Dave Pflieger has been appointed as chief executive of the new Flybe Limited, as the reborn regional carrier prepares to start operations.
The original Flybe collapsed in March 2020 despite a cash injection of more than £135 million over the previous 14 months.
In April 2021, the collapsed carrier’s assets and business were sold to a new company affiliated to investment adviser Cyrus Capital.
The new business, previously known as Thyme Opco, was renamed Flybe Limited and had initially planned to start flying in summer 2021.
When asked when operations will start, a spokesperson said “an announcement will be made in due course”.
Pflieger has been a senior executive or chief executive at seven other airlines.
In addition to senior roles at Delta Air Lines, Song, Virgin America, Silver Airways and most recently as chief executive of Ravn Air Group, the largest regional airline in Alaska, he also led the turnaround and rebranding of Fiji Airways.
Kevin Hatton, Flybe chairman, said: “We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Dave’s skills and track record of success leading our new airline as it gets ready to start operations and serve key regions in the UK and EU.”
Pflieger added: “The last 12 months have been intensely busy for all of us here, but it has been very rewarding to know that we are soon going to launch a new, better, and stronger company that will build upon a respected and well-known brand, create valuable industry jobs, and once again play a critical role in connecting regions and communities across the UK.”