Embedded Files
Defunct - A
A2B Airways
A2B Airways
2005
> British North West Airlines
Main base: BlackpoolIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
A2B Airways was established in June 2005 by former chairman of aviation services to Airtours and My Travel Mike Lee, Isle of Man businessman Nigel Kenny, and Captain Jim Morrow, former managing director of Flykeen Airways which had just ceased trading.
On 21/06/2005 A2B commenced services with the intention of operating 60 flights a week between Blackpool and Belfast and the Isle of Man. Other flights were being considered for later that year, using ATR-42s from Blackpool to Jersey, Amsterdam, and various German and Irish locations but the airline was acquired by British Northwest Airlines in August 2005 and the airlines merged routes.
v Tap for Fleet History v
On 21/06/2005 A2B commenced services with the intention of operating 60 flights a week between Blackpool and Belfast and the Isle of Man. Other flights were being considered for later that year, using ATR-42s from Blackpool to Jersey, Amsterdam, and various German and Irish locations but the airline was acquired by British Northwest Airlines in August 2005 and the airlines merged routes.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Shorts SD3-60 Variant 100G-VBAC (Registered to BAC Leasing Ltd - aircraft leased)
Shorts SD3-60 Variant 100G-VBAC (Registered to BAC Leasing Ltd - aircraft leased)
AB Airlines
AB Airlines
1997 - 1999
Main base: StanstedIATA: 7L ICAO: AZXCallsign: AZTEC
1993: Low-cost airline established by former Brymon Airways executives, and was initially marketed as Air Belfast, reflecting its then principal route between Belfast International Airport and London Stansted.
1994: Base opened at Shannon Airport to operate flights to London Gatwick Airport and marketed as AB Shannon.
1997: Base opened up at Gatwick Airport and renamed AB Airlines
August 1999: Company in administration, with its remaining scheduled services from London Gatwick to Nice and Shannon being taken over by British Airways.
v Tap for Fleet History v
1994: Base opened at Shannon Airport to operate flights to London Gatwick Airport and marketed as AB Shannon.
1997: Base opened up at Gatwick Airport and renamed AB Airlines
August 1999: Company in administration, with its remaining scheduled services from London Gatwick to Nice and Shannon being taken over by British Airways.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
BAC 1-11-510ED One-Eleven(all registered to European Aviation Ltd)G-AVMIG-AVMNG-AVMTG-AVMWG-AVMZ
Boeing 737-300(Registered as Air Bristol Ltd trading as AB Airlines)G-OABA 15/05/1998 > 28/10/1999G-OABD 20/04/1999 > 07/10/1999G-OABL 06/05/1998 > 27/10/1999
Boeing 737-400(Registered as Air Bristol Ltd trading as AB Airlines)G-OABE 29/04/1998 > 02/11/1998G-OABF 19/06/1998 > 14/10/1998
BAC 1-11-510ED One-Eleven(all registered to European Aviation Ltd)G-AVMIG-AVMNG-AVMTG-AVMWG-AVMZ
Boeing 737-300(Registered as Air Bristol Ltd trading as AB Airlines)G-OABA 15/05/1998 > 28/10/1999G-OABD 20/04/1999 > 07/10/1999G-OABL 06/05/1998 > 27/10/1999
Boeing 737-400(Registered as Air Bristol Ltd trading as AB Airlines)G-OABE 29/04/1998 > 02/11/1998G-OABF 19/06/1998 > 14/10/1998
AB Shannon
AB Shannon
1994 - 1997
merged with AB Bristol > AB Airlines
Main base: Shannon / GatwickIATA: 7L ICAO: AZXCallsign: AZTEC
AB Shannon was a short-lived subsidiary brand of low-cost carrier AB Airlines.1994: The company open a base at Shannon Airport to operate flights to Gatwick. Flights would be marketed and branded as AB Shannon.07/12/1995: Services commenced operating up to three flights a day between Shannon and Gatwick.01/05/1997: With the airline's flight network expanding to Berlin, Lisbon, and Barcelona, AB Shannon and Air Bristol merged to form AB Airlines Ltd there ending their regional identity and Gatwick becoming their primary hub.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
BAC 1-11-510ED One-Eleven(registered to European Aviation Ltd)
G-AVMT
BAC 1-11-510ED One-Eleven(registered to European Aviation Ltd)
G-AVMT
Aberdeen Airways
Aberdeen Airways
1934 - 1937
Main base: AberdeenAirline designators n/a
Refer to Allied Airways (Gandar Dower)
Aberdeen Airways
Aberdeen Airways
1989 - 1992
Base: AberdeenIATA: SM ICAO: AAWCallsign: GRANITE
07/03/1989: Established from the assets of Air Ecosse by Peregrine Air Services, to operate their scheduled flights.
