The airline Flybe has told the Isle of Man "it understands the important contribution that the BAConnect base maintenance facility makes to the Isle of Man economy"

It follows the announcement that BAConnect is to be sold to Flybe.

Flybe has offered its long term commitment to providing air services from the Isle of Man to London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham. It has also announced its intention to introduce a number of new routes, the details of which will be provided once the acquisition is completed.

It goes on to say " Flybe understands the important contribution that the BA Connect base maintenance facility makes to the Isle of Man economy. Flybe’s Aviation Services activities are headquartered at a new ?14m facility in Exeter. Post acquisition, Flybe will look to provide both transitional work on the Embraer Jet fleet and new Aviation Service work for the Isle of Man facility. Flybe will work closely with the workforce and the Isle of Man Government to deliver these options".

The statement from Flybe says the proposed acquisition will create an enlarged business with over ?600m in revenues and carrying nearly 10 million passengers. The business will be operated in line with the successful Flybe business model concentrating on short haul domestic and European major city markets.

Jim French, Chairman and Chief Executive of Flybe, says “We are committed to providing high frequency, high quality air services to the Isle of Man. We move 70% of the traffic that enters or leaves Jersey and Guernsey and have served these markets for over 20 years – we therefore understand the important lifeline links that air services provide to Island communities. Flybe will grow and maintain the services to London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham and will announce a number of new routes upon the completion of the acquisition.