Regional airline Flybe said it would grow its contract work in Scandinavia yesterday after it took on more routes for partner Finnair.
The two firms launched a joint venture called Flybe Nordic last year and have now signed a contract that will see the business fly 12 Embraer E190 regional jets on Finnair’s behalf.
The loss-making Finnish flag carrier is trying to cut costs and has now sub-contracted about a third of its European routes to Flybe Nordic, which is operated by the Exeter-based “no-frills” airline.
Flybe’s Scots-born chief executive Jim French, pictured, said contract flying was a growth area for the firm.
“With this deal, 25 per cent of the fleet under Flybe Group’s management will be deployed under contract flying arrangements,” he said. “We believe there are many more similar opportunities to develop this side of the business.”
The firm said the latest contract puts Flybe Nordic in a position to offer similar services to other airlines in the Nordic and Baltic regions.
DOMINIC JEFF