news--2020-01-13--Flybe collapse: The first corporate casualty of coronavirus explained

You can always count on Michael O'Leary , the colourful and often outspoken boss of Ryanair , to give a journalist a strong news line during an interview .
He told Sky News this week that the COVID-19 outbreak would prove the tipping point for several European carriers in the coming weeks .
So it was proved in little more than 24 hours .
Here follows some FAQs on the UK 's latest aviation failure : Flybe is , or perhaps was , the largest independent regional airline in Europe by passenger numbers - eight million annually at its peak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryanair has almost double that number of customers in just a single peak month .
The Exeter-based company mainly served domestic and some European routes but had cut back the number from 189 to 120 routes in the weeks after its so-called bailout in January .
Yes .
And no .
It secured a tax and Air Passenger Duty ( APD ) holiday back in January worth around £10m while its owners agreed , in return , to pump more money in .
But Flybe was n't fixed .
There was sticking plaster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when bookings slumped for the UK 's largest domestic carrier - and its rivals - as alarm rose over the speed of COVID-19 's spread .
It has hit airline and holiday company shares the most to date .
The failure of talks over a government loan , on commercial terms , appears to have been the tipping point .
It had also previously pointed to Brexit uncertainty , weakness in the pound and the effects of an industry price war .
Why was no deal done to save Flybe ?
Sources had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' talks involving Flybe 's parent firm , Connect Airways , and the government were continuing on Wednesday .
Rivals such as Ryanair and IAG , the owner of British Airways , had cried foul on news of the taxman 's APD holiday and ministers were at pains to deny their claims of illegal state aid .
Virgin Atlantic , Stobart Air and Cyrus Capital - the three shareholders in privately-owned Connect Airways - were clearly reluctant as a group to keep chucking money at Flybe 's problems .
The airline 's collapse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workforce , now depend on a new buyer coming forward .
What was the biggest challenge ?
Flybe 's biggest gripe was its deep exposure to airline passenger duty .
A review had been promised in time for the budget next week .
Flybe , as a domestic carrier , saw its customers hit twice for the £13 charge for a return journey as it applies at the UK airport of origin .
What about the government 's plans to boost regional connectivity ?
This could well be the issue that will prove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed .
A review of regional connectivity to bolster transport in the post-Brexit world had already been ordered .
The initial aid for Flybe had proved the catalyst for that work .
The loss of Flybe services only adds to the pressures facing smaller UK airports including Exeter , Southampton and Newquay .
Will we see a repeat of Thomas Cook-style repatriations ?
There is yet to be full details on how customers at destinations will be handled but Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said the government is working with other airlines and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back home .
The number of people affected outside the UK is expected to be relatively small .

You can always count on Michael O'Leary, the colourful and often outspoken boss of Ryanair, to give a journalist a strong news line during an interview.
He told Sky News this week that the COVID-19 outbreak would prove the tipping point for several European carriers in the coming weeks.
So it was proved in little more than 24 hours.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:03 Ryanair boss gives COVID-19 predictions
Image: Jackets and coats left at theFlybe check-in desks at Birmingham International Airport
Here follows some FAQs on the UK's latest aviation failure:
What is Flybe?
Flybe is, or perhaps was, the largest independent regional airline in Europe by passenger numbers - eight million annually at its peak.
That sounds like a lot but Ryanair has almost double that number of customers in just a single peak month.
The Exeter-based company mainly served domestic and some European routes but had cut back the number from 189 to 120 routes in the weeks after its so-called bailout in January.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 Jersey residents stranded by the Flybe collapse explain how important the airline is to the islanders.
Image: Flybe's core operations connected UK regional airports including Manchester, Edinburgh and London City and Exeter
I thought Flybe had been saved?
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Yes. And no.
It secured a tax and Air Passenger Duty (APD) holiday back in January worth around £10m while its owners agreed, in return, to pump more money in.
But Flybe wasn't fixed. There was sticking plaster applied but it began to peel off when bookings slumped for the UK's largest domestic carrier - and its rivals - as alarm rose over the speed of COVID-19's spread.
Image: A Flybe worker in tears
Image: A sign to customers at Manchester Airport
It has hit airline and holiday company shares the most to date.
The failure of talks over a government loan, on commercial terms, appears to have been the tipping point.
It had also previously pointed to Brexit uncertainty, weakness in the pound and the effects of an industry price war.
Why was no deal done to save Flybe?
Sources had told Sky News that "last ditch" talks involving Flybe's parent firm, Connect Airways, and the government were continuing on Wednesday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:47 Ryanair threatens legal action over bailout
Rivals such as Ryanair and IAG, the owner of British Airways, had cried foul on news of the taxman's APD holiday and ministers were at pains to deny their claims of illegal state aid.
Virgin Atlantic, Stobart Air and Cyrus Capital - the three shareholders in privately-owned Connect Airways - were clearly reluctant as a group to keep chucking money at Flybe's problems.
The airline's collapse, and the future for its 2,400-strong workforce, now depend on a new buyer coming forward.
What was the biggest challenge?
Image: Flybe's HQ is based at Exeter Airport in Devon
Flybe's biggest gripe was its deep exposure to airline passenger duty.
A review had been promised in time for the budget next week.
Flybe, as a domestic carrier, saw its customers hit twice for the £13 charge for a return journey as it applies at the UK airport of origin.
Image: A sign at Southampton Airport notifying customers that Flybe flights will not be operating
What about the government's plans to boost regional connectivity?
This could well be the issue that will prove most turbulent for ministers now Flybe has failed.
A review of regional connectivity to bolster transport in the post-Brexit world had already been ordered.
The initial aid for Flybe had proved the catalyst for that work. The loss of Flybe services only adds to the pressures facing smaller UK airports including Exeter, Southampton and Newquay.
Will we see a repeat of Thomas Cook-style repatriations?
Image: Thomas Cook's demise in September 2019 meant more than 150,000 people had to be flown home from abroad
There is yet to be full details on how customers at destinations will be handled but Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said the government is working with other airlines and transport companies to make sure people get back home.
The number of people affected outside the UK is expected to be relatively small.


news--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: 'No plans' to shut down parliament amid COVID-19 outbreak

There are `` no plans '' to shut down parliament in the face of the coronavirus outbreak , a government minister has said .
Jacob Rees-Mogg , the leader of the House of Commons , dismissed suggestions that MPs and peers would stay away from Westminster amid the spread of COVID-19 , the disease that develops from coronavirus .
Professor Chris Whitty , England 's chief medical officer who is helping to coordinate the UK response to the outbreak , has revealed the country is moving into the next stage of its coronovirus response .
He briefed Commons Speaker Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 in the Palace of Westminster .
But Mr Rees-Mogg told MPs on Thursday that any measures taken would not include shutting parliament for a period of months .
`` There are no plans to close the House down , '' he said .
`` The public will expect parliament to sit and get on with its job .
Parliament has proven itself to be very resilient over the years .
`` There is no medical reason on current advice to think that shutting parliament would be necessary or helpful . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach will be guided by the best scientific evidence and medical advice and we 'll take all necessary measures to deal with this outbreak .
`` I can assure the House I 'm engaging with the parliamentary authorities to emphasise how important it is that any decisions are taken in line with the advice of the chief medical officer .
`` And a cross-parliamentary group of senior managers is meeting daily to plan the response to COVID-19 and ensure business continuity with input from Her Majesty 's government . ''
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Prof Whitty had earlier told the Commons health committee that parliament was no riskier than other places where people come into contact with each other .
`` I do n't see , personally , any reason why the House of Commons and House of Lords are a more dangerous environment for people to move in than other ones , so other environments where people come into contact with other people , '' he said .
Prof Whitty said parliament would make its own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might want to take personal decisions in the future .
`` One of the bits of advice that we will give when this starts to run is for people who are older or who have pre-existing health conditions to have some degree of isolation from more public environments , '' he said .

