Extinction Rebellion targets Flybe

Environmental group is against bailout

Flybe's Exeter HQ has been targeted by Extinction Rebellion, the global protest group that wants more done to protect the environment.

Dozens of people dressed in runway controllers outfits descended on the offices, next to Exeter Airport, on Tuesday. They're cross that the government has allowed the airline to defer tax it owes in order to stay in business. 

Click on the image to watch a short report.

Ahead of  the protest Flybe said it pro-actively and positively engaged with the group’s organisers. "Regional aviation is important for the UK’s socio-economic environment, providing essential connectivity where alternative modes of transport are often impractical and inconvenient. Notwithstanding, caring for and protecting the environment for future generations is a cause we all identify with on an individual, company and industry-wide basis.

During the meeting, Flybe senior management outlined to Extinction Rebellion Flybe’s environmental credentials and its approach to sustainability.  Flybe is the world’s largest operator of the De Havilland Dash 8-400, which is amongst the most environmentally efficient passenger aircraft available; and it has almost completed the removal of eight of its less efficient regional jet aircraft from the fleet. In 2007, it was the first airline to launch an eco-label for the aircraft in its fleet.

As a member of the UK Sustainable Aviation coalition, Flybe is fully committed to cutting aviation net carbon emissions to zero by 2050 in line with UK Government targets. This will be achieved through a number of measures including smarter flight operations, new aircraft and engine technology, modernising UK airspace, the use of sustainable aviation fuels, and high-quality market-based policy measures."