Originally Posted by
ATNotts
Leaving aside, just for a moment, the chip that you among others have on their shoulders relating to Flybe it seems to me there is a fairly simple, if unpalatable reason for route cancellations, if indeed that is what is going on, which does appear likely.
Flybe are trying to operate a route network with too few airframes, which has already resulted in sub chartering to enable them to operate an acceptable level of service on the routes they are running now. Looking at
Jethros Fleet List which I appreciate is not "official, but normally pretty accurate, Flybe ought to be taking delivery of three additional Dash 8s, none of which appear to be arriving any time soon at BHX. All the routes that "SeanM" has highlighted are yet to start, so it looks very much as though they have information internally as to the likely timescales for the eventual delivery of these three, and subsequent units and decided that, financially and from a customer service standpoint, delaying the start of these routes is infinitely preferable to throwing money into chartering yet more aircraft in, which is surely not budgeted for.
If this scenario was correct then its hardly a good omen, but better than killing the business with either extra costs, or tarnishing (some might say further tarnishing) the airline's reputation.
I am sure all will become clear in the new few days, possibly weeks.
I have no chip on my shoulder regarding Flybe. It’s a valid topic for debate if an airline suddenly raises its base fare from £30 to £160.
There seems to be an idea that we can only discuss Flybe if it is praise for the carrier. There is also a group who feel the need to accuse anyone not full of praise for Flybe of either having a chip on their shoulder, some kind of competing interest or worse. It’s perfectly valid to disagree with their plans or how they do things and this is a valid forum for discussing that. It’d be a lot more civil if people just made their points rather than trying to construe a background or ulterior motive for each person’s view.
Don’t like a point? Ignore it or make your argument back without the need to play the man.
Flybe are in a tricky spot. Chartering more in costs money. Cancelling costs reputation however just raising the fare isn’t going to solve that issue. Either these flights are going to be cancelled and they should get on with it or they plan to operate (perhaps with charters if needed) but then are likely to be poorly loaded - especially when competing carriers are offering similarly timed flights for £30-50.