Alex comments on Flybe collapse

Responding to the news of Flybe’s collapse, Alex said:

This is terrible news and my thoughts are with the employees of Flybe, as well as those holiday makers who had booked with the company.

I was deeply disappointed that the Aviation Minister this morning refused to back the Tees Valley Mayor’s guarantee that all flights from Teesside would operate as normal despite my plea to her in the Commons to do so.

Whilst I welcome the announcement from the Tees Valley Mayor that Eastern Airways flights from Teesside Airport will continue to go ahead, and that the airline is seeking to set-up booking systems separate from Flybe’s – I would have been happier if the government had  backed his guarantees.

I also raised the issue of Stobart, a partner in the failure of Flybe, who the Mayor depends on to run the airport which has seen losses increase under their management.  I would therefore also like guarantees from the Mayor that the collapse of Flybe will not adversely affect Stobart and that he remains confident they can succeed at Teesside despite failing with Flybe.