There are "no plans" to shut down parliament in the face of the coronavirus outbreak, a government minister has said.
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the House of Commons, dismissed suggestions that MPs and peers would stay away from Westminster amid the spread of COVID-19, the disease that develops from coronavirus.
Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer who is helping to coordinate the UK response to the outbreak, has revealed the country is moving into the next stage of its coronovirus response.
He briefed Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle on Monday about the risks of COVID-19 in the Palace of Westminster.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Coronavirus: UK's strategy explained
But Mr Rees-Mogg told MPs on Thursday that any measures taken would not include shutting parliament for a period of months.
"There are no plans to close the House down," he said.
"The public will expect parliament to sit and get on with its job. Parliament has proven itself to be very resilient over the years.
"There is no medical reason on current advice to think that shutting parliament would be necessary or helpful."
The cabinet minister added: "Our approach will be guided by the best scientific evidence and medical advice and we'll take all necessary measures to deal with this outbreak.
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"I can assure the House I'm engaging with the parliamentary authorities to emphasise how important it is that any decisions are taken in line with the advice of the chief medical officer.
"And a cross-parliamentary group of senior managers is meeting daily to plan the response to COVID-19 and ensure business continuity with input from Her Majesty's government."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Prof Whitty had earlier told the Commons health committee that parliament was no riskier than other places where people come into contact with each other.
"I don't see, personally, any reason why the House of Commons and House of Lords are a more dangerous environment for people to move in than other ones, so other environments where people come into contact with other people," he said.
Prof Whitty said parliament would make its own decision but added individual MPs and peers might want to take personal decisions in the future.
"One of the bits of advice that we will give when this starts to run is for people who are older or who have pre-existing health conditions to have some degree of isolation from more public environments," he said.


news--2020-03-05--Aviva reveals surge in coronavirus travel claims as profits hit record sum

Aviva says it has already received £500,000 in travel insurance claims related to coronavirus from 500 customers .
The UK 's second largest insurance company by stock market value also revealed that it has received some £70m worth of claims relating to storms Ciara , Dennis and Jorge from 13,000 customers - the vast majority of whom were claiming with respect to wind damage .
Insurers are said to be bracing themselves for a wave of claims related to cancellations due to COVID-19 .
Direct Line said earlier this week that it had received around £1m coronavirus-related claims to date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to reduce its exposure .
Rival Admiral also said on Thursday it had seen `` a few travel claims '' related to coronavirus so far but stressed this was a small part of the overall business .
The news came as Aviva reported a 6 % rise in full year operating profits , its preferred measure , to a record £3.2bn .
The results relate to the first full year since Maurice Tulloch succeeded Mark Wilson as Aviva 's chief executive in October 2018 .
This was despite a drop in profits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asset management business .
Mr Tulloch said that , during the year , Aviva - which outside the UK also has operations in France , Italy , Poland , Ireland , Turkey , China , Vietnam , Canada , Singapore and Indonesia - raised its total customer numbers by 2 % to 33.4 million .
He added : `` COVID-19 presents a new uncertainty in 2020 .
Our primary focus is the operational readiness and safety for our customers and staff , such that we continue to deliver on our promises .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our balance sheet allows us to meet short-term challenges . ''
Aviva , which has more than half a million small shareholders as a legacy of its ownership of the former mutual Norwich Union , has raised its final dividend by 3 % to 21.4p a share - making a total for the year of 30.9p .
Shareholders will receive the payout on 30 June .
Shares were down by 0.5 % in afternoon trading .

Aviva says it has already received £500,000 in travel insurance claims related to coronavirus from 500 customers.
The UK's second largest insurance company by stock market value also revealed that it has received some £70m worth of claims relating to storms Ciara, Dennis and Jorge from 13,000 customers - the vast majority of whom were claiming with respect to wind damage.
Insurers are said to be bracing themselves for a wave of claims related to cancellations due to COVID-19.
Direct Line said earlier this week that it had received around £1m coronavirus-related claims to date but insisted it had reinsurance cover in place to reduce its exposure.
Rival Admiral also said on Thursday it had seen "a few travel claims" related to coronavirus so far but stressed this was a small part of the overall business.
The news came as Aviva reported a 6% rise in full year operating profits, its preferred measure, to a record £3.2bn.
The results relate to the first full year since Maurice Tulloch succeeded Mark Wilson as Aviva's chief executive in October 2018. This was despite a drop in profits at Aviva Investors, the company's asset management business.
Image: Maurice Tulloch is a Canadian national who used to head Aviva's international arm. Pic: Aviva
Mr Tulloch said that, during the year, Aviva - which outside the UK also has operations in France, Italy, Poland, Ireland, Turkey, China, Vietnam, Canada, Singapore and Indonesia - raised its total customer numbers by 2% to 33.4 million.
He added: "COVID-19 presents a new uncertainty in 2020. Our primary focus is the operational readiness and safety for our customers and staff, such that we continue to deliver on our promises.
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"Our scale, diversity and the strength of our balance sheet allows us to meet short-term challenges."
Aviva, which has more than half a million small shareholders as a legacy of its ownership of the former mutual Norwich Union, has raised its final dividend by 3% to 21.4p a share - making a total for the year of 30.9p.
Shareholders will receive the payout on 30 June.
Shares were down by 0.5% in afternoon trading.


news--2020-03-05--Flybe failure: Boss reveals scramble for survival during airline's final hours

Credit card companies were hoarding almost £50m of cash owed to Flybe at the point it collapsed , underlining the financial squeeze placed on the struggling airline by its commercial partners .
Sky News has obtained the witness statement filed on Wednesday evening by Mark Anderson , chief executive of Flybe 's owner , Connect Airways , which discloses details of the desperate battle to save the company this week .
In his statement , Mr Anderson outlined how : • Virgin Atlantic informed Flybe 's directors on Tuesday evening that `` as a result of the adverse impact of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was no longer in a position to provide further funding '' .
• The company collapsed with cash reserves of just £5.7m , but with payments to creditors `` in excess of £10m due on or before 6 March 2020 '' .
• In a desperate attempt to save Flybe , it explored a pre-pack administration sale of `` part of the airline business of the company to Cyrus [ Capital Partners , one of the three Flybe shareholders ] or an affiliated entity '' .
However , the length of securing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ option unviable .
• The government had taken fright at the prospect of offering Flybe a £100m commercial loan following complaints `` raised by competitors of the company that the support…might constitute unlawful state aid '' .
• Flybe faced a winding-up order from the taxman in January as a result of unpaid passenger duty of £5.8m and an £844,000 customs excise duty penalty .
• Booking volumes had slumped by up to 40 % as a result of the coronavirus outbreak .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker Mr Anderson 's statement underlines the parlous state of Flybe 's finances long before the advent of COVID-19 , with the airline just hours from bankruptcy in mid-January .
After Sky News revealed that Flybe was in talks with ministers about a rescue deal , the government agreed to defer some of its air passenger duty bill , review the broader tax regime and enter discussions about a £100m commercial loan .
Flybe 's collapse is likely to lead to the loss of more than 2300 jobs , and spells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which carried more than 8m passengers annually and served more than 80 airports across the UK and Europe .
Some of those regional airports in Britain were dependent upon Flybe for a large proportion of their revenue , sparkoing fears for their own future .
Among the airports at which Flybe had a large presence were Belfast , Newquay , Norwich and Southampton .
Sky News revealed on Wednesday that Flybe had warned ministers that it could collapse within days , although the speed of its demise took many staff and customers by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Connect Airways consortium had invested more than £135m to keep the airline flying '' This amount includes approximately £25million of the £30 million committed in January 2020 , alongside a Time to Pay arrangement with HM Treasury for Air Passenger Duty to the value of £3.8 million , '' the company added .
EY , which was lined up in January to handle the insolvency , has been appointed as administrator .
Following the earlier phase of talks , the then business secretary , Andrea Leadsom , and the transport secretary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survival .
Flybe , which was responsible for almost 40 % of all domestic UK flights , had been lobbying against the existing APD system because the duty is levied on both legs of a regional flight .
Mr Anderson recently told Alok Sharma , the new business secretary , that 88 of its 120 routes are not flown by any other airline .
`` If Flybe were to cease trading , only a small number of our routes are likely to be taken up by another carrier , almost certainly at reduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday afternoon , Loganair , another regional carrier , said it was stepping in to `` safeguard regional connectivity by taking over 16 routes previously flown by Flybe .
Mr Shapps said the government had done everything it could to assist Flybe prior to its collapse .

