Administrators for UK regional carrier Flybe are seeking a temporary operating licence for the company, to provide a window for potential rescue.
Flybe filed for administration on 27 January and the administrators have undertaken not to take bookings or conduct any aircraft operation that requires a valid licence and air operator’s certificate.
But they applied for a temporary operating licence on 28 January, under retained European Union law, according the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Following their appointment the administrators disclosed that they would preserve scaled-back elements of the Flybe operation, at least for a short period.
FlightGlobal understands that this is part of a strategy intended to facilitate a rescue transaction should this emerge as a possibility, and interest has been expressed in the businesses from international carriers.
Flybe had been operating a fleet of De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400s, primarily on UK domestic routes, before its collapse some nine months after starting services.
There is no immediate indication whether external interest in Flybe centres on the airline operation or the slots it held at London Heathrow.
FlightGlobal understands that the slots are considered among the company’s assets and will be sold only as part of the business, and not be made available for a separate purchase.
