Flybe 'focusing on business travellers'

Regional airline Flybe has invested some £2 million over the last year in services to attract business class passengers, according to reports.

The carrier has introduced a number of incentives ordinarily associated with premium airlines, such as its loyalty reward scheme.

Flybe is also focusing on the potential of technology and the efficiency of its ground services at a time when economic constraints are leading to cutbacks in other areas of the aviation industry, reports Business Traveller magazine.

It is not only the airline's business class passengers that are the focus of attention, however, as Flybe has opened eight lounges in the past year for its economy plus customers, the newest of which is at Newcastle Airport.

Marketing director Simon Lilley said: "Companies know that, when we encounter difficult times, it is not always about stopping travel. It's more about being smart with travel choices and continuing to get out there to find new business."

Flybe provides a number of facilities to make flying easier for regular travellers, including online check-in and self-service kiosks at airports, with mobile check-in set to be launched soon.

The carrier offers flights from the UK to destinations including Paris, Faro and Malaga.

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