Flybe, which claims to be Europe’s largest regional airline, has announced that after an extensive tendering process it has agreed a new retail onboard partnership with Newrest.

 

The new five-year, multi-million pound contract to provide its in-flight catering and retail services with effect from 1 July, 2015 will see Newrest provide a full end-to-end retail solution across the Flybe network. This will include stock purchase, inventory management, packing, logistics, menu and retail development.

Newrest says it is a global leader in multi-sector catering, with a presence in 49 countries, employing over 28,000 employees and with 2014 revenues under management of almost €1.4bn (US$1.5bn).

 

Paul Simmons, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Newrest’s UK in-flight division has been servicing our aircraft at London City since we started operating out of the airport last year.

 

“We have been impressed with the innovative and efficient service they have provided to us there. This, coupled with Newrest’s increasing regional presence with an improved distribution model means that we can be assured of efficient UK coverage across all Flybe bases.

 

Adds Peter Berkeley, Newrest UK: “Our newly established infrastructure allows us to reach 14 UK airports with a robust and consistent operation. We have worked closely with Flybe to create a solution that provides significant savings both in terms of wastage and hard equipment.”