Flybe evolves into Virgin Connect

Tuesday 15 October 2019

Flybe has officially been rebranded as Virgin Connect as the airline enters a "new era".

The name change marks the first major rebrand in 17 years for the airline, which provides lifeline routes to the mainland for Jersey and Guernsey customers.

In 1979, it took flight as ‘Jersey European’ before becoming ‘British European’ in the millennium.

That name was further shortened to ‘Flybe’ in 2002, as it attempted to reposition itself in the market as a low-cost airline.

Excited to announce that in 2020 we will be joining the #VirginFamily as Virgin Connect, your new go-to name in regional flying

Find out more at https://t.co/gNMNGNUxND pic.twitter.com/cFUDZ2LMS6

— Flybe ✈ (@flybe) October 15, 2019

Connect Airways CEO, Mark Anderson, was joined today by more than 200 Flybe leaders for the long-awaited unveiling of the airline’s new name, as it enters a new era as an independent company under the Virgin brand.

This unveiling, Mr Anderson said, marks the beginning of Flybe’s journey into the future as part of the extended Virgin family with an overall re-brand scheduled to be completed next year.

Pictured: Virgin and Stobart helped bail Flybe out of major financial difficulties earlier in the year. 

Virgin Connect will 'reflect the innovation and entrepreneurship of Virgin’s wider holiday brands, putting its customers at the heart and driving better value'.

Mr 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.” 

Pictured top: The name was announced at a meeting today.