Credit card companies were hoarding almost £50m of cash owed to Flybe at the point it collapsed, underlining the financial squeeze placed on the struggling airline by its commercial partners.
Sky News has obtained the witness statement filed on Wednesday evening by Mark Anderson, chief executive of Flybe's owner, Connect Airways, which discloses details of the desperate battle to save the company this week.
Image: Mark Anderson became Flybe CEO in July last year
In his statement, Mr Anderson outlined how:
Virgin Atlantic informed Flybe's directors on Tuesday evening that "as a result of the adverse impact of COVID-19 coronavirus on its own bookings, it was no longer in a position to provide further funding".
The company collapsed with cash reserves of just £5.7m, but with payments to creditors "in excess of £10m due on or before 6 March 2020".
In a desperate attempt to save Flybe, it explored a pre-pack administration sale of "part of the airline business of the company to Cyrus [Capital Partners, one of the three Flybe shareholders] or an affiliated entity". However, the length of securing a licence from aviation regulators rendered that option unviable.
The government had taken fright at the prospect of offering Flybe a £100m commercial loan following complaints "raised by competitors of the company that the support…might constitute unlawful state aid".
Flybe faced a winding-up order from the taxman in January as a result of unpaid passenger duty of £5.8m and an £844,000 customs excise duty penalty.
Booking volumes had slumped by up to 40% as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Anderson's statement underlines the parlous state of Flybe's finances long before the advent of COVID-19, with the airline just hours from bankruptcy in mid-January.
After Sky News revealed that Flybe was in talks with ministers about a rescue deal, the government agreed to defer some of its air passenger duty bill, review the broader tax regime and enter discussions about a £100m commercial loan.
Flybe's collapse is likely to lead to the loss of more than 2300 jobs, and spells the demise of a 40 year-old airline which carried more than 8m passengers annually and served more than 80 airports across the UK and Europe.
Some of those regional airports in Britain were dependent upon Flybe for a large proportion of their revenue, sparkoing fears for their own future.
Among the airports at which Flybe had a large presence were Belfast, Newquay, Norwich and Southampton.
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Sky News revealed on Wednesday that Flybe had warned ministers that it could collapse within days, although the speed of its demise took many staff and customers by surprise.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said the Connect Airways consortium had invested more than £135m to keep the airline flying
"This amount includes approximately £25million of the £30 million committed in January 2020, alongside a Time to Pay arrangement with HM Treasury for Air Passenger Duty to the value of £3.8 million," the company added.
EY, which was lined up in January to handle the insolvency, has been appointed as administrator.
Following the earlier phase of talks, the then business secretary, Andrea Leadsom, and the transport secretary, Grant Shapps, hailed the airline's survival.
Flybe, which was responsible for almost 40% of all domestic UK flights, had been lobbying against the existing APD system because the duty is levied on both legs of a regional flight.
Mr Anderson recently told Alok Sharma, the new business secretary, that 88 of its 120 routes are not flown by any other airline.
"If Flybe were to cease trading, only a small number of our routes are likely to be taken up by another carrier, almost certainly at reduced frequencies," he wrote.
On Thursday afternoon, Loganair, another regional carrier, said it was stepping in to "safeguard regional connectivity by taking over 16 routes previously flown by Flybe.
Mr Shapps said the government had done everything it could to assist Flybe prior to its collapse.


news--2020-03-05--Flybe cabin crew's 'lives unfolded in front of 200 strangers' as they learned of collapse

Devastated Flybe employee Katherine Densham has told Sky News of the moment staff found out the company had collapsed .
Europe 's largest regional airline finally fell into administration just after 3am , with all flights grounded and the business having ceased trading `` with immediate effect '' .
Fighting back tears at Exeter Airport , Ms Densham said : `` Well it all started on the internet and on the news last night , but officially we got an email from Mark [ Flybe boss Mark Anderson ] just to tell us it 's all over , it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us have done this job straight out of college , from 18 , 19 , so we 're not really sure what we 're going to do now . ''
Hours before the official announcement , Mr Anderson emailed the airline 's staff to say it was `` shortly being put into administration '' - pointing to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak .
Passengers on Flybe 's service from Manchester to Exeter - among a number of delayed or cancelled flights at the last minute - have praised staff for carrying on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 200 strangers '' .
Sue Wilkins , a nurse from Cornwall , was among those stranded on the tarmac due to delayed and cancelled flights as the news began to filter through to the cabin crew .
`` We 'd boarded and the pilot initially tackled the issue head on , '' she said , adding that the pilot told her `` you may have heard as much as us '' .
Mrs Wilkins continued : `` An air hostess then started to give the opening safety brief and obviously doors were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pilot called through and spoke with her .
`` He then came out into the plane from the cockpit to explain they had just heard [ we were ] not flying .
While some passengers have described staff on social media as being clearly emotional , Mrs Wilkins praised their reaction .
`` They were clearly hearing it as it happened , and even tried to bring humour to the situation .
But it was so awful for them having their lives unfold in front of 200 strangers . ''
She added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , staff were `` so professional '' .
She also described how one of them gave a heartfelt speech about how `` in 14 years she had never experienced a flight like it '' , and thanked all the passengers for their `` support and kindness '' despite the unknown and delays experienced .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Rival airline easyJet has said it was offering flights at a rate of £65 until the end of May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plus free travel for Flybe staff on Thursday and Friday .
Meanwhile , west coast rail operator Avanti said it would be allowing Flybe ticket holders and staff to travel for free today .
Customers seeking a refund will not be protected by the industry 's ATOL scheme if they booked directly with the airline .
Instead , they are being advised by the CAA that they may be protected if they paid by credit or debit card .
Consumer group Which ?
said those who booked tickets by credit card costing more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back from their card provider .
It added that those whose tickets were less than £100 or booked with a debit card could try to use chargeback from their bank or card provider - a protection provided by some companies for consumers who do not receive the goods they have bought .
Those who have purchased travel insurance that includes a `` schedule airline failure '' policy should also be covered .
A few customers whose flights were part of a package holiday booked through an ATOL-protected firm should be provided with alternative @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Devastated Flybe employee Katherine Densham has told Sky News of the moment staff found out the company had collapsed.
Europe's largest regional airline finally fell into administration just after 3am, with all flights grounded and the business having ceased trading "with immediate effect".
Fighting back tears at Exeter Airport, Ms Densham said: "Well it all started on the internet and on the news last night, but officially we got an email from Mark [Flybe boss Mark Anderson] just to tell us it's all over, it's all gone.
Image: Katherine Densham told Sky News she is 'not really sure' what she will do now
"It's really sad.
"A lot of us have done this job straight out of college, from 18, 19, so we're not really sure what we're going to do now."
Image: There were 5,498 Flybe flights from Exeter Airport in 2019
Hours before the official announcement, Mr Anderson emailed the airline's staff to say it was "shortly being put into administration" - pointing to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Passengers on Flybe's service from Manchester to Exeter - among a number of delayed or cancelled flights at the last minute - have praised staff for carrying on "as their lives unfolded in front of 200 strangers".
Sue Wilkins, a nurse from Cornwall, was among those stranded on the tarmac due to delayed and cancelled flights as the news began to filter through to the cabin crew.
"We'd boarded and the pilot initially tackled the issue head on," she said, adding that the pilot told her "you may have heard as much as us".
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Mrs Wilkins continued: "An air hostess then started to give the opening safety brief and obviously doors were closed, steps removed, when the pilot called through and spoke with her.
"He then came out into the plane from the cockpit to explain they had just heard [we were] not flying.
While some passengers have described staff on social media as being clearly emotional, Mrs Wilkins praised their reaction.
Image: Flybe's HQ is based at Exeter Airport in Devon
"They were clearly hearing it as it happened, and even tried to bring humour to the situation. But it was so awful for them having their lives unfold in front of 200 strangers."
She added that once they were eventually in the air, staff were "so professional".
She also described how one of them gave a heartfelt speech about how "in 14 years she had never experienced a flight like it", and thanked all the passengers for their "support and kindness" despite the unknown and delays experienced.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Rival airline easyJet has said it was offering flights at a rate of £65 until the end of May to help affected passengers get home, plus free travel for Flybe staff on Thursday and Friday.
Meanwhile, west coast rail operator Avanti said it would be allowing Flybe ticket holders and staff to travel for free today.
Customers seeking a refund will not be protected by the industry's ATOL scheme if they booked directly with the airline.
Image: Flybe finally collapsed into administration just after 3am on Thursday
Instead, they are being advised by the CAA that they may be protected if they paid by credit or debit card.
Consumer group Which? said those who booked tickets by credit card costing more than £100 would be able to claim back from their card provider.
It added that those whose tickets were less than £100 or booked with a debit card could try to use chargeback from their bank or card provider - a protection provided by some companies for consumers who do not receive the goods they have bought.
Those who have purchased travel insurance that includes a "schedule airline failure" policy should also be covered.
A few customers whose flights were part of a package holiday booked through an ATOL-protected firm should be provided with alternative travel arrangements or a full refund.


