The revival of airline Flybe has taken another step forward with its application for a 海角视频 operating licence.
has reported that the airline, which collapsed just before lockdown in March this year, has applied to the CAA this week.
And there are suggestions that if all the paperwork is in place, it could be given the go-ahead to fly again in three months.
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The news has been welcomed by economic leaders in Devon.
Tim Jones, Chairman of South West Business Council said that the specialist workforce, suppliers and support network who lost out in the collapse of the airline earlier this year would allow the operators to “hit the skies” running if it returned to an HQ in Exeter.
He said: "The ability to re-engage with these remains highly achievable. This would allow the operators to “hit the skies” running, thereby overcoming a lengthy delay in becoming quickly profitable."
Former shareholder, Thyme Opco Limited, headed by hedge fund boss Lucien Farrell .
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At the time, administrators Ernst and Young said the deal must pass regulatory hurdles, including discussions on its landing slots and operating licence before being final.
Thyme Opco Limited is a company affiliated with investment adviser Cyrus Capital, which was a shareholder of Flybe, along with Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic in the Connect Airways deal, before its collapse in March.
A spokesman for Thyme Opco said in October that its operations would be smaller than before but would 'create valuable airline industry jobs, restore essential regional connectivity in the 海角视频, and contribute to the recovery of a vital part of the country’s economy.'
But there is no mention of it returning to Exeter, where in its former guise, it employed around 1,000 of its 2,000 staff and operated 80% of flights from Exeter Airport.
Mr Jones said: “We are excited by the news regarding Flybe.
"Over the period of their operations headquartered in Exeter significant local support networks were developed, most importantly a highly skilled work force. Also links to numerous specialist suppliers.
"Equally crucial, the community of the South West regard Flybe as their own airline. Loyalty is a key element for future success. As ever, however, a key message to the region is, if the reopening is achieved, we must 'use it or lose it'".
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SWBC, Exeter Chamber of Commerce and East Devon MP Simon Jupp have .
Responding to the latest development, Mr Jupp said: “It’s another step in the right direction to get Flybe back in our skies.
"I’ve urged the airlines new owners to bring Flybe home to Exeter Airport which will now benefit from up to £8m additional support from government to protect jobs and connectivity in our region. I fought hard for government support for our airport and I’ll continue to push for Flybe to come home.”
Flybe's Training Academy at Exeter Airport was sold in May to Devon County Council which now operates with Exeter College as a new Future Skills Centre for high-tech jobs in engineering, digital, construction and clean growth.
And Flybe's former maintenance base is now occupied by mechanics and engineers with .
We have contacted the CAA but a response has yet to be received.