Public Relations

In this section you can find out about flyglobespan.com and the Globespan Group, read about our latest news & our awards, and get in touch with our Press department. For more general enquiries, visit the Contact Us page.

About the Company

Flyglobespan is a subsidiary of The Globespan Group. The Globespan Group has been operating for nearly 35 years, predominantly as a tour operator offering services to Canada.

In May 2002 the company operated its first flyglobespan flight, from Edinburgh to Nice. Flyglobespan now operates flights to 23 destinations worldwide. The airline operates a huge choice of flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Durham as well as transatlantic flights from a variety of other UK hubs including Manchester, Gatwick and Belfast.

As well as flights, the group also offers accommodation packages with the option of car hire and transfers.

The flyglobespan workforce has also grown with the expansion. Flyglobespan currently employ in the region of 1300 staff.

About the Chairman

Tom Dalrymple left school aged 16 and began his career at Mackays Travel Agency in Edinburgh. During his time here he worked his way up through the ranks and developed his "can do, will do, happy to do" attitude.

His enthusiasm and passion for the travel industry lead him to secure control of a breakaway business travel agency in 1974, and rename it The Globespan Group.

In 2002 Tom was inspired to set up his own airline and Flyglobespan was born.

His "can do" attitude is still very apparent today and it is this willingness and confidence that has allowed Tom to make decisions that have helped to grow one of the most successful airlines in Britain today.

In 2008 Management Today Magazine voted Tom the 15th most successful entrepreneur in the UK.

Pioneers

Flyglobspan has achieved many notable firsts including being the first airline to operate a number of new routes including:

Dublin to Vancouver and Calgary
Belfast to Orlando
Edinburgh to Egypt
Edinburgh to Dubrovnik

The Aircraft

Three wide-bodied Boeing 767-300's and one Boeing 757-200 operates the long haul programme, while the company also currently operates a Boeing 737-600', two Boeing 737-700's, two Boeing 737-300's and five Boeing 737-800's.

Flyglobespan has also ordered two Boeing 787 Dreamliners that will offer a more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly way to fly.

Fly greener with flyglobespan

Flyglobespan operates a young fleet of modern aircraft. The technology used is always up to the latest standards and the quietest and most economical engines are used. This enables the airline to save operating costs and increase competitiveness, as well as making an effective contribution to environmental protection.

flyglobespan was also the first UK airline to install winglets to the wings of its 737-800's enabling a faster rate of climb and resulting in greater fuel efficiency.

flyglobespan Commercial

With an excellent track record for delivering bespoke charter solutions, flyglobespan offers a range of lease options on our modern fleet of aircraft. Our professional and efficient team can arrange a charter to your exact requirements, providing you with a stress-free and cost-effective solution.

Our competitive pricing, expertise, friendly customer service and quality product ensures that companies choose flyglobespan time and time again. Contact us now for a quote, email charters@globespan.com

Dec 2008 - High School Musical mania comes to Scotland!
Dec 2008 - Flyglobespan announces Glasgow to Halifax route
Nov 2008 - Tom Dalrymple honoured in Scotland’s Finest
Nov 2008 - Globespan flying high with £40m winter lease deals
Oct 2008 - Flyglobespan named 100th biggest company in Britain
Oct 2008 - Flyglobespan wins Ministry of Defence contract
Sept 2008 - Flyglobespan staff encourage Scots to escape the weather
Aug 2008 - Flyglobespan carries the population of Scotland!
Aug 2008 - Fyglobespan gets Turkish delight with new Dalaman flight!
July 2008 - Scots get brand new Nile Cruise package exclusively from flyglobespan
June 2008 - First Flight From Edinburgh To Dubrovnik Commences

Dec 2008 - High School Musical mania comes to Scotland!

The cast of The High School Musical Ice Tour have landed in Scotland, ahead of their highly anticipated first Scottish performance on Thursday (18 December)!

Scottish airline, flyglobespan, flew the cast and crew into Glasgow as part of their European tour, ready for the spectacular show at Glasgow’s Braehead Arena.

The all-singing, all-skating cast will be performing an exhausting eight shows from this Thursday until Sunday.

This flyglobespan flight, chartered by aviation brokers Chapman Freeborn, is one of the many successful charters that the award-winning airline is currently operating.

Dec 2008 - Flyglobespan announces Glasgow to Halifax route

Glasgow is to offer a new transatlantic destination - thanks to flyglobespan.

Starting 27 May 2009, the airline is to fly to Halifax in Nova Scotia adding a new route to a substantial transatlantic programme that already offers flights to the USA and three other Canadian destinations.

Prices for the new route will start from only £179 including taxes as the airline looks to attract the friends and family business which is so much a part of the Scotland - Canada travel market.

