Cuts likely as Virgin shapes Flybe-Stobart combination

Virgin Atlantic-backed Connect Airways aims to concentrate on simplifying Flybe’s core network and improving performance following its acquisition of the UK regional carrier. But Connect Airways’ parties have warned that job losses are “likely” as a result of Flybe’s planned combination with Stobart Air.Completion of Connect Airways’ acquisition of Flybe is expected in the second quarter of this year.Connect Airways intends that Flybe will continue acting as an independent operating carrier, with a separate UK air operator’s certificate, under the Virgin Atlantic brand.