Flybe to Open First European Base

Flybe, Europe's largest regional airline, has announced plans to open its first European crew base on 1st February 2017, having secured an agreement with Dusseldorf Airport.

Germany is becoming an increasingly important market for Flybe, which now offers six routes to Dusseldorf. In preparation for the opening of the new base, Flybe has recently embarked on a high profile recruitment drive for more than 60 pilots and cabin crew, together with identifying and sourcing a complement of engineering support for the two 78-seat Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft. These aircraft currently serve Dusseldorf with UK-based crew.

In readiness for the start of operations at the beginning of February 2017, the first crew have already been recruited and will start training at the airline's Training Academy in Exeter in early January. Flybe is also using the opportunity to widen its recruitment net in continental Europe beyond Germany.