IAG among companies interested in Flybe purchase

Virgin and Stobart Air also mentioned

It's claimed Aer Lingus's owner, International Airlines Group or IAG, is among the companies interested in buying Flybe.

The regional airline, which flies several key routes from the Isle of Man, put itself up for sale recently after severe profit warnings and an expected loss this year of £12 million.

It's believed the company has been in talks with several potential buyers, including Stobart Air and Virgin.

Ryan Air and EasyJet have publicly stated that they are not interested in any possible purchase.

The Irish Examiner reports that Flybe’s potential role as a feeder service to transatlantic routes has been suggested as an attraction for international airlines.

Flybe's shares went up over 30% following the suggestion that IAG was interested in acquiring the airline.