Flybe confirms Gatwick slots sale talks

LOW cost airline Flybe – which has its main base at Manchester Airport – has confirmed it is in talks to sell its runway slots at Gatwick, which could fetch up to £20m for the cash strapped airline.

Yesterday the Sunday Times reported that Flybe is in talks with Easyjet to buy the 25 pairs of slots, a move that would allow its rival to expand quickly at London’s second airport.

In response, Flybe this morning confirmed to the stock market that it is in discussions with “a number of parties”.

The statement said: “The board announces that it is in discussions with a number of parties which may or may not lead to a transaction regarding the exchange for compensation payment of the Arrival and Departure Slots at Gatwick Airport.

“Discussions are on-going and there can be no certainty as to whether any transaction will be forthcoming.”