Trade union ‘deeply concerned’ for Flybe staff

Trade union ‘deeply concerned’ for Flybe staff

Garry Graham, deputy general secretary for Prospect, said UK government support for the services the airline provides would be an ‘early acid test’ for its commitment to regional airports across the country – many of which rely on Flybe for most or all of its scheduled services.

On Monday Flybe was on the brink of collapse, a year after the company was bought by a Virgin Atlantic-led consortium as part of £2.2 million rescue deal.

The airline, which has served the Channel Islands for more than 30 years and operates ten routes out of Jersey, was believed to be working to secure a bailout package.

It was reported that Flybe officials had met representatives from the UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department for Transport about whether emergency financing could be secured.

However, according to Sky News, accountancy firm EY has been lined up to handle the company’s administration ­– if it is unable to be saved.

Mr Graham said in a statement: ‘As the largest union at Flybe we are deeply concerned about the future of our highly skilled members’ jobs.

‘Large numbers of Flybe’s routes provide important transport connections to and from parts of the UK where other viable options don’t exist. Indeed, a number of regional airports are highly reliant on Flybe for most or all of their scheduled services.

‘This means that support for the services that Flybe provides will be an early acid test of this government’s commitment to every region of the UK.’

Flybe currently offers ten routes from Jersey – seven on which are not operated by any other airline.

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