In a sign of the Prime Minister’s commitment to levelling
up all regions of the UK, a review of regional connectivity
will ensure all nations and regions of the UK have the
domestic transport connections local communities rely on –
including regional airports.
As part this work and ahead of the March Budget, the
Treasury will also be reviewing Air Passenger Duty to
ensure regional connectivity is strengthened while meeting
the UK’s climate change commitments to meet net zero by
2050.
These measures featured in discussions today with Europe’s
largest regional airline, Flybe, which plays an important
role in the UK’s connectivity by flying regional routes
that other providers do not operate.
In light of these discussions Flybe have confirmed they
will continue to operate as normal, preserving flights to
airports such as Southampton, Belfast and Birmingham.
Chancellor of the Exchequer said:
I welcome Flybe’s confirmation that they will continue to
operate as normal, safeguarding jobs in UK and ensuring
flights continue to serve communities across the whole of
the UK.
The reviews we are announcing today will help level up
our economy. They will ensure that regional connections
not only continue but flourish in the years to come – so
that every nation and region can fulfil its potential.
Business Secretary said:
I am delighted that we have managed to reach an agreement
with Flybe shareholders to keep the company in operation,
ensuring that regions across the country can continue to
be connected.
My department and others across government have worked
tirelessly in an incredibly short timeframe. This will be
welcome news for Flybe, their customers and dedicated
employees, as well as those in the supply chain. We will
continue to work with Flybe and regional operators to
find a sustainable long term future.
Transport Secretary said:
I am delighted that we have been able to work closely
with Flybe to ensure Europe’s largest regional airline is
able to continue providing their valued services,
connecting communities across the UK.
The Department for Transport will undertake an urgent
review into how we can level up the country by
strengthening regional connectivity and will look at all
the options that we have to make sure our airports can
continue to play an important role in driving economic
growth, creating jobs and greening aviation, across the
country.
Mark Anderson, CEO of Flybe said:
Flybe is made up of an incredible team of people, serving
millions of loyal customers who rely on the vital
regional connectivity that we provide. This is a positive
outcome for the UK and will allow us to focus on
delivering for our customers and planning for the future.
Lucien Farrell, Chairman Connect Airways said:
We are very encouraged with recent developments,
especially the Government’s recognition of the importance
of Flybe to communities and businesses across the UK and
the desire to strengthen regional connectivity. As a
result, the shareholder consortium has committed to keep
Flybe flying with additional funding alongside Government
initiatives.
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At Budget 2018, the government announced that for the
eighth year in a row short-haul rates will not rise,
staying at £13 for economy and £26 for business/first,
keeping down the costs of travelling for 80% of
passengers.
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UK passenger growth is strong: passenger numbers at UK
airports have increased by 28% since 2013. This
strength extends across the whole of the UK, with
regional airports handling approximately 39% of all
passengers in 2018.
