Flybe is to change its name to 'Virgin Connect'.

It's been described as the start of a new era, with an overall re-brand scheduled for completion next year.

Flybe operates routes thirteen direct routes from Jersey.

A statement says Virgin Connect will be passionately focused on becoming Europe's most loved and successful regional airline.

"As part of the extended Virgin family, Virgin Connect will reflect the innovation and entrepreneurship of Virgin's wider brands, putting our customers first and offering better value."

 “We are hugely excited by this milestone in our airline’s 40-year history. We will remain true to our heritage and reason for being, which is offering essential regional connectivity to local communities."  - Connect Airways CEO, Mark Anderson

Flybe was sold to a Virgin Atlantic-led consortium earlier this year.  The newly-formed Connect Airways is made up of the Stobart Group, Cyrus Capital and Virgin.

A new website - virginconnect.co.uk says the brand will 'be saying goodbye to purple and hello to red'.

The company says existing Flybe bookings will not be affected and flights should continue to be booked at flybe.com.