Public Relations

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.

  1. About Us
  2. Our News
  3. Our Charities
  4. Our Awards
  5. Press Office
  6. Recent Press

About the Company

Flyglobespan is a subsidiary of The Globespan Group. The Globespan Group has been operating for over 30 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 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.

Pioneers

Flyglobespan has achieved many noticeable firsts in its relatively short history including:

  • First airline to install winglets to the wings of its 737-800's, enabling a faster rate of climb and greater fuel efficiency
  • First low cost carrier to base an aircraft at Aberdeen airport
  • First airline to operate many long haul scheduled services including a service from Dublin to Western Canada, Belfast to Florida and Edinburgh to Egypt

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 two Boeing 737-600's, 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.

Oct 2008 - Flyglobespan named 100th biggest company in Britain

Top Track 250

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."

Sept 2008 - flyglobespan steps into Cardiff airport

stepping into Cardiff

We are delighted to announce a brand new flight from Cardiff to Hamilton Airport, near Toronto.

The flight will operate from June until September 09, with prices starting from £179.00 (one way including tax).

Commenting on the new flight Rick Green, flyglobespan CEO said,

"We are delighted to be offering this new service to people in the South Wales area.

Our Canadian flying programme is increasing in popularity year after year, and we are confident that our winning combination of low-cost flights and superior service will prove a real hit from Cardiff too."

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

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!

Five Million Passengers

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!

Dalaman

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

Edinburgh to Dubrovnik

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."

04/06/2008 - First Flight From Edinburgh To Dubrovnik Commences

Edinburgh to Dubrovnik

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."

14/02/2008 - Flyglobespan Celebrates 150,000th Passenger Flying From Durham Tees Valley Airport

Mr and Mrs Norton

Flyglobespan, who serve more destinations than any other airline from Durham Tees Valley Airport, today celebrated with Mr and Mrs Norton who became the 150,000th passenger to fly from the North East airport with the award-winning airline.

Mr and Mrs Norton were checking in on the morning flight to Alicante when Emma Ormerod, Marketing & Promotions Manager of Durham Tees Valley Airport surprised them with a bottle of champagne to celebrate reaching this impressive milestone.

Mrs Norton said, “I am very surprised, but of course delighted, to have been presented with a bottle of champagne by the airline and airport staff - what a great start to my holiday! My husband and I have flown with flyglobespan three times already this year; we book the whole package with the airline from flights and transfers to the hotel.

She continued, “Living in Catterick Village I very much appreciate the locality of the airport and the range of flights that flyglobespan offers from here. It provides me with a hassle and stress-free alternative to flying from Newcastle airport – long may it continue!”

Jan 2008 - Tom Dalrymple Announced 15th Most Successful Entrepreneur In The Uk

Tom Dalrymple

flyglobespan’s success has been recognised by Management Today magazine which has placed Tom Dalrymple as 15th most successful entrepreneur in the UK.

The news comes as the publication releases its annual league table of the top 100 entrepreneurs for 2008, based on the success of the companies that each candidate has founded.

The league table is a Whose Who of Britain’s top wealth creators, and is seen by Tom as a reflection on everyone at flyglobespan’s efforts in achieving such a high position in this prestigious list.

Tom Dalrymple’s 15th position is ahead of a number of well-known and highly respected entrepreneurs including Christian Rucker of The White Company, Linda Bennett of luxury shoe company LK Bennett, Sir Anthony Bamford of JCB, the construction equipment company, and Mark and Mo Constantine of Lush Cosmetics.

Tom is also the second most successful Scottish entrepreneur to make the list, just a few positions behind Sir David Murray who is in 11th place.

The ranking position of the entrepreneurs has been based on three main indicators – employment figures, turnover growth and a valuation of their stake in the business and other assets.

Charitable donations

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

10/03/2008 - flyglobespan staff give generously

CHAS

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

NCH

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.

Press Office

To contact the Press Office, please call 0131 312 2409 (office hours only).