With Connect Airways taking the helm of FlyBe after the take over earlier this year, the next stage comes along – with the airline to be re-branded as Virgin Connect
Well, the name isn’t surprising at at all.
Flybe currently has a fleet, primarily made up of the de Havilland Dash 8 Q400 and supported by Embraer E-175, E195 and ATR72-600 aircraft. These currently operate regional flights on domestic and European services.
However, the airline does have problems – with Virgin Connect acknowledging they will be “Providing great customer experience is at the core of Virgin Connect’s DNA and will be one of the many ways in which we will differentiate ourselves in the regional market upon rebranding next year.”
We can but hope.
In quotes
On the re-branding launch, Connect Airways CEO, Mark Anderson said:
“We are hugely excited by this milestone in our airline’s 40-year history. We will remain true to our heritage and reason for being, which is offering essential regional connectivity to local communities.
“At its heart, Virgin Connect will be passionately focused on becoming Europe’s most loved and successful regional airline. It will offer travel that is simple and convenient with the personal touch. Our customers will naturally expect the same exceptional travel experience as they do with other Virgin-related brands. Whatever their reason for flying, we want our customers to feel loved and know we will always put their needs first in every decision we take.
“As part of the Virgin family, we now have a tremendously re-energised team. From here on in, we invite our customers, partners and the communities we serve to join us on every step of this exciting journey!”
Bye bye Purple
With a re-brand like this, it’s time to say goodbye to the FlyBe Purple that has bee in different variants over the years (and they still haven’t got round to painting the fleet in the new
Flybe Dash 8 in the “older” livery – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
Flybe Dash 8 in their last livery – Image, FlyBe.
Red will come for the tails – although expect it as the last part of the re-brand as they work through their website and other resources .
But for now, you’ll still be booking with Flybe for tickets.
And one can hope the passenger experience improves once the Virgin name is applied.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, with in-depth coverage, unique research as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.
Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can also follow me on Instagram too!
Also remember that as well as being part of BoardingArea, we’re also part of BoardingArea.eu, delivering frequent flyer news, miles and points to the European reader.