Flybe to become Virgin Connect

The Flybe brand now looks set to disappear as the airline will become Virgin Connect in 2020.

The company is embarking on an ambitious transformation to enhance Europe’s largest regional airline.

Virgin Connect is a part of the extended Virgin Family and will reflect the innovation and entrepreneurship of the wider brands within the company.

In a statement the company says that ‘it will put customers first and offer better value’ while positioning itself as the ‘new go-to name in regional flying’.

Virgin Atlantic has an extensive long-haul network particularly in Heathrow and Manchester. Earlier this year the airline announced it has expanding its operations out of Manchester Airport with brand new flights, the opening of a new clubhouse and v-room.

Flybe has been connecting passengers across the UK and Europe for 40 years and more recently faced financial difficulties. It completed the sale of its assets to Connect Airways in early 2019.

Connect Airways CEO, Mark Anderson, formerly the managing director of Virgin Holidays, said: “We will remain true to our heritage and reason for being, which is offering essential regional connectivity to local communities.

“At its heart, Virgin Connect will be passionately focused on becoming Europe’s most loved and successful regional airline. It will offer travel that is simple and convenient with the personal touch. Our customers will naturally expect the same exceptional travel experience as they do with other Virgin-related brands. Whatever their reason for flying, we want our customers to feel loved and know we will always put their needs first in every decision we take.

According to their website, future bookings with Flybe won’t be affected although passengers should keep an eye on their website and the airline’s social media channels for updates on the rebrand.