Don't bet your house on my say-so, and airlines (conceiveably) could be exempt for some bizarre reason. BUT as far as I am aware UK companies are required by law to advertise new positions internally first.
Now weather they give you a fair crack of the whip is another matter all together.
I suppose if the new base is also operating a new type, and the company KNOW thier current staff aren't type rated they may get out of these requirements.