Five Hundred Jobs Under Threat At Flybe

11 November 2013, 08:57 | Updated: 11 November 2013, 08:58

The new Chief Executive is announcing cost cutting measures at the struggling regional airline.

Plans to axe five hundred jobs at the Exeter based airline have been announced.

New Chief Executive Saad Hammad says he will also review unprofitable routes and bases and improve aircraft and crew utilisation.

The measures are expected to save the airline £26 million.

The British Airline Pilots' Association (Balpa) said it was shocked by the announcement and called on the Government to play its part by reducing the impact of Air Passenger Duty. 

Balpa general secretary Jim McAuslan, said "This is a distressing day for the dedicated pilots who loyally serve Flybe and its passengers day in, day out and we will be supporting them throughout this difficult redundancy process.

"Pilots are working with Flybe to secure the future of the airline, which is vital to connecting the country and driving growth and prosperity outside of London.''

Unite union national officer Oliver Richardson said "Cabin crew have already been through one major reorganisation at Flybe only recently and they will be angry that once again they are on the front line of more cuts. 

"This is clearly a very difficult time and Unite will be doing everything possible to provide support to the workforce."