Flybe: CEO Mark Anderson's full administration email to regional airline's employees

It is the largest regional airline in the UK and accounts for 95 per cent of the passengers who use Southampton Airport.

The administration will affect at least 100 staff at Southampton Airport and en estimated 2,000 across the country.

Below you can read the full email Mr Anderson sent to Flybe staff announcing the firm was to go into administration.

The message in full

‘Dear team,

‘It’s with enormous sadness and a deep feeling of sorrow that I share the upsetting news that Flybe is shortly being put into administration.

‘Despite every effort, we now have no alternative – having failed to find a feasible solution to allow us to keep trading.

‘I expect Ernst & Young (EY) to be appointed as administrators and once official they will be in contact to explain the situation and next steps.

‘I do appreciate how distressing this news is and the shock and numbness that you will be feeling.

‘Despite your hard work, commitment and some amazing results which we have delivered, and have been achieving up to the last day of operation – particularly for our customers who depend on us across the country, we have come to the end of the road.

‘While our shareholders and the leadership team have worked with the government and key suppliers to try to get the funding and support needed, this has not materialised.

‘The coronavirus has impacted both our shareholders and ourselves and has put additional pressure on an already difficult situation.

‘I am very sorry that we have not been able to secure the funding needed to continue to deliver our turnaround plan.

‘Although I have only had the honour of being your CEO for 8 months, it’s been an incredible privilege to lead such an amazing team of people and the Flybe family.

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‘I could not have asked for more – your unwavering commitment, support and resilience to deliver for our customers has been truly inspiring.

‘I am just so sorry that we have not been able to see this through. I feel so proud of you and want to take this opportunity to thank you and wish you the very best for the future. Mark.’

Passengers told not to try and travel

All Flybe’s flights across the country have been cancelled as a result of the administration, with passengers urged not to go to airports.

Southampton Airport said it now faces a ‘tough day’ in light of the news, which has resulted in more than a dozen cancellations before midday.