The European Commission has approved the sale of Flybe to the newly-formed Connect Airways, which includes Virgin, Stobart Group, Cyrus Capital, earlier this year.

Mark Anderson, chief executive of Connect Airways, has unveiled the airline’s new name — Virgin Connect. The airline said it marked the beginning of Flybe’s journey into the future as part of the extended Virgin family. An overall rebrand is scheduled to be completed next year.

“We will remain true to our heritage”

Anderson said: “We are hugely excited by this milestone in our airline’s 40-year history. We will remain true to our heritage and reason for being, which is offering essential regional connectivity to local communities. At its heart, Virgin Connect will be passionately focused on becoming Europe’s most loved and successful regional airline.

“It will offer travel that is simple and convenient with a personal touch. Our customers will naturally expect the same exceptional travel experience as they do with other Virgin-related brands. Whatever their reason for flying, we want our customers to feel loved and know we will always put their needs first in every decision we make,” he added.