By Emma Corlett Business Editor Acquisition-hungry airline Flybe says it is ready to take full advantage of the industry's consolidation as the credit crunch and soaring fuel prices continue.

By John Collingridge City Reporter The regional airline, which yesterday reported record full-year profits up 20m to 35.4m, is the second airline to announce large expansion plans at Leeds Bradford.Irish budget carrier Ryanair last month said it hopes to expand to up to 20 routes from the airport depending on talks with its management.Flybe chief commercial officer Mike Rutter said it plans to expand the number of routes flown to 15 or 16 from the current four.Within three years Flybe hopes to fly about a million passengers annually from Leeds, up significantly from last year's figure of 300,000.

By Scott Reid Deputy FLYBE, the fast-growing regional airline, has reinforced its commitment to the Scottish market after shrugging off sky-high fuel costs and a consumer slowdown to book record annual profits.

By Julia Breen LOW-cost airline Flybe will today

TOP businessmen in the Midlands are to find out how a small airline with a handful of 18 seater aircraft in Jersey grew to become Europe's largest regional operator.