Meeb,
Thanks, I rest my case.
Dudley,
In relation to the CRJ200s that are being operated by Flybe, then the 146s are cheaper to operate once the leasing arrangement has been taken into consideration. Also the ones actually owned by the company do make a profit.
EX FTE,
Unfortunately "low cost" in Flybe's dictionary has a different definition to the one in Easyjets and Ryanairs.
The pilots and cabin crews can't actually do any more, they are working max out.
Flybe is very top heavy with management , EJs and RAs are not.
Even though the majority of the flights are full they are not getting the returns financially.
I don't think that charging the pax or the crews for teas, coffees, soft drinks etc is going to make a blind bit of difference.
If they are serious about "low cost" then a serious shake up down at fantasy island is in order, including a look into 737 type operations and probably binning LCY if they go all 737.
Also the salary question will have to undoubtably addressed:-
Easy , GO, F/O £40K Capt £70k.
Ryanair is similar or better.
Flybe, F/O £28K Capt £46k