Nova Scotia became home to many Scottish immigrants following the Highland Clearance, with the first Scots arriving in 1773 on ship Hector. Consequently the huge influence of Scottish culture is still very apparent in Nova Scotia today with various Celtic music festivals, highland games, an International tattoo and even a single malt whisky distillery.

The opportunity to add such a potentially attractive destination to the company programme has delighted flyglobespan chairman Tom Dalrymple.

“It is only right that Scotland’s airline should be flying into one of the most densely populated Scottish ex-pat areas in the world,” he insists.

“There is huge appetite from family travel both to and from Nova Scotia and Scotland and we are delighted we can offer the route at such affordable prices.

“And Scotland to Nova Scotia is one of the shortest routes across the Atlantic and therefore an ideal initial journey for those who want to go on and see more of the Continent.

The route was warmly welcomed by political and key tourism figures.

Scotland’s Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said: “This is great news and a welcome boost ahead of our Homecoming Celebrations in 2009. This new flight between Halifax and Glasgow will provide a direct link to and from Scotland, improving international connections and tourism links between Scotland and Nova Scotia – a province with a very strong affinity to Scotland.

“The first Halifax to Glasgow flight will begin in May of the Year of Homecoming. With over 200 events nationwide to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns I hope that this flight will encourage ex-patriot Scots living in Nova Scotia or those with a love or connection to our great country to return home and join us in our the celebrations.”

VisitScotland’s Chief Executive Philip Riddle said: “This is fantastic news, particularly as it will give us another direct route from one of our key markets for Homecoming Scotland 2009. Halifax and Nova Scotia offer a great opportunity for Scottish tourism due to the large numbers of ancestral Scots – some 250,000 - living there.

“Our international Homecoming Scotland marketing campaign already targets Nova Scotia and this direct flight will help us attract even more visitors to Glasgow and the rest of Scotland next year. This is particularly good news for the Canadian travel agents and tour operators we are working with, who will capitalise on the benefits of non-stop service to Scotland.”

Amanda McMillan, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport, welcomed the new service. She said: "This is great news for transatlantic passengers, and for our tourist industry. It is particularly well timed given the forthcoming launch of Homecoming Scotland 2009.

“With more than 30 years experience flying to and from Canada, flyglobespan knows the market well. We wish them every success and look forward to working with them to deliver further growth from Glasgow."

Praise, too, from Rupert Peters, UK Managing Director of the Canadian Tourism Commission. He said: "Nova Scotia's popularity continues with nearly 30,000 heading that way from the UK in 2008. With Halifax only six hours away from Britain, flyglobespan's new route demonstrates that Canada is so easy to get to and explore."

The new Glasgow – Halifax flight will operate every Wednesday from 27 May until 14 October 2009 and is available to book online.

Nov 2008 - Tom Dalrymple honoured in Scotland’s Finest

Scotland’s Finest, a tribute to the nation’s ambassadors, has acknowledged Tom Dalrymple’s for his achievements in the field of travel and tourism in 2008.

Tom Dalrymple is the founder and Chairman of Scottish low-cost airline flyglobespan, which offers customers a choice of flights and holidays to 23 destinations worldwide.

The annual list, which is compiled by The Sunday Herald, highlights Scotland’s movers and shakers of Scotland in a range of fields including the Arts, Food & Drink, Politics, Design & Fashion, Sports and Beauty.

Nov 2008 -Globespan flying high with £40m winter lease deals

flyglobespan has announced a huge boost to revenue as a result of winning a second MoD contract.

This five month contract will see another flyglobespan 767 300ER flying to Qatar from the RAF Brize Norton from December.

“This is splendid news for the airline,” says Tom Dalrymple, flyglobespan’s Chairman.

“Once again flyglobespan has demonstrated that we have the expertise to secure highly-prized contracts like this.”

“These high profile MoD contracts and other new recently-negotiated arrangements which we have over the winter will generate over £40million worth of revenue at a time when the UK holiday market is at its most quiet.

“It means we are maximising the earning potential of our assets at a crucially important part of the year. In addition to the plane, we also supply the flight deck and cabin crew. So this new MoD deal alone means five-month additional work for up to 60 of our employees which, again, is good news.”

Having watched the downfall of a number of airlines in a tumultuous year for the industry, Dalrymple has ensured that flyglobespan has heeded the lessons from these rivals’ failures.

“Other carriers mothball chunks of their fleet and lay off huge numbers of staff during the winter. Our strategy means continued work for more of our employees at a time when others are making staff redundant.”

Apart from the Falklands service (a four-year arrangement) all the planes will be back in time for the airline’s peak summer programme next year and Dalrymple is pleased at the progress of advanced sales.

