Whilst Flybe had been struggling for a while, I don't think it's disingenuous to state that COVID-19 was the final straw that pushed it into administration. All airlines would have been feeling the effect of COVID-19 a good number of weeks prior to lock down, and prior to the point at which Flybe went into administration, as bookings dried up from travellers increasingly concerned about the virus. We need to remember that in late Feb/early March it was already spreading quickly in Northern Italy and that will certainly have impacted peoples desire to travel in all respects.

As to creditors, Flybe's administration has no doubt been painful but arguably, the impact of COVID has had a profound effect. I'd like to think that some of those creditors will have generated significant income from their dealings with Flybe in the past, likely when Flybe were making losses. Harsh as it is, business is business and hopefully the many airports and suppliers reliant on Flybe for income previously would be happy to have something new in future than nothing at all.

Read the CAA Official Record report. Flybe approached the Government on 12 January to say that it had run out of cash and needed Government support to keep flying. At least in terms of news headlines, Coronavirus was a far-off problem at that time and impacted hard only really during March. All of the available information points towards this being a business in deep trouble long before the impact of Coronavirus in the UK.

I don't doubt that conversations took place in January but at that time, it had been reported that the business received additional funding from Connect Airways whilst those negotiations took place. That cash subsequently ran out early March, no doubt earlier than anticipated as a result of the impact of COVID-19. However, I agree that had COVID not come along, Flybe would almost certainly have needed more cash from somewhere to continue as a going concern.

Covid was the final in a very long list of final straws. Any future plan to relaunch must start with a total 100% cull of past management not to mention a business model that is stuck too, not trying to be everything to everyone, that just doesn't work.

Haha, I wouldn't be planning anything aviation-wise into EGNS for a few years.

They won't be opening their 'border' until at least summer 2022.

3 Dashes airborne from EXT as I type.

Edit: 1 airborne from BHD also. Of the 3 out of EXT, 2 have gone to MST and 1 looks to be heading to Zweibrucken.
Edit 2!: - another 1 airborne from EXT at around 1700L

This must be the most ex-Flybe Dashes airborne during a single day since the airline failed.

FR24 confirms that G-JECO has now landed at MST.

On the move
 

At least 6 aircraft on the move thus far today but still none at all from BHX

E195 - EK Exeter to Norwich
DH8D - PN Exeter to Maastricht
DH8D - OA - Exeter to Saarbrucken
DH8D - CL - Exeter - Weeze or Maastricht?
DH8D - CO Exeter - Maastricht
DH8D - DU - Belfast City - Saarbrucken

Pete

There is a video of the incident at ABZ with the Dash 8 and Loganair Embraer.

Currently on the well known social media app. I can’t link it but it’s on the ATPL Hub page.

Just seen it, had to laugh at the couple of guys on the ramp trying to lean against it to stop a 30t aircraft.
Forward pax door still open when it started moving.

G-FBEK arrived at Norwich earlier this afternoon from Exeter in Great Dane livery
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/88573897@N03/, on Flickr
While G-FBEF, EG ,EH ,EI remain at NWI
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/88573897@N03/, on Flickr
Mark

Engines not running - as simple as rolling down a slope with no brakes?

https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/...rdeen-airport/

Fantastic news for the South West in particular i assume Exeter will be the main base , Let’s hope they can re employ everyone ASAP , Doesn’t say when they might start reemploying, hopefully soon

I think you need to take a reality check !

OK they might not be re employing everyone but they will need to employ the bulk of staff surely .

So exactly what would be the point of relaunching it?

Well very few of the airlines which are still solvent are keeping all their staff ... or, in many cases, even "the bulk" of them. The trading environment prevailing now is way worse than that which applied when FlyBe ceased ops. And rival carriers have staked claims on several of FlyBe's more attractive routes. Certain other routes have not attracted interest for a reason.

I (regrettably) suspect that any revived FlyBe 2.0 will be a very limited operation compared with the original. And it has to be doubtful that it will take to the air at all.

But I would dearly love to be proven wrong.

I won't lie, that's absolutely hilarious. Pretty sure H&S will have a thing or two to say about staff actions there too.

Do you still believe in Father Christmas too? If this happens I'll eat my trousers. This is the same crowd that are trying to prove their "credentials" to get hold of Virgin Australia.

This reminds me of when Air Europe, for whom I used to work, went bust. There was a stream of dubious characters and enterprises through the door, all promising a restart. I don’t need to tell you what (didn’t) happen.