Flybe is Rebranded into Virgin Connect from 2020 | Flight-delayed.co.uk
Monday, October 21, 2019
Important! As of 05/03/2020, Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, has gone into administration and has stopped all operations. This may mean that all claims against the airline will not be acknowledged.
Last week it was announced that Flybe and all its 75 aircraft will be rebranded into Virgin Connect. Essentially, from 2020 onwards, passengers will be seeing an increasing number of Virgin Connect aeroplanes whilst Flybe liveries will be phased out.
Virgin Connect aims to take over the established Flybe operations and expand the airlines’ regional routes. Virgin Connect will fall under the corporate structure of Connect Airways. The company is partnered with Cyrus Capital Partners, Virgin Atlantic and Stobart Group.
What will change when Flybe is rebranded to Virgin Connect?
When Flybe will be officially rebranded to Virgin Connect in 2020, the most visible change will occur in the livery of the aircraft. Traditionally, the livery of the Flybe aeroplanes used to feature blue, purple and white colours. With the rebranding, the livery will change to the typical red found on all Virgin Group aircraft.
Additionally, there is now a new website for the Virgin Connect airline. However, according to official sources, the Flybe website will remain online and customers will be able to book flights for the newly rebranded airline.
What can I expect from the Flybe to Virgin Connect rebranding?
Flybe’s fleet consists of 76 aircraft. Of which, all will be repainted to adapt to the new air carrier. The airline will continue operating from smaller airports such as London City, Southampton, Aberdeen and Newquay under the name Virgin Connect. The rebranded aeroplanes will operate all the routes that Flybe formerly had.
FAQs concerning the rebranding of Flybe into Virgin Connect
Still not sure what this actually means and how it might affect you if you’re a Flybe frequent flyer? We’ve compiled a list with the most popular FAQs concerning the rebranding of Flybe into Virgin Connect.
Will my flight with booking with Flybe be affected?
The airline has assured passengers that all flights are to operate as normal and are planned to do so for the foreseeable future. This would mean that no flight cancellations will take place.
If you are looking to book new flights with Flybe/Virgin Connect and you are unsure where to book your flights, then we recommend booking flights as per usual, through the Flybe website.
Virgin connect rebranding: Are my passenger rights still protected?
Yes! Your passenger rights are still protected under Regulation EC No 261/2004. The Virgin Group, of which Virgin Connect is a part, is based in the UK. This means that there will be no changes to your passenger rights as the regulation applies to all EU member states.
If you want to know more about the regulation and how it protects your rights as a passenger, the click here. Furthermore, you can read on regarding how Brexit may change the rights that you have as a passenger.
Delayed or cancelled Flybe flight: when am I entitled to compensation?
If your flight with Flybe has been delayed, cancelled or overbooked, your rights are protected by EC 261/2004. Simply put, in case of long delays (3+ hours) and cancellations, the regulation states that you should be compensated for the time that you’ve lost due to the disruption. If you’ve been bumped off your flight through no fault of your own, primordially because your flight has been overbooked, then you are also entitled to be compensated.
How much compensation can I claim for my disrupted Flybe flight?
If your flight qualifies, the amount you will receive in compensation will depend on the distance covered by your flight. Because Flybe is a regional airline, most of its flights will grant you either 250 or 400 euros. If you were to be on a flight that would cover a distance greater than 3,500 km, then you would be entitled to 600 euros. Here is how the regulation defines it:
- For all flights covering a distance of up to 1,500 kilometres, you will receive up to €250.00
- For all flights covering a distance between 1,500 kilometres and 3,500 kilometres, you will receive up to €400.00
- For flights covering a distance greater than 3,500 kilometres, you are entitled to up to €600.00
Am I entitled to other things apart from compensation if my Flybe flight is delayed or cancelled?
The airline should provide you with proper care in the event of a long delay or flight cancellation. This may include the following:
- Meals and refreshments
- Two different occasions in which you are allowed to establish communication with an individual of your choice (calls, emails, etc.)
- Hotel accommodations if necessary (one or more nights) and transport from the airport to the establishment.
If you have acquired additional expenses because you did not receive the corresponding assistance and/or care, you have the right to be reimbursed. Remember to keep your itemised invoices and receipts. The request for reimbursement may also be attached to your claim for compensation.
Flybe didn't reply to your request or already rejected your claim? We can help you!
Very often, airlines will reject claims without providing sufficient information. Do not despair, you can still submit your claim with Flight-Delayed and send us the airline’s reply. We will corroborate the information and proceed accordingly. Don’t hesitate, exercise your rights!
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