Struggling UK airline Flybe has unusually announced it is up for sale following extremely poor performance, losing £19.2 million last year alone.

Multiple companies are interested in a purchase, including easyJet, who are looking to purchase part of the company, and Stobart which is looking for a full acquisition having already been in a partnership with Flybe through Stobart Air.

Despite poor numbers, the complex IT systems aviation depends on can offer considerable value. However, although Stobart may be purchasing from an informed position as a partner, easyJet has no prior knowledge of the state of systems its looking to buy and could be taking a big gamble.

CAST, a leading Software Intelligence platform, believes potential buyers such as easyJet should gain maximum insight into the structure of any acquired software platforms before making an offer. Understanding the underlying software prior to purchase can prevent IT disrupting business as has plagued larger carriers, minimizing long-term costs as well as customer frustration and time-to-market.