Much as I hate digressing on threads I do think that some of KAT TOO's views are in need of correction.
Flybe's reason for getting shot of the CRJ's is that they were far too expensive to operate on the routes they were being used on (LBABHD, BHXEDI) compared with the Dash 8's. They were also too small at just 50 seats.
It all goes back about 5 years when the initial order was made. As a major franchisee of Air France, and with the prospect of operating routes such as EDICDG and GLACDG the CRJ was selected for which it was ideal. In the time it took to manufacture the aircraft AF went on a spending spree and purchased Regional Airlines and Britair adding countless 50 seat jets to their fleet and so negating the need for Flybe's CRJ's.
There was certainly no issues regarding the skill of Flybe's flight crews!!!
Yes the 146 is old and yes it is quite slow but Flybe know the aircraft inside out and the lease rates are at rock bottom negating any extra costs incurred from operating the type.
RE. LBALCY....Flybe now have a larger national marketing spend that either Ryanair and Easyjet at £10million per annum. They also sponsor local Exeter City FC and premiership side Birmingham City.
The base at Exeter is doing better than anticipated and routes from EXT to MAN/NCL/AMS and CDG are likely later in the year from October.