Operations commenced in January 1990.11/02/1991: Became a subsidiary of Air Provence, a French airline.Aberdeen Airways subsequently moved to East Midlands (EMA), was renamed North East Express but ended operations in the summer of 1992, declaring bankruptcy in November.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Operations commenced in January 1990.11/02/1991: Became a subsidiary of Air Provence, a French airline.Aberdeen Airways subsequently moved to East Midlands (EMA), was renamed North East Express but ended operations in the summer of 1992, declaring bankruptcy in November.
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Fleet historyHawker Siddeley HS-748 Srs.2/232G-AZSU 20/03/1990 > 25/03/1991*Hawker Siddeley HS-748 Srs.2A/245G-BFLL 07/09/1990 > 25/03/1991*Grumman G-159 Gulfstream IG-BMPA 04/07/1986 > 25/03/1991**G-BMSR 30/07/1986 > 25/03/1991**G-BNCE 07/04/1987 > 25/03/1991*G-BRWN 14/05/1990 > 25/03/1991*Cessna 404 TitanG-BKTW 16/06/1983 > 25/03/1991*
*Registered to Hawk Aviation Ltd, Aberdeen**Registered to Gulfstream Aviation Ltd, AberdeenOwnership passed to Wisdom Investments Ltd on 25/03/1991
*Registered to Hawk Aviation Ltd, Aberdeen**Registered to Gulfstream Aviation Ltd, AberdeenOwnership passed to Wisdom Investments Ltd on 25/03/1991
Aberdeen London Express
Aberdeen London Express
1993 - 1994
HQ: AberdeenIATA: E7 ICAO: EAFCallsign: EUROCHARTERAOC: Used European Aviation
Aberdeen London Express Limited (aka as ALEX) was a short lived airline that operated flights between Aberdeen Airport and London Stansted.08/04/1993: Airline estabilished, and officially registered with the CAA 5 months later.31/10/1994: Commenced flights.06/12/1994: Ceased operations and filed for liquidation.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
BAC One Eleven 510EDG-AVMI(Registered to European Aviation Ltd - aircraft leased)
BAC One Eleven 510EDG-AVMI(Registered to European Aviation Ltd - aircraft leased)
ACE Freighters
ACE Freighters
1964 - 1966
Main base: GatwickIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
01/03/1964: ACE Freighters , the registered trading name of Aviation Charter Enterprises Ltd., commenced worldwide ad hoc freight charter operations from their base at Gatwick.
In the following year the airline operated sub-charter freight flights for British European Airways within Europe, plus regular charters to the Middle and Far East for the Ministry of Defence.
16/09/1966: Flight operations ceased
23/09/1966: the airline was placed in liquidation
v Tap for Fleet History v
In the following year the airline operated sub-charter freight flights for British European Airways within Europe, plus regular charters to the Middle and Far East for the Ministry of Defence.
16/09/1966: Flight operations ceased
23/09/1966: the airline was placed in liquidation
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Lockheed L-749A ConstellationsG-ALAK 14/09/1965 > 08/08/1967G-ALAL 04/02/1965 > 28/03/1967G-ANTF 21/02/1964 > 04/12/1967G-ASYF 03/11/1964 > 10/08/1967G-ASYS 24/11/1964 > 13/02/1967G-ASYT 24/11/1964 > 30/05/1969G-ASYU 24/11/1964 > 17/03/1967
Douglas Skymasters (DC-4)G-APEZ 29/04/1965 > 13/02/1967G-ASEN 11/05/1965 > 30/01/1967
Lockheed L-749A ConstellationsG-ALAK 14/09/1965 > 08/08/1967G-ALAL 04/02/1965 > 28/03/1967G-ANTF 21/02/1964 > 04/12/1967G-ASYF 03/11/1964 > 10/08/1967G-ASYS 24/11/1964 > 13/02/1967G-ASYT 24/11/1964 > 30/05/1969G-ASYU 24/11/1964 > 17/03/1967
Douglas Skymasters (DC-4)G-APEZ 29/04/1965 > 13/02/1967G-ASEN 11/05/1965 > 30/01/1967
ACE Scotland
ACE Scotland
1966
Main base: Glasgow / GatwickIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
In December 1965 ACE Freighters established a subsidiary airline, Aviation Charter Enterprises (Scotland) Ltd trading as ACE Scotland.
16/07/1966: Operations commenced with an inclusive tour holiday flight from the ACE Scotland Glasgow base. Thereafter regular flights were made from both Glasgow and Gatwick to European destinations, along with Ad hoc charter flights.
