Flybe will utilize its fleet of Bombardier Q400 aircraft to siginificantly boost connectivity between Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, Inverness, Exeter and the heart of London.

“Flybe is a valued, long-time Bombardier customer and today marks a significant landmark in the growth of the airline as it inaugurates its much-anticipated re-entry at London City Airport, said Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President, Sales, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Earlier this year we entered into a strategic agreement designed to operationally enhance Flybe’s fleet, and now — with the airline’s recent third-party acquisition of an additional 24 aircraft that will increase its fleet to 59 — Flybe will become the largest operator of Q400 turboprops in the world. We are pleased that Flybe continues to show its long-term commitment to the Q400 aircraft and excited by the airline’s future prospects.”

“From today, purple Flybe Q400 aircraft will be a regular feature in the skies above the City of London as we begin daily services with six aircraft into/from London City Airport.   This can only benefit our profile and reach over the longer term as knowledge of Flybe’s role in connecting the UK regions and Ireland with London becomes more widespread. Our new London City routes provide direct links for customers in the regions to the heart of London’s financial district,” added Saad Hammad, Chief Executive Officer, Flybe.

With the introduction of the Q400 aircraft, Bombardier invented the modern turboprop and it is ideally suited for operations at London City Airport. It is one of the world’s most technologically advanced and community-friendly aircraft, with environmental credentials that allow it to service some of the most noise-sensitive airports across the globe. In addition, the Q400 aircraft’s ability to operate on short runways and its jet-like climb make it suitable for operation in heavily populated, urban environments such as London City Airport.