FlyBe - Can Regional Be Too Regional

It’s tough being a regional airline in the UK as BmiRegional, and others will confirm; or at least would do if they were still in business. Speculation continues around FlyBe and their long-term survival as the first quarter of any year presents the usual challenges of soft demand and increased operational cost. In the case of FlyBe there appear to be a number of factors all conspiring at once against the airline; some would appear strategic, others tactical and some just completely outside of their control.

Are FlyBe Too Regional - regional can be good; a closeness to customers, brand loyalty, minimal direct competition and a perception that high air fares are paid by all. The reality can be quite different; network fragmentation, numerous crew bases, high operational exposure and ultimately quite small catchment areas.

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