Flybe reports a loss after a 'challenging year'

Image caption, FlyBe cited a number of negative factors

Flybe has reported an annual loss after a "challenging year".

The Exeter-based airline made a pre-tax loss of 拢6.4m in the year to 31 March, compared with a profit of 拢3.8m a year earlier.

Flybe chief executive Jim French said the company had been hit by a number of factors including the weak UK economy, record fuel prices and the "ever-increasing" airport departure tax.

Its annual revenues rose by 14% to 拢679m.