08 September 2008

Flybe reconfirms support for trade

Flybe has reconfirmed a commitment to working with agents after releasing record financial results (see separate TravelMole story).

The growing UK regional airline, which is keeping fuel costs under control through new fuel efficient aircraft, continues to distribute to the trade via GDSÃ¢â¬â¢s and, unlike Ryanair, has not outlawed screen scraping of its website.

Chief commercial officer Mike Rutter revealed that 22% of the airline's seven million passengers were sourced via the trade with the remaining 78% booking online.

"We don't mind who we do business with," he said.

Rutter said the airlineÃ¢â¬â¢s mix of 45% business travellers and 35% visiting friends and relations meant the majority of passengers were more resilient to economic uncertainties than those flying purely for leisure purposes.

Flybe has 60% of its fuel hedged this year and is introducing more modern aircraft to its fleet to counter higher oil costs.

Rutter said the airline had Ã¢â¬Åâœno current plansÃ¢â¬~ to follow others by introducing fuel surcharges although a Ã¢â¬Åâœphenomenal riseÃ¢â¬~ in fuel could lead to a rethink.

Fares last went up in the spring by between three and five per cent.

by Phil Davies