Low-cost airline Flybe has reported an “encouraging” start to the year, in line with management expectations. In a statement, the company said that the trading performance, which saw a 9.5% increase in passenger revenue, showed the benefit of its “disciplined approach” across four focus areas: capacity, revenue, costs and organisation.

Saad Hammad, CEO, said: "Flybe's momentum continues, with an encouraging start to the year. Our focus and discipline is delivering the operational improvement in the underlying business that we demand and which is required to drive our future profitability and shareholder returns."

"We have launched a number of new routes and products, re-launched our brand and announced a number of exciting strategic developments with new partners.  We have achieved a significant amount in the quarter, with substantially more to do in the months ahead.

"Our plans to address the few remaining legacy issues in the business, especially the grounded E195 aircraft and the loss making scheduled flying business in Finland, are progressing and I look forward to providing further updates in due course."