Flybe's Chairman and Chief Executive has praised his airlines integration with BA Connect, describing it as a remarkable achievement in a short time-scale.

Jim French says the Isle of Man routes "are very important to us" and he says he is delighted to see " our service go from strength to strength. Being the largest airline on the island gives us an insight into the local economy," he says, " and also how important aviation is for the leisure and business population"

Mr French's comments come on the back of record results, with a 17%
increase in turnover to ?355 millions, and a pre tax profit overall of 15.6 millions.

However there has been disquiet on the Island over problems with Flybe flights, delays and cancellations and other logistic hiccups.
Jim French came to the Island a month ago to discuss the situation with the Council of Ministers and offer assurances that glitches would be ironed out.

Flybe has just relaunched the Luton service, a route described by Airport Director Ann Reynolds as a very important gateway into North London for Manx people.