Mubasher: UK’s Virgin Atlantic Airways was in talks to buy regional airline Flybe, a week after the carrier said it was discussing selling itself, according to a news report.

An alliance with Flybe would offer opportunities to support passenger traffic into Virgin Atlantic’s long-haul network and access take-off and landing slots at Heathrow Airport, Sky News reported on Thursday, citing sources. The report did not mention any financial details.

Virgin Atlantic confirmed in a statement that it was “one of the parties” in discussions over a potential sale.

Budget carrier easyJet and infrastructure firm Stobart are weighing buying Flybe.

Flybe has a market capitalisation of around GBP 21 million ($26.93 million), according to Refinitiv Eikon data.

The airline issued a profit warning last October because of waning demand, higher fuel prices and weaker sterling pound.