Tuesday 28 May 2019 12:35 pm | Updated: Tuesday 18 June 2019 2:17 am

Flybe boss to step down after airline’s sale to Connect Airways

The boss of Flybe has announced she will step down in mid-July following the sale of the ailing airline to a consortium led by Virgin.

Christine Ourmières-Widener will stand down as chief executive on 15 July following Flybe's sale to Connect Airways, which is led by Virgin Atlantic, Stobart Air and hedge fund Cyrus Capital.

The struggling airline completed the sale of its assets and operations to Connect Airways back in February for £2.8m.

Ourmières- Widener said: “It has been a privilege to lead Flybe over the past two years and to work with such an outstanding and dedicated team of professionals.

“Together, we have been able to secure the jobs of our loyal Flybe employees with the sale to Connect Airways and provide our customers and the UK with the vital transport and travel infrastructure they rely on, while preparing Flybe for a bright future under its new ownership.”

Flybe said it hopes to announce Ourmières- Widener's replacement before 15 July to ensure a "smooth handover".

In March, shareholders in the regional airline voted to approve its sale to Connect Airways for just 1p a share.

EU regulators are currently reviewing the sale and are expected to make a decision on whether the sale can go ahead later this month.