Flybe.
...a growing number of international routes increasing the demand for languages skills amongst employees
Flybe., based at Exeter International Airport, has become one of the most successful low-cost airlines in a very competitive domestic and European aviation market.
Following its re-branding as a low-cost airline in 2003, the company now operates 101 Routes to 41 UK & European destinations with plans for further expansion. It is now Europe's third largest low cost airline.
It recently announced it will commence flights from Exeter International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle in March 2005 providing a 'local gateway to the world' for people in Devon and Cornwall.
A company which truly values employees who speak languages
The company currently employs around 1,500 staff, with over 800 staff based at Exeter International Airport. With a growing European network, it is no surprise therefore that the ability to speak a European language is an increasingly important asset amongst its employees.
Steve Parrott Personnel Director, comments on how knowing a foreign language can increase the employment chances of prospective candidates wanting to work for the company. 'If there are two candidates, one who speaks a foreign language and the other not, all other things being equal, it is the person who speaks the language we will employ'. It is not only in customer-facing roles in sales and marketing and amongst cabin-crew where speaking a foreign language is advantageous. Steve also states: 'Regardless of their role, if an employee speaks a language, which is of use to the company, they will be paid extra'
Flybe. pays £1000/year for fluency in each relevant 2nd language and £500 for conversational. No doubt this provides an incentive amongst staff to learn a language or consider brushing up on languages skills learnt at school or college.
Visit the Flybe website at www.flybe.com
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