I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome aboard our new shareholders and thank existing investors who have increased their holding as part of this transaction." The stake sale will significantly widen the shareholder base for Flybe. It also sees the Walker family trust make an exit after a 45 per cent surge in Flybe's share price following Monday's restructuring announcement, which will lead to another 500 job losses to cut costs and a review of unprofitable routes and bases. Flybe traces its roots back to 1979 when Jersey European Airways was founded.