool available, and I wish Dave and his team all the very best ahead of their official launch early next year.”
How to contact William Telford and Business Live
Business Live's South West Business Reporter is William Telford. William has more than a decade's experience reporting on the business scene in Plymouth and the South West. He is based in Plymouth but covers the entire region.
To contact William: Email: william.telford@reachplc.com - Phone: 01752 293116 - Mob: 07584 594052 - Twitter: - LinkedIn: - Facebook:
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Nick Barton, BHX chief executive, said: “Flybe’s announcement that Birmingham has been chosen to become the headquarters for its launch next spring is fantastic news for our region’s connectivity needs, and it will bring with it some great new employment opportunities.
"Dave’s vast experience in managing start-up airlines and turnaround situations, coupled with the recovery of the Midlands’ economy post-Covid, means that Flybe’s return to the skies from Birmingham is a shot in the arm for our airport as well as West Midlands businesses and communities. We look forward to working with Dave and his team in preparation for next spring and to launch such a well-known brand here in Birmingham.”
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