news--2020-01-31--Aviation chiefs commit to landing zero-carbon plan

A coalition of British airlines , airport owners and aircraft manufacturers will publicly commit next week to cutting the aviation industry 's net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050 .
Sky News has learnt that a group called Sustainable Aviation plans to unveil the joint pledge at an event with the transport secretary , Grant Shapps , next Tuesday .
It will mark the sector 's most significant intervention so far in efforts to tackle climate change - although it is also likely to raise questions about the extent to which one of the world 's most substantial carbon-emitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its objectives .
Sources said on Friday that executives from British Airways , easyJet , Virgin Atlantic , Heathrow Airport , Manchester Airports Group , Airbus , Boeing and Rolls-Royce Holdings would be among the signatories .
One industry source said the event was expected to go ahead despite the intensity of efforts to deal with the outbreak of the coronavirus in China , which has forced a frenetic response from airlines in the last few days .
They added that it would be `` an important statement of collective intent '' from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scale of its efforts to combat climate change .
Some companies , including BA-owner International Airlines Group ( IAG ) , have already made individual pledges to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 - in line with the government 's target .
A new industry roadmap to be published next week is expected to set out a number of broad measures that will be adopted to ensure that airlines , airports and manufacturers can meet the 2050 target .
These are expected to include the delivery of more fuel-efficient and environmentally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airspace , the development of sustainable aviation fuels , and a substantial increase in carbon offsetting activity .
This week , EasyJet said it would trial a full-size electric passenger plane within three years , with the prospect of it entering service by 2030 .
IAG said last October that it would invest $ 400m in sustainable aviation fuel over the next two decades , while 142 new aircraft with a list price of $ 25bn would be introduced over the next five years , with a 25 % improvement in carbon efficiency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next week would outline a `` ground-breaking commitment '' to cut carbon whilst accommodating a projected 70 % growth in passenger numbers .
The aviation industry will also call on the government to ensure that the UK becomes a global hub for green aviation technologies .
One source said the coalition of companies would also press for a `` partnership with ministers '' to seek `` international action on global emissions and domestic action to support technology development through funding and policy mechanisms '' .
Next week 's roadmap is understood to forecast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the nation 's demand for aviation fuel by 2050 .
Figures compiled by Sustainable Aviation are understood to show that net carbon emissions by the industry currently stand at 30m tons annually .
Tuesday 's industry-wide pledge will make the aviation industry the latest significant polluter to commit to measurable action .
In recent weeks , companies including J Sainsbury , Microsoft , Shell and Tesco have made various pledges to reduce their carbon footprints .
Scores more companies are expected to make public statements about their plans in the months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate conference that will take place in Glasgow in November .
The Sustainable Aviation announcement will come amid a government review of Air Passenger Duty , launched as a consequence of the crisis at Flybe , the regional carrier .
Ministers have pledged that any changes to APD would be consistent with the government 's environmental targets .
None of those expected to participate in next week 's announcement and contacted by Sky News would comment on Friday .

A coalition of British airlines, airport owners and aircraft manufacturers will publicly commit next week to cutting the aviation industry's net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050.
Sky News has learnt that a group called Sustainable Aviation plans to unveil the joint pledge at an event with the transport secretary, Grant Shapps, next Tuesday.
It will mark the sector's most significant intervention so far in efforts to tackle climate change - although it is also likely to raise questions about the extent to which one of the world's most substantial carbon-emitting industries can guarantee that it will meet its objectives.
Sources said on Friday that executives from British Airways, easyJet, Virgin Atlantic, Heathrow Airport, Manchester Airports Group, Airbus, Boeing and Rolls-Royce Holdings would be among the signatories.
One industry source said the event was expected to go ahead despite the intensity of efforts to deal with the outbreak of the coronavirus in China, which has forced a frenetic response from airlines in the last few days.
They added that it would be "an important statement of collective intent" from an industry which has attracted scepticism about the scale of its efforts to combat climate change.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 Climate change: The longer we wait the more expensive
Some companies, including BA-owner International Airlines Group (IAG), have already made individual pledges to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 - in line with the government's target.
A new industry roadmap to be published next week is expected to set out a number of broad measures that will be adopted to ensure that airlines, airports and manufacturers can meet the 2050 target.
These are expected to include the delivery of more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft, modernising the use of airspace, the development of sustainable aviation fuels, and a substantial increase in carbon offsetting activity.
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This week, EasyJet said it would trial a full-size electric passenger plane within three years, with the prospect of it entering service by 2030.
IAG said last October that it would invest $400m in sustainable aviation fuel over the next two decades, while 142 new aircraft with a list price of $25bn would be introduced over the next five years, with a 25% improvement in carbon efficiency.
Insiders said the announcement being made next week would outline a "ground-breaking commitment" to cut carbon whilst accommodating a projected 70% growth in passenger numbers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:48 Charles: It's time to take the eco fight to the next level
The aviation industry will also call on the government to ensure that the UK becomes a global hub for green aviation technologies.
One source said the coalition of companies would also press for a "partnership with ministers" to seek "international action on global emissions and domestic action to support technology development through funding and policy mechanisms".
Next week's roadmap is understood to forecast that sustainable aviation fuels could meet 32% of the nation's demand for aviation fuel by 2050.
Figures compiled by Sustainable Aviation are understood to show that net carbon emissions by the industry currently stand at 30m tons annually.
Tuesday's industry-wide pledge will make the aviation industry the latest significant polluter to commit to measurable action.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:53 Greta Thunberg addresses Davos
In recent weeks, companies including J Sainsbury, Microsoft, Shell and Tesco have made various pledges to reduce their carbon footprints.
Scores more companies are expected to make public statements about their plans in the months leading up to COP26, the international climate conference that will take place in Glasgow in November.
The Sustainable Aviation announcement will come amid a government review of Air Passenger Duty, launched as a consequence of the crisis at Flybe, the regional carrier.
Ministers have pledged that any changes to APD would be consistent with the government's environmental targets.
None of those expected to participate in next week's announcement and contacted by Sky News would comment on Friday.


news--2020-01-20--What are the symptoms of coronavirus? How dangerous is it?