23/09/1966: Operations ceased when the parent company was placed in liquidation.
v Tap for Fleet History v
16/07/1966: Operations commenced with an inclusive tour holiday flight from the ACE Scotland Glasgow base. Thereafter regular flights were made from both Glasgow and Gatwick to European destinations, along with Ad hoc charter flights.
23/09/1966: Operations ceased when the parent company was placed in liquidation.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Lockheed L749A-79-50 ConstellationG-ASYF 03/11/1964 > 10/08/1967(Registered to Aviation Charter Enterprises Ltd)
Lockheed L749A-79-50 ConstellationG-ASYF 03/11/1964 > 10/08/1967(Registered to Aviation Charter Enterprises Ltd)
ADT (Aviation) Ltd
ADT (Aviation) Ltd
1989 - 1992
Main base: BlackbusheIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: AUCTIONS
A.D.T. (Aviation) Ltd, formerly British Car Auctions (Aviation) Ltd, was a Blackbushe-based corporate aviation operator and subsidiary of ADT plc. Following the corporate buyout of BCA by billionaire Michael Ashcroft's Hawley Goodall group (which acquired American District Telegraph rebranding as ADT), the aviation company officially changed its name to ADT Aviation Ltd on 6 March 1989. Under ADT ownership, the operations were based out of Hindhead, Surrey, while maintaining its primary fleet presence on the tarmac at Blackbushe. The corporate division focused on phasing out the older twin-engine props and moving remaining charter services over to corporate security transport before eventually winding down completely in the early 1990s. The company was not dissolved until 6 July 2010.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Aircraft continued from British Car Auctions (Aviation) Ltd
Agusta A109A IIG-IADT 12/01/1989 > 31/10/1989
Beech 200 Super KingairG-OADT 26/01/1989 > 20/04/1990
Bell 206B Jet Ranger IIIG-OSUE 06/03/1989 > 26/11/1992
Cessna 182P SkylaneG-BCWB 06/03/1989 > 08/11/1989
Aircraft continued from British Car Auctions (Aviation) Ltd
Agusta A109A IIG-IADT 12/01/1989 > 31/10/1989
Beech 200 Super KingairG-OADT 26/01/1989 > 20/04/1990
Bell 206B Jet Ranger IIIG-OSUE 06/03/1989 > 26/11/1992
Cessna 182P SkylaneG-BCWB 06/03/1989 > 08/11/1989
Adie Aviation
Adie Aviation
1948 - 1954
Main base: CroydonAirline designators n/a
Adie Aviation was established at Croydon Airport in early 1948 initially dealing in aircraft sales, overhaul and conversion plus the hangering and maintaining of aircraft for other operators. Recognised as Rapide specialists, the company converted many former RAF Dominies for use by post-war civilian operators. Adie Aviation retained at least one aircraft for use on air taxi and light charter work often used by the Press, and for UK race meeting day-trips. With the emphasis remaining on aircraft repair and conversion at Croydon, the company started to convert numerous RAF Tiger Moths for sale to UK and international civilian customers. All charter work had ceased by end of 1954 after the last Rapide and their Miles Mercury had been sold on.
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Fleet history
Airspeed AS.65 ConsulG-AJGG 22/09/1952 > 25/02/1953
de Havilland DH.89A Dragon RapideG-AFMF 23/03/1949 > 15/04/1950G-AGJG 14/10/1948 > 31/12/1948 04/08/1950 > 08/06/1953G-AKDX 25/07/1949 > 25/01/1950G-AKZI 19/05/1948 > 11/08/1948G-AKZJ 19/05/1948 > 03/07/1948G-AKZW 21/06/1949 > 31/05/1950G-AMAM 11/04/1950 > 13/03/1951
Miles M.28 Mercury 6G-AHAA 07/01/1952 > 03/11/1954
Percival Proctor 1G-AIEE 09/04/1948 > 22/04/1948
Airspeed AS.65 ConsulG-AJGG 22/09/1952 > 25/02/1953
de Havilland DH.89A Dragon RapideG-AFMF 23/03/1949 > 15/04/1950G-AGJG 14/10/1948 > 31/12/1948 04/08/1950 > 08/06/1953G-AKDX 25/07/1949 > 25/01/1950G-AKZI 19/05/1948 > 11/08/1948G-AKZJ 19/05/1948 > 03/07/1948G-AKZW 21/06/1949 > 31/05/1950G-AMAM 11/04/1950 > 13/03/1951
Miles M.28 Mercury 6G-AHAA 07/01/1952 > 03/11/1954
Percival Proctor 1G-AIEE 09/04/1948 > 22/04/1948
Aer Lingus (UK) Ltd
Aer Lingus (UK) Ltd
2012 - 2026
HQ: BelfastIATA: EG ICAO: EUKCallsign: GREEN FLIGHTAOC No. 2471
25/05/2012: Aer Lingus (U.K.) Limited established as a UK airline, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aer Lingus
20/10/2021: Operations commenced to Barbados, and subsequently to the USA
08/01/2026: Aer Lingus announced they would close its Manchester base at the end of March 2026, ending all Aer Lingus UK operations.
