Flybe has admitted that it is in talks with other airlines about selling its slots at Gatwick.
The regional airline did not confirm which carriers it was negotiating with. But a report in The Sunday Times yesterday (May 12) claimed that Easyjet was one of the airlines involved in the discussions.
Flybe, which has been forced to issue a succession of profit warnings over the last year, has 25 slots at the Sussex airport. The regional carrier is currently restructuring its struggling UK operation including the loss of 300 jobs.
Flybe said in a statement today: “Flybe notes the recent speculation in the press. The board announces that it is in discussions with a number of parties which may or may not lead to a transaction regarding the exchange for compensation payment of the arrival and departure slots at Gatwick airport.
“Discussions are on-going and there can be no certainty as to whether any transaction will be forthcoming. A further announcement will be made as soon as appropriate.”
Reports have suggested that Flybe could net up to £20 million for its Gatwick slots, even though the airport has spare capacity of 25 per cent.
Flybe currently uses its Gatwick slots for domestic services to Belfast City, Guernsey, Jersey, Inverness, Isle of Man, Newcastle and Newquay, although it also flies to the French city of Bergerac. All the flights times are between 08.30 and 20.10.
flybe.com