As the potentially deadly coronavirus reaches the UK , we answer all your questions .
What is a coronavirus - and what traits does this one have ?
What are the symptoms and how easily does it spread ?
Here 's what you need to know .
What are the symptoms ?
There are a number of common signs that you may be infected , most of which are respiratory such as experiencing breathing difficulties , shortness of breath and having a cough .
You may also have a fever .
More serious cases could lead to potentially deadly conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the former having been reported among some patients in China at the moment .
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) describes coronaviruses as a large family of viruses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ( SARS ) , which killed nearly 800 people globally during a 2002/03 outbreak that also started in China .
When a new strain emerges that has not yet been identified , as is the case with the current outbreak in China , it temporarily becomes known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The current outbreak has been dubbed `` Wuhan virus '' , named after the city where the first report emerged in January .
All coronaviruses are zoonotic , meaning they are transmitted between animals and people .
Christopher Coleman , assistant professor of infection immunology at Nottingham University , told Sky News : `` They get their name because under the electron microscope there 's a bright ring around the central core of the virus , like the sun essentially . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does self-isolation mean ?
People who have returned to the UK from Wuhan in China are being told to stay in for 14 days , and to `` self-isolate '' .
Self-isolation involves not going to work , school or into public places .
People should also avoid having visitors , although it is okay for family and friends to drop off parcels or medicines , for example .
They should also not use public transport for a fortnight after returning to Britain .
Does the current outbreak have any specific traits ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Wuhan , where it is believed to have originated at a seafood market , the virus has not provoked unusual symptoms in people who have been diagnosed .
Doctors have seen fever , coughing and breathing difficulties , which are all to be expected .
What remains unknown is how exactly this nCoV came about and how easily it could spread , with researchers at Imperial College London suggesting on 20 January there could have been more than 1,700 cases in Wuhan alone by that point , when Chinese authorities were reporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about travelling ?
Chinese authorities confirmed this nCov can be transmitted between humans , with dozens of medical staff contracting the virus after treating infected patients .
The UK Foreign Office advised Britons against all but essential travel to mainland China , and airlines around the world grounde flights or offered full refunds or destination and date changes .
Thousands of cases have been identified in China , including in every province of the country .
Countries across Asia , Europe , Australia and North America have also had confirmed cases , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including London Heathrow , are monitoring people arriving from China for signs of illness .
The risk to the UK population was raised from very low to low , and now it has been upgraded to moderate .
Public Health England says the country is `` well prepared for new diseases '' .
What is China doing about it ?
Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to tackle the spread of the virus , saying : `` People 's lives and health should be given top priority and the spread of the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's local transport networks - including bus , subway and ferries - were suspended , and airport and train stations were closed to outgoing passengers .
Authorities asked citizens not to leave the city unless there are special circumstances .
When has something like this happened before ?
The 2003 outbreak of SARS killed 774 people across dozens of countries , mostly in Asia , and the current outbreak is considered to be more closely related to that virus than any other .
Another prominent coronavirus to emerge since the turn of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MERS ) , which was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and killed more than 800 people .
The WHO says humans are mostly infected with MERS through direct or indirect contact with infected dromedary camels , and human-to-human transmission is rare .
Professor Coleman was involved in some of the first research into MERS in the US .
He told Sky News : `` SARS and MERS are the two severe coronaviruses .
There are four that are very mild that people can get very regularly . ''
How can you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Van Kerkhove , of the WHO 's emerging diseases unit , says it is important that you keep up basic hand and respiratory hygiene , such as washing your hands with soap and water and sneezing into your elbow or a tissue .
`` Ways to protect yourself against a potential animal source would be to avoid unnecessary contact with live animals and make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly after contact with an animal , '' she adds .
`` And also to make sure that your meat is cooked thoroughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treated ?
There are no reliable vaccines available to rid your body of a coronavirus .
The best you can do is take medicines and treatments for specific symptoms .
Professor Coleman told Sky News : `` Unfortunately there is no vaccine and no specific therapeutics that can be used against the coronavirus .
`` Standard respiratory support therapies are used to treat the symptoms and wait for the virus to be cleared by itself . ''

As the potentially deadly coronavirus reaches the UK, we answer all your questions.
What is a coronavirus - and what traits does this one have? What are the symptoms and how easily does it spread?
Here's what you need to know.
Image: The new virus originated in the city of Wuhan
What are the symptoms?
There are a number of common signs that you may be infected, most of which are respiratory such as experiencing breathing difficulties, shortness of breath and having a cough.
You may also have a fever.
More serious cases could lead to potentially deadly conditions such as pneumonia and kidney failure, with the former having been reported among some patients in China at the moment.
Image: The current strain has not yet been identified
What is a coronavirus?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes coronaviruses as a large family of viruses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed nearly 800 people globally during a 2002/03 outbreak that also started in China.
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When a new strain emerges that has not yet been identified, as is the case with the current outbreak in China, it temporarily becomes known as a novel coronavirus (nCoV).
The current outbreak has been dubbed "Wuhan virus", named after the city where the first report emerged in January.
All coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.
Christopher Coleman, assistant professor of infection immunology at Nottingham University, told Sky News: "They get their name because under the electron microscope there's a bright ring around the central core of the virus, like the sun essentially."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
What does self-isolation mean?
People who have returned to the UK from Wuhan in China are being told to stay in for 14 days, and to "self-isolate".
Self-isolation involves not going to work, school or into public places.
People should also avoid having visitors, although it is okay for family and friends to drop off parcels or medicines, for example.
They should also not use public transport for a fortnight after returning to Britain.
Does the current outbreak have any specific traits?
Since first being reported in the city of Wuhan, where it is believed to have originated at a seafood market, the virus has not provoked unusual symptoms in people who have been diagnosed.
Doctors have seen fever, coughing and breathing difficulties, which are all to be expected.
What remains unknown is how exactly this nCoV came about and how easily it could spread, with researchers at Imperial College London suggesting on 20 January there could have been more than 1,700 cases in Wuhan alone by that point, when Chinese authorities were reporting just 62.
Image: Wuhan authorities are working to stop the virus spreading
Should you be concerned about travelling?
Chinese authorities confirmed this nCov can be transmitted between humans, with dozens of medical staff contracting the virus after treating infected patients.
The UK Foreign Office advised Britons against all but essential travel to mainland China, and airlines around the world grounde flights or offered full refunds or destination and date changes.
Thousands of cases have been identified in China, including in every province of the country.
Countries across Asia, Europe, Australia and North America have also had confirmed cases, including the UK.
Major global airports, including London Heathrow, are monitoring people arriving from China for signs of illness.
The risk to the UK population was raised from very low to low, and now it has been upgraded to moderate.
Public Health England says the country is "well prepared for new diseases".
Image: The cause of the virus has not yet been established
What is China doing about it?
Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to tackle the spread of the virus, saying: "People's lives and health should be given top priority and the spread of the outbreak should be resolutely curbed."
Wuhan's local transport networks - including bus, subway and ferries - were suspended, and airport and train stations were closed to outgoing passengers.
Authorities asked citizens not to leave the city unless there are special circumstances.
Image: Passengers arrive in Beijing for lunar new year
When has something like this happened before?
The 2003 outbreak of SARS killed 774 people across dozens of countries, mostly in Asia, and the current outbreak is considered to be more closely related to that virus than any other.
Another prominent coronavirus to emerge since the turn of the century is Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), which was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and killed more than 800 people.
The WHO says humans are mostly infected with MERS through direct or indirect contact with infected dromedary camels, and human-to-human transmission is rare.
Professor Coleman was involved in some of the first research into MERS in the US.
He told Sky News: "SARS and MERS are the two severe coronaviruses. There are four that are very mild that people can get very regularly."
Image: Families leave the Wuhan Medical Treatment Centre
How can you protect yourself from coronaviruses?
Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, of the WHO's emerging diseases unit, says it is important that you keep up basic hand and respiratory hygiene, such as washing your hands with soap and water and sneezing into your elbow or a tissue.
"Ways to protect yourself against a potential animal source would be to avoid unnecessary contact with live animals and make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly after contact with an animal," she adds.
"And also to make sure that your meat is cooked thoroughly before consuming."
Image: Many are wearing masks to protect themselves
Can you be treated?
There are no reliable vaccines available to rid your body of a coronavirus.
The best you can do is take medicines and treatments for specific symptoms.
Professor Coleman told Sky News: "Unfortunately there is no vaccine and no specific therapeutics that can be used against the coronavirus.
"Standard respiratory support therapies are used to treat the symptoms and wait for the virus to be cleared by itself."


news--2020-01-31--Coronavirus deaths rise sharply as global emergency is declared

