Passengers scramble for seats with only regional airline operating as normal

Flybe, Europe�s largest and most successful regional airline � just recognised as 2009 Regional Airline of the Year by a leading global aviation magazine - has this week demonstrated its ability to keep Britain on the move, not just through tough economic times but also during the adverse weather conditions sweeping the country that continues to bring national transportation to a virtual halt.

Today, with snow still falling in many parts of the UK, other carriers continue to hit passengers with heavy cancellations whilst Flybe continues to meet exceptionally heavy demand and has not cancelled any its 400+ flights.

The earlier part of the week reflects the same picture. Flybe, the number one UK domestic point to point airline serving five times more domestic routes than any other carrier and the largest airline at eight UK airports, has been forced to cancel only 117 flights in total so keeping passenger disruption to a minimum. And sales are sizzling today! The airline is reporting up to three times the rate of usual day-of-sale departure sales, with strong last-minute demand out of Scotland, the north of England and Wales in particular as travellers scramble to find alternative connections allowing them to by-pass snowbound airports especially for onward travel to London Gatwick, where Flybe is the third largest slot holder, and other European capitals.

The start of the Six Nations Rugby series, with opening games being played this weekend in both Edinburgh and Dublin, is also seeing Flybe seats flying off the shelf as desperate fans seek alternative travel arrangements especially from Cardiff and Southampton.

Mike Rutter, Flybe�s Chief Commercial Officer comments: �This week has been operationally challenging for everyone but the strength of our regional network model has more than proved itself in allowing us to keep Britain on the move. Despite the fact that the heavy snow had obviously forced us to cancel some flights earlier in the week, we�ve not come anywhere near the volume of cancellations experienced by other airlines for which we are extremely proud.

�Our staff have done an absolutely amazing job in keeping passenger disruption to a minimum and, from reports coming in from all over the country, new passengers flying with us are more than appreciative of our reliability and quality standard of service we are managing to maintain against all the odds.�

-ENDS-

Notes to editors � Flybe is Europe's largest and most successful regional airline with over 190 routes serving 13 countries, operating from a total of 66 departure points, 36 UK and 30 European airports � Flybe is the number one UK domestic regional point to point airline serving five times more domestic routes than any other airline � Flybe is Air Transport World�s 2009 Regional Airline of the Year ; ranked number 1 in the Sunday Times 2008 Top Track 250; won the 2008 Regional Leadership Award at the Global Airline Strategy Awards; the �Special Merit for Commitment to the Environment� award at the 2008 Budgie Awards and Flight International�s �Best Management Team 2007� award � Flybe is the largest scheduled airline at Birmingham, Exeter, Manchester, Southampton, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Belfast City � Flybe launched the aviation industry�s first ever eco labelling scheme in June 07 � Flybe offers the UK�s first low cost customer loyalty scheme open to all passengers Rewards4all

For further press information, or to arrange an interview, please contact the Flybe press office: T: 0845 675 0681 E: pressoffice@flybe.com