Low-cost airline Flybe is buying 20 new aircraft to double its fleet.
The Exeter-based carrier has signed a deal with Bombardier Aerospace for the 20 Q400-78 planes over the next four years.
It will boost the fleet to 41 and allow continued expansion of its operations, said Jim French, Flybe’s managing director.
“The new aircraft will help drive us forward, and cement our position as one of Europe’s leading low cost airlines. The Q400 is one of the world’s quietest passenger aircraft and is very fuel-efficient,” he said.
Flybe, which says it is superior to most budget airlines because it provides pre-assigned seats with “lots of leg room”, runs services from a wide range of UK regional airports to the Continent, including destinations in France and Spain.
It bought 17 Q400s last year and Mr French said continued demand had convinced the airline that more were needed.
