Flybaboo's new majority owner, M1, is in talks to acquire other carriers with a similar independent regional model.

Cook Julian  

"We're just looking at opportunities"
Julian Cook, chief executive, Flybaboo

The Swiss carrier launched in late 2003 and currently operates nine routes from its Geneva hub with two 50-seat Bombardier Dash 8 Q300 turboprops. But, backed by M1, Flybaboo plans to expand organically, by adding larger aircraft and a second base, as well as through potential acquisitions.

The first of at least two new 70-seat M1-owned Q400s will be placed into service in March, while the first of five Embraer 190 jets, also ordered by M1, will be delivered in April 2007. M1, controlled by Lebanon's Mikati family, is establishing a leasing company for regional aircraft to be operated by Flybaboo and potential sister carriers M1 may invest in. M1 also looked earlier this year at buying BMED before the UK carrier was sold to bmi.

"We're just looking at opportunities," Flybaboo chief executive Julian Cook says of the potential acquisitions. "This is in the very early stages."

For more on Flybaboo, read our web interview with Julian Cook at: flightglobal.com/flybaboo


Source: Airline Business

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