FLYBE, the budget airline owned by the family of Blackburn Rovers saviour Jack Walker, is considering a £300million floatation on to the stock market.

And any move to go public by the no-frills carrier could net members of the Walker Trust, which still owns the club, millions of pounds.

Merrill Lynch, which advises the company, is understood to be ready to prepare for a listing next year.

A Flybe spokesman said: “Flybe's business is delivering a robust performance against the backdrop of difficult industry conditions.

“The directors of Flybe are very pleased with these results and with the numerous growth opportunities which the business has options to action.

“Flybe may consider the possibility of a public listing at some point in the future. Flybe will continue to monitor this situation.”

It is the second time in three years that Flybe has considered a stock market flotation.

However, in 2007 the company decided to stay private and 69 per cent owned by the Walker Trust.

Another 15 per cent is owned by British Airways after Flybe’s takeover of BA Connect three years ago.

The Walker Trust was set up by former Rovers owner Mr Walker, who died in 2000.

Click play below to listen to this week's edition of the Lancashire Telegraph Premier League podcast.