Airline carrier Flybe is returning to the skies after a two year hiatus.
Founded over 40 years ago, Flybe will be shuttling passengers from Leeds Bradford Airport to London Heathrow and Belfast, amongst other UK routes.
Prices are generally around £34.99 - £39.99 each way, including throughout the summer season, so this is likely to become a popular value-for-money flight route for Yorkshire locals wanting to travel to the capital throughout the year.
Other exciting flight routes include East Midlands to Amsterdam and seven different UK and France locations taking off from Birmingham.
The small airline carrier has historically been known for its cheap flights and small aircrafts and it appears that the same tactics will be used as part of their relaunch, which will see the company taking off for the first time in two years.
In its heyday, Flybe was one of the UK's best known budget airlines and Europe's largest regional airline, but after months of struggling, the company made the decision to cease all operations: cancelled all of their outbound flights and filed for administration in March 2020, right at the beginning of the pandemic.
Image: Flybe
As a result, the company was thought to have left around 15,000 passengers stranded and some 2,400 staff were made redundant. Unfortunately do to the precarious state of the airline industry throughout the pandemic, this was not an uncommon headline in March 2020 and many other travel and tourism operators including industry giants Thomas Cook, Virgin Atlantic and travel agents STA Travel also closed their stores as a result of worldwide uncertainty.
Since the closure of Flybe two years ago, the company has been bought out by Thyme Opco, a company linked to former shareholder Cyrus Capital, who have changed the official company name to Flybe Limited, obtained airport slots, new operating license and route licenses ahead of their relaunch.
Flights are now live for booking, with the first set to take off on Friday 13 April, in just under a month's time. In total, there are 23 routes and over 500 flights available to book on the airline's website.
David Hockney, one of Britain's most influential and recognisable artists, has sadly died.
Born in Bradford in 1937, David Hockney built a career spanning more than six decades and became one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.
He was best known for his vibrant paintings, from the iconic swimming pools of Los Angeles to the sweeping landscapes of Yorkshire and Normandy.
And of course you can't forget the adorable paintings of his sausage dogs Stanley and Boodgie.
This morning on Friday 12 June, it was sadly announced that David Hockney had passed away - just one month prior of his 89th birthday.
Admired by critics and the public alike, Hockney's work was exhibited around the world and attracted record-breaking prices, cementing his place as one of the defining artists of the modern era.
Most recently, his incredibly immersive exhibition 'Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)' was a hit across the country, proving his work still resonated with the people of today.
His work at Salts Mill has remained in exhibit for years, including his special digital drawings that he did on his iPad.
His death marks the end of a truly extraordinary career, but his influence on British culture and contemporary art will endure for years to come.
A true West Yorkshire icon that will be missed by many from across the globe. RIP David.
Featured image - Publicity photo via Justin Sutcliffe (supplied)
Bradford
The UK’s biggest Asian shopping mall is opening in Bradford this weekend
Clementine Hall
After years in the making, Signature Mall Bradford will be opening in the heart of the city.
Signature Mall is one of the UK’s most anticipated Asian retail and lifestyle destinations that will officially be opening its doors this Saturday 16 May.
This is a major milestone for the city, bringing together a mix of premium South Asian fashion, jewellery, beauty, dining, and lifestyle brands all under one roof.
It's a huge step for the city as the new opening is expected to attract thousands of visitors from all over the country.
Images: Supplied
The space has been designed to deliver a modern and seamless shopping experience, featuring a total of 45 vendors all in one mall.
You'll be able to find everything from premium jewellery and bridal retailers to family-friendly leisure facilities and beauty brands.
There will also be a large food and drink offering.
The opening of Signature Mall is also expected to generate new employment opportunities and provide a platform for both established and emerging businesses within the South Asian retail sector.
Signature Mall representatives have said: “Signature Mall is more than just a shopping destination, it is a celebration of culture, community, and entrepreneurship. We are proud to bring this exciting new development to Bradford and look forward to welcoming visitors from across the region and beyond.”
The Signature Mall will be located on Preston Street in Bradford and you can find more about it here via their website.
Sophie Smith -
23rd March 2022 