Oct 2008 - Flyglobespan named 100th biggest company in Britain

The Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 250 has listed The Globespan Group as the 100th biggest mid market private company in Britain, an impressive 33 places above its ranking in the same list last year.

The Globespan Group, which comprises various travel business including the award-winning low cost airline flyglobespan, is enjoying a strong year and is looking to the future with great positivity.

Chairman Tom Dalrymple, who is 100% shareholder for the company, commented, "We are very pleased that we have now attained a place in the top 100 of this prestigious list. We are enjoying a good year and this recognition is the icing on the cake. I am hugely grateful to both my staff and our loyal customers for helping us to achieve this milestone."

Oct 2008 - Flyglobespan wins ministry of defence contract

The Ministry of Defence’s South Atlantic airbridge contract has been awarded to award-winning airline, flyglobespan. The twice-weekly flights from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire to Ascension Island and the Falklands will be operated on the airline’s Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, commencing in October.

The B767-300 aircraft is to carry up to 184 civilian and government passengers on each flight, with the remaining payload taken with freight.

The contract was won after flyglobespan offered the most economical advantageous solution to the MoD’s passenger, aero-medical and freight requirements.

Tom Dalrymple, Chairman for flyglobespan said, “We are of course very pleased to have won this prestigious contract which is testament to our expertise in this product field.

“Charter flights such as these are an important part of the flyglobespan business model and winning this Ministry of Defence contract is further indication of how successfully we are doing this.

“We pride ourselves on the service we offer to both charter clients and general passengers and are delighted that The Ministry of Defence has recognised this and put their trust in flyglobespan to operate a superior and cost effective service.”

Image: flyglobespan aircraft receives friendly escort by RAF tornado into Falklands base at Mount Pleasant, as part of MoD training.

Sept 2008 - flyglobespan staff encourage Scots to escape the weather.

From left to right:

Chris Prestage, Megan Hatley, Sarah Howatt, Natalia Vazquez and Nicola Barrett (all flyglobespan staff and crew).

A group of flyglobespan staff donned their beachwear to illustrate to passers by on Princes Street that there has never been a better time to escape the miserable Scottish weather and book a holiday abroad.

Flyglobespan flies to 23 destinations worldwide including Spain, Portugal, The Canaries, Canada, USA, Egypt, France, Croatia and Cyprus.

Aug 2008 - flyglobespan carries the population of Scotland!

flyglobespan celebrates carrying five million passengers - the equivalent of the population of Scotland.

Pictured:Flyglobespan passengers Michael Duffin and Liza Lambouglou celebrate flyglobespan’s five million passengers with a Scotland cake featuring the three airports.

The airline began flying in May 2002 and since then has carried a total five million passengers from its Scottish airports (Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen) to a huge range of worldwide destinations, including Palma, Alicante, Malaga, Nice, Barcelona, Faro, Rome, Geneva, Croatia, Madeira, Cyprus, The Canaries, Egypt, Canada and Orlando,

Commenting on the celebration Rick Green, flyglobespan CEO said, “We are delighted to have reached such a milestone. When the chairman, Tom Dalrymple, started operating the airline in 2002 his intention was to provide direct flights at affordable prices from Scottish airports. Having now carried five million passengers I think proves what a great success this has been – and we are very grateful to our customers for their support.”

July 2008 - flyglobespan gets Turkish delight with new Dalaman flight!

We are delighted to announce Flyglobespan will now be offering direct flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen to the fantastic resort of Dalaman in Turkey for Summer 09.

Each airport will operate a weekly flight, giving a total of three flights every week from Scotland. The routes will operate from April until October and prices start from £99.00 (one way including tax).

Commenting on the new route Rick Green, flyglobespan CEO said, "We are delighted to be offering this new flight to the Turkish destination of Dalaman.

“Turkey, with its rich culture, great beach resorts and reputation as a value for money destination is bound to be a winner. Our customers told us this is what they wanted and so we are delighted to be able to deliver it.”

July 2008 - Scots get brand new Nile Cruise package exclusively from flyglobespan

Flyglobespan is now offering customers a brand new Nile Cruise package.

The exclusive 14-night Cruise and Stay package includes return flyglobespan flights from Glasgow to Hurghada, five nights in the popular Red Sea resort of Hurghada, seven nights aboard a luxurious cruise from Luxor to Aswan, finishing with a further two nights in Hurghada.

The package will allow customers to take in some of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world, such as the Valley of the Kings and the ancient Philae Temple Nile, whilst also being able to enjoy the fantastic diving, sun-drenched beaches and top class hotels that Hurghada offers.

This new Egypt product further cements flyglobespan’s reputation as a one-stop-shop for all its customer’s holiday needs.

