Delta Air Lines aims to add Flybe as codeshare partner

What’s next in the codeshare world for Delta Air Lines? Based on recent regulatory filings it appears that adding UK-based regional carrier Flybe should happen soon. A recent DOT application seeks blanket approval for at least two years.

Flybe hereby requests an exemption from 49 U.S.C. 41301 and, to the extent necessary, from any other provisions of Title 49 and the Economic Regulations of the Department of Transportation (“Department”), as well as a statement of authorization pursuant to 14 C.F.R. 212, as follows:

(1) An exemption permitting Flybe to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property and mail between

(i) points in the U.K.;

(ii) points in the European Union; and

(iii) points in the U.K. and points in the European Union, under a codeshare arrangement with any duly authorized U.S. air carrier; and

(2) A blanket statement of authorization permitting Flybe to display the two-letter DL* designator code of Delta on flights operated by Flybe between

(i) points in the U.K.;

(ii) points in the European Union; and

(iii) points in the U.K. and points in the European Union.

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The two carriers note intentions to “implement this codeshare arrangement as soon as all governmental approvals are secured” and are seeking expedited approval, including waiver of the typical 45-day advance filing period. They also stipulate that the regulatory filing represents “a 30-day notice covering new codeshare service for Open Skies points,” which should include all current Flybe routes. Any future, non-Open Skies routes would be subject to a separate 30-day notice period to the Department of Transportation.

Flybe notes that it previously held similar permissions under contracts with United Airlines, Brussels Airlines and US Airways.

The move would allow Delta to take advantage of regional feed that Flybe currently offers to Virgin Atlantic, a carrier where Delta holds a 49% ownership stake and with which cooperation is significant.

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Of course, all of this depends on Flybe remaining in business. The carrier has recently faced significant financial pressures and needed a bailout from the British government in the form of waiving some taxes to help smooth cash flow issues. That drew protests from competitors and seeing this new partnership launch is not likely to erase those objections.