BA Connect is to be sold to Flybe. An agreement in principal has been reached, but London City airport is not included. BA Chief Executive Willie Walsh says despite its best efforts the firm can not see any prospect of profitability for the company in its current form. The sale to Flybe is seen as the best opportunity to secure the long term future of its staff. Flybe has told the Isle of Man it "understands the important contribution that the BA Connect base maintenance facility makes to the Isle of Man economy". Flybe has offered its long term commitment to providing air services from the Isle of Man to London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham. It has also announced its intention to introduce a number of new routes, the details of which will be provided once the acquisition is completed. The Isle of Man's Industry Minister, Alex Downie, says talks have been held with BA, there have been some discussions with Flybe and executives from Flybe are due on the Island next week. Mr Downie also sees it as significant that British Airways will have a 15% investment in Flybe on completion of the sale. (Note: For more on this story see the business section of manxradio.com).