Flybe's Bombardiers could be augmented by larger aircraft

Flybe has grown rapidly since switching its brand from British European in July 2002, but is still smaller than rivals Easyjet and Ryanair.

Flybe spent �267m on 20 aircraft from Canada's Bombardier in January.

The carrier is owned by a private trust belonging to the family of the late Jack Walker, a steel tycoon.

European ambitions

Flybe now has 99 routes, using 40 airports, spanning seven countries.

Unlike Easyjet and Ryanair, eight out of 10 Flybe flights are domestic, but now it plans to expand more aggressively in Europe.

The company has said it is considering buying up to 12 larger airliners.

According to a Reuters report, Flybe is finalising a �552m ($1bn) order for new aircraft.

Flybe itself will not comment on which manufacturer it might choose or how much it might cost, although it retains an option on another 20 Bombardier aircraft.