FLYBE, the former Jersey European owned by the Walker Family Trust, has ordered 17 Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft configured with 78 seats.
The airline currently has four of the aircraft and is said to be delighted with them.
Four Q400s will be accepted in 2003 with the first arriving in June. Eight Q400s will follow in 2004; two in 2005 and three in 2006.
It is planned that London City Airport will be among the first new destinations for the new aircraft.
There is an option for a further 20 aircraft.
The airline will trade in three Q200s and four Q300s.
It has disposed of its four CRJs to Air Sahara.
Over the past 12 months, FlyBE has repositioned itself as leading low fare regional airline, serving 17 regional airports in the UK and, from this summer, 20 international destinations.
http://www.flybe.com