Flybe (pronounced ), styled as flybe, was a British regional airline based at Birmingham Airport, England. It commenced operations using the name of a former airline in 2022, but ceased operations and entered administration on 28 January 2023.
History
Predecessor
The airline traces its history back to Jersey European Airways, which was set up in 1979 after the merger of Intra Airways and Express Air Services. The firm was renamed British European in 2000 and Flybe in 2002. In November 2006, Flybe purchased BA Connect, thereby becoming the largest regional airline in Europe. On 5 March 2020, the first airline named Flybe filed for administration and ceased all operations.
Relaunch
On 19 October 2020, reports emerged that Lucien Farrell, in charge of former shareholder Cyrus Capital's European office had formed a new company, Thyme Opco, to purchase the Flybe brand and relaunch the airline, subject to regulatory approvals.