The number of people who have died from the coronavirus has risen sharply to 213 - hours after the outbreak was declared a global public health emergency .
Chinese health officials have said that 9,692 people have now contracted the illness .
This is an increase of 1,981 cases and 81 deaths since Wednesday .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has now declared that the coronavirus outbreak is a global public health emergency .
No deaths have been reported outside of China , but the virus has spread to more than a dozen countries .
The vast majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and the Chinese city of Wuhan is the epicentre of the outbreak .
An international emergency is described as an `` extraordinary event '' that constitutes a risk to other countries and requires a co-ordinated international response .
China first informed the WHO about cases of the new virus in late December .
US reports its first case of person-to-person transmission There have been a handful of confirmed cases in the US , including the first known incident of person-to-person transmission in the country .
The US State Department advised all American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pilots working for American Airlines have sued the company , and want the airline 's flights to China to be suspended immediately .
The lawsuit came as an increasing number of airlines stopped their flights to mainland China - including Air France , British Airways , Germany 's Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic .
A chartered flight carrying 83 Britons has left Wuhan following the outbreak - considerably fewer than the 150 passengers that the British government were anticipating .
European countries have sent a chartered airliner to China to evacuate hundreds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the evacuation took off on Thursday morning from a former Portuguese military airport southeast of Lisbon , carrying only the pilots and crew .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Captain Antonios Efthymiou said the flight would stop in Paris to pick up a team of doctors and extra crew members before heading to Hanoi and then China .
Mr Efthymiou told Portuguese media it would bring back about 350 Europeans .
Meanwhile , Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the border with China , which extends for 2,600 miles ( 4,200km ) .
A scare over a 54-year-old woman with flu-like symptoms led Italian authorities to keep 6,000 passengers and 1,000 crew members on a cruise ship docked north of Rome .
The Costa Crociere cruise line said the woman and her partner , who had no symptoms , were put into isolation on Wednesday - but it was later confirmed that she only had the common flu .
A charter flight carrying 368 South Koreans from Wuhan arrived home on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where they will be isolated .
The evacuees will be held at two facilities in Asan and Jincheon - cities about 50 miles ( 80km ) south of the capital Seoul .
The plan triggered a strong backlash among nearby residents , with some people throwing eggs and hurling expletives on Thursday at senior officials who visited to try to defuse their anger .
The coronavirus has caused alarm because of its similarity to SARS - which killed nearly 650 people across China and Hong Kong in 2002 and 2003 .
Unlike SARS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is believed the new virus can spread during the incubation period of one to 14 days , possibly before an infected person is showing symptoms .
So far , coronavirus does not appear to be as deadly , but there have been more cases overall .

The number of people who have died from the coronavirus has risen sharply to 213 - hours after the outbreak was declared a global public health emergency.
Chinese health officials have said that 9,692 people have now contracted the illness.
This is an increase of 1,981 cases and 81 deaths since Wednesday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 WHO chief: We don't know what damage virus could do
The World Health Organization (WHO) has now declared that the coronavirus outbreak is a global public health emergency.
No deaths have been reported outside of China, but the virus has spread to more than a dozen countries.
The vast majority of cases have been in Hubei province - and the Chinese city of Wuhan is the epicentre of the outbreak.
An international emergency is described as an "extraordinary event" that constitutes a risk to other countries and requires a co-ordinated international response.
China first informed the WHO about cases of the new virus in late December.
Image: A South Korean police officer has his face covered in the capital Seoul
US reports its first case of person-to-person transmission
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There have been a handful of confirmed cases in the US, including the first known incident of person-to-person transmission in the country.
The US State Department advised all American citizens against travelling to China on Thursday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
Pilots working for American Airlines have sued the company, and want the airline's flights to China to be suspended immediately.
The lawsuit came as an increasing number of airlines stopped their flights to mainland China - including Air France, British Airways, Germany's Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic.
A chartered flight carrying 83 Britons has left Wuhan following the outbreak - considerably fewer than the 150 passengers that the British government were anticipating.
Image: French citizens are seen sitting on a plane preparing to leave Wuhan
Plane to bring back 350 Europeans from China
European countries have sent a chartered airliner to China to evacuate hundreds of European citizens.
A passenger plane enlisted for the evacuation took off on Thursday morning from a former Portuguese military airport southeast of Lisbon, carrying only the pilots and crew.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Captain Antonios Efthymiou said the flight would stop in Paris to pick up a team of doctors and extra crew members before heading to Hanoi and then China.
Mr Efthymiou told Portuguese media it would bring back about 350 Europeans.
Image: A pilot parks an aircraft at the unloading area of the Wuhan Tianhe International Airport
Meanwhile, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has issued a decree ordering the temporary closure of the border with China, which extends for 2,600 miles (4,200km).
A scare over a 54-year-old woman with flu-like symptoms led Italian authorities to keep 6,000 passengers and 1,000 crew members on a cruise ship docked north of Rome.
The Costa Crociere cruise line said the woman and her partner, who had no symptoms, were put into isolation on Wednesday - but it was later confirmed that she only had the common flu.
Image: A man wearing a protective face mask, goggles and gloves at a supermarket in Beijing
South Koreans pelt senior officials with eggs
A charter flight carrying 368 South Koreans from Wuhan arrived home on Friday as tensions simmered concerning the quarantine centres where they will be isolated.
The evacuees will be held at two facilities in Asan and Jincheon - cities about 50 miles (80km) south of the capital Seoul.
The plan triggered a strong backlash among nearby residents, with some people throwing eggs and hurling expletives on Thursday at senior officials who visited to try to defuse their anger.
Image: A patient with the coronavirus is escorted by an ambulance in Seoul
The coronavirus has caused alarm because of its similarity to SARS - which killed nearly 650 people across China and Hong Kong in 2002 and 2003.
Unlike SARS, which also originated in China, it is believed the new virus can spread during the incubation period of one to 14 days, possibly before an infected person is showing symptoms.
So far, coronavirus does not appear to be as deadly, but there have been more cases overall.


news--2020-01-31--Coronavirus: Briton in 'frantic' dash to get family on Wuhan evacuation flight

A man on the evacuation flight from the coronavirus epicentre has said he is `` very relieved '' to be back in the UK after battling locked-down roads to get to Wuhan airport with just 90 minutes ' notice .
James Convey also said it was touch and go whether his Chinese wife , who lives and pays taxes in the UK , would be allowed on the flight which landed at RAF Brize Norton at 1.30pm .
The 83 Britons were transferred to seven coaches to take them to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral , Merseyside , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for them to be quarantined for 14 days .
It comes as the first two cases of the virus were confirmed in the UK .
Speaking from one of the coaches , Mr Convey , from Staffordshire , told Sky News : `` It was quite a positive atmosphere on the plane , everybody was relieved to get out of China .
`` There were a lot of obstacles to get over to get on that plane , we got over those obstacles with the help of the Chinese and UK authorities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ get back to the UK . ''
He and his wife were in Wuhan to celebrate Chinese New Year with his mother-in-law but have been stuck inside her apartment for days , too nervous to leave as there were people who died from coronavirus nearby .
It was a long journey from when the British government said it was going to evacuate its nationals to when the flight actually left .
In the end , they were only given 90 minutes ' notice to get to the airport and did not know if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight until they got there .
`` All the roads were closed and transport was shut down but my mother-in-law pulled some strings to get us to the airport and amazingly we did get there in time .
`` There 's probably a lot of people who did n't get there in time and possibly missed the flight .
`` There was initially a difficulty with my wife being repatriated to the UK but we got over that right at the last minute .
`` This was all unfolding in the car on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided to gamble , put her in the car and got on the phone to the Foreign Office .
`` There was a risk it would n't be sorted on the Chinese end but it came through just about in time .
`` It was a bit frantic , there were a few false starts where we thought the flight was going to go , we were organising transport to the airport and it was called off .
`` It 's a long process but I think that is preferable to staying in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably speak for most people here when I say I 'm just glad to be back . ''
All passengers went through screening at Wuhan airport and were accompanied by medical professionals on the plane , Mr Convey added .
He said there was an isolation section at the front of the plane but did not see anybody being taken in there .
`` We did n't have loads of interaction with other passengers onboard , it was a fairly normal flight , '' he said .
`` People just doing what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watching movies . ''

