Flybe, Europe’s largest regional low-cost airline, today announces the launch of ‘The Kevin Keegan’, a specially branded Q400 aircraft named in honour of the Newcastle United manager.
The aircraft was unveiled today by Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Newcastle born Chief Commercial Officer, at a special ceremony attended by Kevin Keegan himself and members of his family.
The Magpie’s manager, on his third term at the Tyneside club after a successful playing career in the early 80’s and five years as manager in the 90’s, has been honoured for his outstanding service to Newcastle United, his contribution to football, and his iconic status to the people of Tyneside. The plane naming also reflects Flybe’s ongoing commitment to the city of Newcastle.
Speaking at the event, Kevin Keegan said: “I’m genuinely touched that Flybe have named one of their aircraft after me. I saw the George Best and Matt Le Tissier plane namings in the paper but I never thought that I’d be having one named after me. Now that I have, I’m delighted and honoured to be joining this exclusive group.
“Newcastle is such an important place to me; the club, the fans and the city have all given me so much so I am thrilled that Flybe are giving something back to them with this unique aircraft that many a Geordie will be able to fly on over the years.”
Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer, added: “With our services from Newcastle International Airport and work in the community, we felt drawn to make our own special contribution to one of this country’s sporting heroes and an icon to the people of Newcastle.
“Dedicating an aircraft seemed the most appropriate tribute and from today ‘The Kevin Keegan’ will be in active service on the Newcastle to London Gatwick route and as part of the Flybe network throughout the UK and Europe.”
‘The Kevin Keegan’ is a Bombardier Q400 aircraft and has the registration ‘KKEV’. The Q400 is one the world’s most environmentally-sensitive passenger aircraft available, offering 30% improvement in fuel efficiency over many other short haul aircraft, and is the backbone of Flybe’s fleet.
As an airline serving the UK regions and with a huge investment in football and the communities in which it serves, Flybe is proud of the initiatives that it supports throughout the UK, Ireland and continental Europe. Flybe is committed to serving Newcastle and steadily growing its services to UK and European destinations.
Flybe currently offers flights to Aberdeen, Belfast, Brussels, Cardiff, Exeter, Jersey, Limoges, London Gatwick, Rennes and Southampton. For more information visit www.flybe.com
ENDS
For further press information, photography or to arrange an interview, please contact the Flybe press office:
T: 0845 675 0681
E: pressoffice@flybe.com
About Flybe
· Flybe is Europe's largest regional airline with 170 routes, operating from a total of 54 departure points including 24 UK and 30 European airports
· Flybe recently won Flight International’s “Best Management Team 2007” award, “Best Airline Website in the UK” at Wanderlust Magazine’s 2007 Travel Awards and “Business Achievement Award” at the Franco-British Business Awards 2007
· Flybe is the largest scheduled airline at Birmingham, Exeter, Manchester, Southampton, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Norwich and Belfast City
· Flybe launched the aviation industry’s first ever eco labelling scheme in June 07
· Flybe offers the UK’s first low cost customer loyalty scheme open to all passengers rewards4all
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