Commenting on the new product, flyglobespan CEO Rick Green said, “We expect these new packages to prove extremely popular as they allow customers to experience the winning holiday combination of beach, culture and underwater adventure that Egypt offers, whilst flying direct from Scotland."

June 2008 - First Flight From Edinburgh To Dubrovnik Commences

Scots can now fly direct to Dubrovnik from Edinburgh – thanks to the new weekly flight offered by flyglobespan.

Cabin Crew member Liz McGarry and Edinburgh Airport representative David Lister celebrated with passengers Angela Kerr and Emily Chesnet.

The weekly service will operate every Wednesday and passengers will also be able to choose from a range of great value accommodation options, also bookable on the flyglobespan website.

Commenting on the new flight, flyglobespan CEO, Rick Green, said, “We are delighted to be operating yet another new route from Edinburgh.

“This new flight, which is in addition to our existing weekly service from Edinburgh to Pula, reinforces our continued commitment to Croatia and we are delighted that it is proving so popular with the Scottish market.”

Edinburgh Airport Managing Director, David Johnston, said: “Flyglobespan’s new service to Dubrovnik is a first for Edinburgh and a great addition to our growing network of direct destinations. The Croatian city is a fantastic holiday spot on the Adriatic coast, and the new weekly service opens up this picturesque and historic destination to Scots."

Charitable donations

flyglobespan is a keen supporter of local charities and has offered support to numerous charities including:

Charity walk a success
Charity walk this christmas
CHAS (Real Radio)
NCH (National Children's Homes)
Save the children
Breast cancer care
Cancer research Scotland
Sightsavers
Macmillan cancer
Make a child smile (TFM Radio)
Cash for kids (Radio Clyde)

19/12/2008 - flyglobespan charity walk a success

Flyglobespan helped bring a magical Christmas to local charities, by sponsoring the Edinburgh Christmas Walk 2008, which took place on Sunday 7 December.

The walk, originally known as the Airport Walk, started in 1968. This year the 15-mile walk celebrated its 40th anniversary and set off from the city centre out to the Old Edinburgh Airport at Turnhouse and finish at Castle Terrace.

The event saw local fundraisers put on their walking shoes, to help raise money for over 26 local charities. Some of the charities benefiting this year included: The Breast Cancer Campaign, The British Heart Foundation, Marie Curie and Down Syndrome Scotland.

10/03/2008 - flyglobespan staff give generously

Flyglobespan was proud to support CHAS, as part of Real Radio’s Bring a Pound to Work Day held on 6 March.

The company donated money at all of the offices as well as at the shops and airports and is expecting to raise hundreds of pounds for the charity.

Every staff member was able to get involved, from the cabin crew and engineers to the accountants and marketing teams, making the event a huge success.

Shereen Tulloch from Real Radio visited the flyglobespan Head Office where she conducted a live broadcast with Judith Duffy, Marketing Manager on why flyglobespan got involved.

Judith said, “We think CHAS is a very worthwhile charity for us to lend our support to. Obviously being a Scottish airline it is great to be able to give something back to the local communities by supporting this very worthy Scottish charity.

13/12/2007 - flyglobespan jets Young Carers off on holiday of a lifetime

Flyglobespan, has joined forces with the Sol Hotel Group to send 13 of Scotland’s most deserving children on the trip of a lifetime.

The children, who are part of NCH Scotland’s Young Carers programme based in Motherwell, will be whisked off for a three-night trip to Spain in January 2008, staying at the luxurious Sol Magalluf Park Hotel.

For many of the children it will be their first time abroad, and their first ever flight, but for all of the children it will be a highly deserved reward. All of the children on the project are the primary carers for a parent or sibling who is dependent on them due to a disability or dependency.

Commenting on the forthcoming trip Rick Green, flyglobespan CEO, said, “We are delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile project, and look forward to providing the children with a well-earned break.”

Airline Of The Year

flyglobespan was named Airline of the Year 2005 by airport operator, BAA Scotland. The award reflects the airline’s remarkable success since its inception in 2002. Flyglobespan has grown to become one of the biggest and most popular airlines and now serves, at the last count 30 top Worldwide destinations.

UK Top 250 Company - No. 100

The Globespan Group achieved the 100th position on the league table of Britain’s biggest mid-market private companies in 2008, a move of 33 places from their position in the league in 2007. The league is compiled by Sunday Times, in association with HSBC and KPMG.

SCDI President's Award

Awarded to flyglobespan for Outstanding Business Achievement 2006. Presented by Dr Tam Dalyell FRSE, President, SCDI (Scottish Council for Development and Industry).

Best Holiday Airline

Flyglobespan was named Best Holiday Airline 2007 at The Scottish Passenger Agents Association (SPAA) Awards fighting off strong competition from Thomas Cook Airlines, Mytravel Airways and First Choice Airways.