Honiton Chamber respond to 'demise of Flybe'

The announcement that Flybe has entered administration sent shock waves across East Devon, with many Honiton residents affected by the news.

While we are already hearing stories from individuals who worked for the company, or had flights booked, but local businesses operating in the Honiton area also look set to suffer.

Tony McCollum, Honiton and District Chamber Of Commerce and Industry, said: "Since Plymouth airport closed in 2011 Exeter has been a most important transport hub in Devon and the South West.

"Not only as an ideal place for incoming and departing tourists but also as a gateway for many of the local businessmen in our area and nationwide.

"With rail fare becoming ever more expensive and unreliable, businesses have used Flybe's internal connection network for meetings from north to south and from mainland to islands.

"The Chamber regrets the demise of Flybe and are aware that there may well be a long-term detrimental influence on decision making regarding locating and development of new and existing businesses. 

"The Flybe base employed and trained many staff and we hope that through the process of administration these people's welfare will be uppermost in every consideration as to the future outcome.

"In conclusion, I would say that Exeter Airport is an excellent facility and will remain so.

"It is a modern hub with excellent facilities for training and maintenance and I feel sure that many, if not all, of the routes used by Flybe from Exeter will eventually be under the franchise of one or more competitive airlines.

"I would also appeal to central government that when considering their continued spending of billions on HS2 to bring northern city travellers to London one hour faster; that they also acknowledge Exeter Airport connects Devon and Cornwall and parts of Somerset and Dorset with the rest of the UK and Europe.

"Regional development, business development and housing growth may well depend on their response and support."