A man on the evacuation flight from the coronavirus epicentre has said he is "very relieved" to be back in the UK after battling locked-down roads to get to Wuhan airport with just 90 minutes' notice.
James Convey also said it was touch and go whether his Chinese wife, who lives and pays taxes in the UK, would be allowed on the flight which landed at RAF Brize Norton at 1.30pm.
The 83 Britons were transferred to seven coaches to take them to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral, Merseyside, where a special facility has been set up for them to be quarantined for 14 days.
It comes as the first two cases of the virus were confirmed in the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 'Just glad to be back' - Wuhan evacuee speaks from bus
Speaking from one of the coaches, Mr Convey, from Staffordshire, told Sky News: "It was quite a positive atmosphere on the plane, everybody was relieved to get out of China.
"There were a lot of obstacles to get over to get on that plane, we got over those obstacles with the help of the Chinese and UK authorities.
"We're all very relieved to get back to the UK."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 Virus evacuation flight arrives in UK
He and his wife were in Wuhan to celebrate Chinese New Year with his mother-in-law but have been stuck inside her apartment for days, too nervous to leave as there were people who died from coronavirus nearby.
It was a long journey from when the British government said it was going to evacuate its nationals to when the flight actually left.
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Image: The streets are very quiet in some areas of Wuhan
In the end, they were only given 90 minutes' notice to get to the airport and did not know if Mrs Convey would be allowed on the flight until they got there.
"All the roads were closed and transport was shut down but my mother-in-law pulled some strings to get us to the airport and amazingly we did get there in time.
"There's probably a lot of people who didn't get there in time and possibly missed the flight.
Image: The Britons will be monitored for two weeks at Arrowe Park Hospital
"There was initially a difficulty with my wife being repatriated to the UK but we got over that right at the last minute.
"This was all unfolding in the car on the way to the airport. We decided to gamble, put her in the car and got on the phone to the Foreign Office.
"There was a risk it wouldn't be sorted on the Chinese end but it came through just about in time.
"It was a bit frantic, there were a few false starts where we thought the flight was going to go, we were organising transport to the airport and it was called off.
"It's a long process but I think that is preferable to staying in Wuhan at the moment.
"I probably speak for most people here when I say I'm just glad to be back."
All passengers went through screening at Wuhan airport and were accompanied by medical professionals on the plane, Mr Convey added.
He said there was an isolation section at the front of the plane but did not see anybody being taken in there.
"We didn't have loads of interaction with other passengers onboard, it was a fairly normal flight," he said.
"People just doing what they normally do on flights, sitting around watching movies."


news--2020-01-31--Coronavirus: Britons returning from Wuhan set to land in UK after some miss flight

A chartered flight carrying 83 Britons from Wuhan following the coronavirus outbreak will land shortly in the UK , despite some missing take-off .
The Foreign Office has confirmed that a total of 110 passengers , including 27 foreign nationals , are on board the plane , which left the Chinese city several hours later than anticipated .
A photograph from inside the aircraft appeared to show several empty seats ahead of take-off , suggesting that some may have been unable to make the flight .
Hours before the flight was due to land at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two members of the same family in England tested positive for coronavirus .
The deputy chief medical officer has said : `` Everybody who has got on the plane is a well passenger .
If any of those passengers do show symptoms there are set procedures to isolate them during any process and remove them in any part of the journey . ''
She added that all passengers went through thermographic screening before boarding the plane and are subject to continuous questioning and assessment on board .
Cabinet minister Michael Gove said Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rescue British citizens if necessary .
Joe Armitt , who is on the plane , told Sky News that not many people got on the flight because they were n't given enough notice to get to the airport - and said the `` plane is very empty '' .
The 747 charter jet can hold up to 450 people , so would never have been completely full .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The plane is expected to land at RAF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and from there , the aircraft will travel to Spain .
In a statement , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said : `` It 's welcome news that our evacuation flight has now left Wuhan .
`` We know how distressing the situation has been for those waiting to leave .
We have been working round the clock to clear the way for a safe departure .
The welfare of those trapped and public safety have been our overriding priorities . ''
Seven coaches from Reading have already arrived at RAF Brize Norton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sky News understands that the company was called on Thursday and told to prepare for up to 300 passengers .
Among those who are still stuck in Wuhan is Nick House .
He is from the UK and has two children with his wife , who is from Indonesia .
He told Sky News that he was only given three hours ' notice that the flight was leaving - with British officials warning that the Chinese government potentially would n't allow his wife to leave .
They decided to give up their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that others would be able to take the flight .
Although the Chinese government later confirmed that his wife would be allowed to board the plane , they did n't have enough notice .
Mr House said : `` We have no transport .
There was no way for us to get to the airport .
So we 're still here .
`` They did n't arrange any transport .
We think that other countries have arranged transportation to the airport - buses to pick people up , and so on .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a while now .
We are hopeful that the government can arrange other flights or put us on a flight to a different country .
`` We 're just trying to make the best out of a pretty terrible situation to be honest . ''
It is understood Mr House received a call from the Foreign Office after the UK flight departed , advising he may be able to board a different flight over the weekend , thought to be with an international partner .
Sky News understands that there was an `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were in the Wuhan region - but it is claimed only 84 people had expressed interest in the flight .
A Foreign Office spokeswoman said they worked `` as quickly as we could in challenging circumstances '' to ensure everybody could get there on time and that they `` delayed the flight for as long as we could '' so as many people as possible could board .
Mr Gove told Sky News : `` The flight which is in the air at the moment is not the end of our efforts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are doing in order to keep people safe .
We will do everything we can to ensure that every UK citizen , every UK national , every member of their family is contacted , supported .
`` If we need to , we will send another plane .
We will be working with other countries to ensure the safety and security of every UK citizen and national . ''
Sky News understands that the Britons on board will be quarantined for two weeks at an NHS facility on the Wirral .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Arrowe Park Hospital in Upton and then monitored .
Janelle Holmes , chief executive of Wirral University Hospital , told staff : `` Before arrival they will be screened for symptoms .
If anyone becomes unwell after arrival they will be treated following appropriate protocols . ''
The outbreak was declared a global public health emergency on Thursday night .
Four chief medical officers in the UK have raised the coronavirus risk level from low to moderate - however , they stressed they `` do not think the risk to individuals in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Three military medics and Public Health England ( PHE ) officials are on board the plane , but it will be crewed by civilians • The medics have a script to read out to people letting them know to speak up if they feel unwell • There is an isolation area on board • Passengers will have to agree to whatever treatment is recommended by experts • British Airways has cancelled all flights to mainland China until the end of February , while some other airlines have suspended flights Anyone who has returned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks has been urged to `` self-isolate '' for two weeks .
As of Thursday , 161 people in the UK have tested negative for the coronavirus .
Of 1,466 passengers and 95 staff who arrived in the UK from Wuhan between 10 and 24 January , 162 have already left the UK and 760 are now outside the 14-day incubation period for the virus .
Chinese health officials say there are now 9,692 confirmed cases , and 213 people have died .
This is an increase of 1,981 cases and 81 deaths @ @ @

