PSD waives higher charge to Flybe for its 'heavier' jets

FLYBE will avoid £160,000 in airport fees after the Public Services political board decided not to charge more for its heavier jet aircraft, it has been confirmed.

The new E175 jets weigh six tonnes more than the old Q400 planes.

Airport director Colin Le Ray explained that airport charges were based on aircraft weight (a fixed charge) and the number of passengers each flight carried (a variable charge).

'In this case PSD has recently considered and approved a discount on the fixed element, such that the heavier cost of operating the E175 is partly subsidised, and the airline will not pay any more than the equivalent charge of operating the lighter Q400,' he said.

'This is an arrangement previously applied some years ago, when the 146 jet replaced the F27 turboprop, then operated by Air UK.