Former Confederation of British Industry director general and trade and investment minister Lord Digby Jones has joined Flybe as a non-executive director.
Lord Jones is a business ambassador at UK Trade & Investment and chairman of the British Airways International Business Advisory Board as well as holding a range of other roles.
Flybe chairman and chief executive Jim French described Lord Jones as a “true champion” of British industry and business.
He added: “Flybe, as Europe’s largest regional airline, is now firmly established as one of the UK’s leading aviation groups and, as we seek to establish our own clear positions across vital and pressing industry policy initiatives, we will benefit hugely from Digby’s insight and counsel.”
Lord Jones said: “I am extremely excited to be joining Flybe, one of the UK’s outstanding business success stories which, in just a decade, has become Europe’s largest regional airline.
“As well as a successful airline, Flybe is also an outstanding example of what can be done by business to improve the quality of training for the next generation: Flybe’s Training Academy, apprenticeship scheme and work with Exeter College and Exeter University are equipping young people with valuable skills and attracting the brightest and best from around the country.
“This is a vital contribution to skilling the UK to meet the challenges of a globalised economy.
“Flybe, for me, embodies the best of British business and I am greatly looking forward to working with my new colleagues.”