A chartered flight carrying 83 Britons from Wuhan following the coronavirus outbreak will land shortly in the UK, despite some missing take-off.
The Foreign Office has confirmed that a total of 110 passengers, including 27 foreign nationals, are on board the plane, which left the Chinese city several hours later than anticipated.
A photograph from inside the aircraft appeared to show several empty seats ahead of take-off, suggesting that some may have been unable to make the flight.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Britons arrive at deserted Wuhan airport
Hours before the flight was due to land at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, England's chief medical officer confirmed two members of the same family in England tested positive for coronavirus.
The deputy chief medical officer has said: "Everybody who has got on the plane is a well passenger. If any of those passengers do show symptoms there are set procedures to isolate them during any process and remove them in any part of the journey."
She added that all passengers went through thermographic screening before boarding the plane and are subject to continuous questioning and assessment on board.
Cabinet minister Michael Gove said Britain would send another plane to Wuhan to rescue British citizens if necessary.
Joe Armitt, who is on the plane, told Sky News that not many people got on the flight because they weren't given enough notice to get to the airport - and said the "plane is very empty".
The 747 charter jet can hold up to 450 people, so would never have been completely full.
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The plane is expected to land at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire at 1pm today - and from there, the aircraft will travel to Spain.
In a statement, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: "It's welcome news that our evacuation flight has now left Wuhan.
"We know how distressing the situation has been for those waiting to leave. We have been working round the clock to clear the way for a safe departure. The welfare of those trapped and public safety have been our overriding priorities."
Seven coaches from Reading have already arrived at RAF Brize Norton to collect those who land later today.
Sky News understands that the company was called on Thursday and told to prepare for up to 300 passengers.
Image: Coaches depart from Reading to Brize Norton
Image: Coaches arrive at RAF Brize Norton to receive passengers flying in from Wuhan
Among those who are still stuck in Wuhan is Nick House. He is from the UK and has two children with his wife, who is from Indonesia.
He told Sky News that he was only given three hours' notice that the flight was leaving - with British officials warning that the Chinese government potentially wouldn't allow his wife to leave.
Image: Nick House is from the UK and is stranded in Wuhan with his Indonesian wife and two British children
They decided to give up their seats on the plane in the hope that others would be able to take the flight.
Although the Chinese government later confirmed that his wife would be allowed to board the plane, they didn't have enough notice.
Mr House said: "We have no transport. There was no way for us to get to the airport. So we're still here.
"They didn't arrange any transport. We think that other countries have arranged transportation to the airport - buses to pick people up, and so on.
"We're resigned to being here for a while now. We are hopeful that the government can arrange other flights or put us on a flight to a different country.
"We're just trying to make the best out of a pretty terrible situation to be honest."
It is understood Mr House received a call from the Foreign Office after the UK flight departed, advising he may be able to board a different flight over the weekend, thought to be with an international partner.
Image: The number of people killed by the coronavirus has risen substantially in the past 48 hours
Sky News understands that there was an "upper estimate" that 150 British nationals were in the Wuhan region - but it is claimed only 84 people had expressed interest in the flight.
A Foreign Office spokeswoman said they worked "as quickly as we could in challenging circumstances" to ensure everybody could get there on time and that they "delayed the flight for as long as we could" so as many people as possible could board.
Mr Gove told Sky News: "The flight which is in the air at the moment is not the end of our efforts. It is only one part that we are doing in order to keep people safe. We will do everything we can to ensure that every UK citizen, every UK national, every member of their family is contacted, supported.
"If we need to, we will send another plane. We will be working with other countries to ensure the safety and security of every UK citizen and national."
Image: The Britons coming to the UK from Wuhan are expected to be kept in isolation at Arrowe Park Hospital
Sky News understands that the Britons on board will be quarantined for two weeks at an NHS facility on the Wirral.
It is expected they will be kept in isolation at Arrowe Park Hospital in Upton and then monitored.
Janelle Holmes, chief executive of Wirral University Hospital, told staff: "Before arrival they will be screened for symptoms. If anyone becomes unwell after arrival they will be treated following appropriate protocols."
The outbreak was declared a global public health emergency on Thursday night.
Four chief medical officers in the UK have raised the coronavirus risk level from low to moderate - however, they stressed they "do not think the risk to individuals in the UK has changed".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 WHO chief: We don't know what damage virus could do
Other details that Sky News understands include:
Three military medics and Public Health England (PHE) officials are on board the plane, but it will be crewed by civilians
The medics have a script to read out to people letting them know to speak up if they feel unwell
There is an isolation area on board
Passengers will have to agree to whatever treatment is recommended by experts
British Airways has cancelled all flights to mainland China until the end of February, while some other airlines have suspended flights
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
Anyone who has returned to the UK from Wuhan in recent weeks has been urged to "self-isolate" for two weeks.
As of Thursday, 161 people in the UK have tested negative for the coronavirus.
Of 1,466 passengers and 95 staff who arrived in the UK from Wuhan between 10 and 24 January, 162 have already left the UK and 760 are now outside the 14-day incubation period for the virus.
Chinese health officials say there are now 9,692 confirmed cases, and 213 people have died.
This is an increase of 1,981 cases and 81 deaths since Wednesday.


news--2020-01-31--US jobs could benefit from coronavirus, says Trump's commerce secretary Wilbur Ross

US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross has been criticised for saying the coronavirus could result in more jobs for Americans .
Mr Ross was speaking after the virus - which has killed 170 people and infected 7,700 - was declared a global public health emergency .
He said he thought the situation could encourage American manufacturers in China to return to the US .
He told Fox Business Network : `` I think it will help to accelerate the return of jobs to North America - some to US , probably some to Mexico as well . ''
He said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a victory lap over a very unfortunate , very malignant disease '' but `` the fact is , it does give businesses yet another thing to consider when they go through their review of their supply chain '' .
The coronavirus has paralysed many parts of China , with travel severely restricted and businesses suffering from the resulting lack of shoppers during what was meant to be the country 's busiest public holiday .
Airlines have cancelled flights and governments around the world have had to put plans in place to evacuate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congressman Don Beyer wrote on Twitter : `` Wilbur Ross ' reaction to a disease killing hundreds is to talk about ways to make money off it .
Somehow they always find a way to be worse . ''
Representative Ted Lieu added : `` Why is Wilbur Ross still secretary of commerce ? ''
Others described him as `` cruel '' , `` craven '' , and `` vile '' .
Wuhan , the Chinese region where the virus was first detected , is one of China 's steel industry heartlands and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Motors .
Even before the virus , some foreign companies had been re-thinking their Chinese presence , partly due to US president Donald Trump 's tariffs on imports and partly because Chinese labour costs have risen .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But Rosemary Coates , whose Blue Silk Consulting firm helps companies make such decisions , said Mr Ross 's claims were `` ridiculous '' .
Ms Coates added : `` You ca n't snap your fingers .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years to find another supplier .
It is n't easy .
It 's complicated .
`` Companies that are leaving China are not coming to the US .
`` They 're going to other Asian countries .
If low cost is the only goal , then the US is not the answer . ''
After the criticism of Ross 's comments , the Commerce Department said in a statement : `` As Secretary Ross made clear , the first step is to bring the virus under control and help the victims of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to consider the ramifications of doing business with a country that has a long history of covering up real risks to its own people and the rest of the world . ''
Larry Kudlow , Mr Trump 's top economic adviser , refused to back Mr Ross 's comments , saying : `` This is not about trade , jobs or any of that '' .
`` The president has a lot of compassion for the Chinese situation .
The threat of large numbers of people dying is a terrible thing .
We @ @ @ @ @ @

US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross has been criticised for saying the coronavirus could result in more jobs for Americans.
Mr Ross was speaking after the virus - which has killed 170 people and infected 7,700 - was declared a global public health emergency.
He said he thought the situation could encourage American manufacturers in China to return to the US.
He told Fox Business Network: "I think it will help to accelerate the return of jobs to North America - some to US, probably some to Mexico as well."
He said that he didn't "want to talk about a victory lap over a very unfortunate, very malignant disease" but "the fact is, it does give businesses yet another thing to consider when they go through their review of their supply chain".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 WHO chief: We don't know what damage virus could do
The coronavirus has paralysed many parts of China, with travel severely restricted and businesses suffering from the resulting lack of shoppers during what was meant to be the country's busiest public holiday.
Airlines have cancelled flights and governments around the world have had to put plans in place to evacuate their citizens from the affected areas.
Congressman Don Beyer wrote on Twitter: "Wilbur Ross' reaction to a disease killing hundreds is to talk about ways to make money off it. Somehow they always find a way to be worse."
Representative Ted Lieu added: "Why is Wilbur Ross still secretary of commerce?"
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Image: US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross has been criticised for his comments
Others described him as "cruel", "craven", and "vile".
Wuhan, the Chinese region where the virus was first detected, is one of China's steel industry heartlands and has attracted foreign manufacturing businesses such as General Motors.
Even before the virus, some foreign companies had been re-thinking their Chinese presence, partly due to US president Donald Trump's tariffs on imports and partly because Chinese labour costs have risen.
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But Rosemary Coates, whose Blue Silk Consulting firm helps companies make such decisions, said Mr Ross's claims were "ridiculous".
Ms Coates added: "You can't snap your fingers.
"It can take 18 months or two years to find another supplier. It isn't easy. It's complicated.
"Companies that are leaving China are not coming to the US.
"They're going to other Asian countries. If low cost is the only goal, then the US is not the answer.''
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:38 Coronavirus present in every region of China
After the criticism of Ross's comments, the Commerce Department said in a statement: "As Secretary Ross made clear, the first step is to bring the virus under control and help the victims of this disease.
"It is also important to consider the ramifications of doing business with a country that has a long history of covering up real risks to its own people and the rest of the world.''
Larry Kudlow, Mr Trump's top economic adviser, refused to back Mr Ross's comments, saying: "This is not about trade, jobs or any of that".
"The president has a lot of compassion for the Chinese situation. The threat of large numbers of people dying is a terrible thing. We just want to help.''