David Paterson is a seasoned veteran of the aviation industry. Starting with British Midland, he continued his professional journey at Flybe, serving the organization for nearly 20 years in various sales and alliances capacities. As the Head of Regional Sales, he was instrumental in leading the field sales team in the UK and Europe. When Flybe acquired Finnish Commuter Airlines, he led sales campaigns in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Estonia with the stated ambition of Flybe Nordic becoming the largest regional airline in the Nordic and Baltic region.

David’s keen understanding of the aviation industry’s dynamics, coupled with his capacity to identify and develop synergies, played a key role in enhancing Flybe’s performance. In his subsequent role as Head of Alliances, David continued to demonstrate his exceptional industry expertise, negotiating and implementing codeshare and interline agreements with several airlines. His vision and strategic alliances were pivotal in broadening Flybe’s network, ensuring streamlined connections for passengers and bolstering the airline’s market presence.

He was responsible for cultivating partnerships with other airlines and industry partners, thereby extending Flybe’s global footprint and optimizing the passenger travel experience. Through his leadership and strategic initiatives, David was successful in developing new routes, improving connectivity, and driving Flybe’s overall growth trajectory. David’s unique insight into the symbiotic relationship between aviation and tourism has been a defining feature of his career. His strategic perspective, honed by years of experience in both industries, allows him to create value for stakeholders by aligning the goals of both aviation and tourism.