Ulster Unionist Party Leader Steve Aiken OBE MLA has welcomed the rescue deal which will ensure that Flybe can keep operating.
Steve Aiken OBE MLA said:
“Flybe is absolutely vital to the George Best Belfast City Airport, and its routes are crucial for Northern Ireland‘s connectivity to cities and regions on the UK Mainland.
“If Flybe had ceased trading it would have been a huge blow to thousands of local travellers and brought the loss of hundreds of local jobs, so tonight’s news that a deal has been reached between the airline, investors and the Government will be greeted with relief right across the United Kingdom.
“I welcome the Government’s recognition of the importance of UK connectivity and particularly the Government’s plans to review the amount of Air Passenger Duty (APD) levied on internal UK flights.
“The Ulster Unionist Party has been lobbying for the abolition of APD for many years and if the Government were to end it throughout the UK, it would be a major boost to local airports and travellers.“