The new Flybe Ltd’s first De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 turboprop aircraft landed at Birmingham Airport. Assisted by the global leader in regional aircraft leasing, Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC). T
The aircraft will be one of twelve on lease from NAC, with these NAC planes being some of the first to join Flybe’s planned fleet of thirty-two Dash 8-400 aircraft.
Established in April 2021, Flybe Ltd is one of Britain’s newest airlines, and it intends to operate throughout the UK and EU with operations scheduled to begin in early 2022. Flybe’s launch is expected to play a crucial role in creating valuable jobs, connecting communities, and helping restart local economies across the UK and Europe.
Flybe’s first Dash is a Q400 turboprop, currently registered G-JECX and formerly operated by the original Flybe which was based at Exeter Airport. The new Flybe is based at Birmingham Airport.
Dave Pflieger, CEO of Flybe Ltd, said: “We are extremely pleased to be partnering with NAC to take delivery of our first De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400. This is an exciting time for our team and our new airline, and we look forward to working with both NAC and De Havilland Canada as we launch and grow our fleet with more of these incredibly fast turboprop planes that are more eco-friendly than regional jets.”
President of Nordic Aviation Capital, Norman Liu, said: “We are excited to be partnering with Flybe Ltd to help them as they create a strong new company that will build on a very respected and well-known brand.
We look forward to seeing them grow and connect communities and regions across the UK and EU.” The news comes on the heels of the opening of the new company headquarters and first new crew base at Birmingham Airport.
Pflieger added: “Flybe’s entire fleet will be comprised of Dash 8-400 aircraft because it is an extremely fast turboprop-powered aircraft that can complete short journeys almost as quickly as a regional jet, but with lower CO2 emissions.” “De Havilland Canada is delighted to welcome the new Flybe Ltd to the Dash 8-400 family of operators, and to see the return of highly efficient regional air service to the communities it will serve,” said Philippe Poutissou, Vice President Sales and Marketing, De Haviland Aircraft of Canada Limited. “The Dash 8-400 aircraft’s attributes – including its low carbon and noise footprints, excellent passenger amenities and operational versatility - will be invaluable as Flybe Ltd builds its network to connect communities across the UK and the region.”