31/03/2026: Aer Lingus (U.K.) Limited ceased operations.
v Tap for Fleet History v
20/10/2021: Operations commenced to Barbados, and subsequently to the USA
08/01/2026: Aer Lingus announced they would close its Manchester base at the end of March 2026, ending all Aer Lingus UK operations.
31/03/2026: Aer Lingus (U.K.) Limited ceased operations.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Airbus A321-253NX
G-EIRH 30/11/2021 > 09/05/2023Airbus A330-300
G-EIDY 24/03/2023 > 13/03/2026G-EILA 05/07/2021 > 29/04/2026Aerial Enterprises
Aerial Enterprises
1968 - 1969
Main Base: BookerIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Aerial Enterprises Ltd was a short lived charter company operating two Dragon Rapides from Wycombe Airpark / Booker. General Charter operations commenced in March 1968 and included parachuting and aerial photography work, however the company had ceased charter operations within a year. The company remained active on paper after 1969 only as an asset-holding company with the aircraft being stored or quietly leased out. Ownership wasn't formally updated with the CAA until years later.
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Fleet history
de Havilland DH.89A Dragon RapideG-AGJG 25/03/1968 > 03/01/1984Althouh still registered to Aerial Enterprises the aircraft had been placed in open storage at Halfpenny Green airfield and was subsequently being operated by South Staffs Skydiving Club from 20 June 1969. In 1975, it was leased to Emanuel Wein and the Duxford Aviation Society (DAS) to undergo a restoration to flying status again. Because it was on a long-term lease and restoration agreement, Aerial Enterprises Ltd remained the legal registered owner on paper for 16 years until ownership was finally transferred to Emanuel Wein in January 1984.
G-AJGS 25/03/1968 > 15/11/1973Aerial Enterprises actually sold the aircraft in 1969 to an American buyer, and flown across the Atlantic via Iceland to Miami in 1970. Its UK registration was not officially cancelled until November 1973 when it was recorded as "Permanently Withdrawn From Use".
de Havilland DH.89A Dragon RapideG-AGJG 25/03/1968 > 03/01/1984Althouh still registered to Aerial Enterprises the aircraft had been placed in open storage at Halfpenny Green airfield and was subsequently being operated by South Staffs Skydiving Club from 20 June 1969. In 1975, it was leased to Emanuel Wein and the Duxford Aviation Society (DAS) to undergo a restoration to flying status again. Because it was on a long-term lease and restoration agreement, Aerial Enterprises Ltd remained the legal registered owner on paper for 16 years until ownership was finally transferred to Emanuel Wein in January 1984.
G-AJGS 25/03/1968 > 15/11/1973Aerial Enterprises actually sold the aircraft in 1969 to an American buyer, and flown across the Atlantic via Iceland to Miami in 1970. Its UK registration was not officially cancelled until November 1973 when it was recorded as "Permanently Withdrawn From Use".
Aerial Transit Company
Aerial Transit Company
1946 - 1949
Main Base: Croydon AirportAirline designators n/a
The Aerial Transit Company Ltd was registered as an airline on 10 January 1946 by two directors at Martin Hearn Ltd., a Hooton Park based specialist in aircraft overhaul and maintenance. Based at Croydon Airport, the airline acquired a number of former RAF Ansons in late 1946 and these were delivered direct to Martin Hearn for conversion to passenger and freight. Only a few would eventually enter service with the Aerial Transit Co. as many were sold on to other operators immediately after conversion or never gained Certificates of Airworthiness. All operations had ceased by May 1949.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Not all would have entered service with Aerial Transit Co. due to their conversion status
Avro 652A Anson 1G-AHRD 27/05/1946 > 01/03/1947G-AHXT 20/12/1946 > 07/03/1947G-AIRL 22/10/1946 > 01/03/1947G-AIRM 22/10/1946 > 27/03/1947G-AIRN 22/10/1946 > 27/03/1947G-AIRO 22/10/1946 > 01/03/1947G-AIRW 23/10/1946 > 01/03/1947G-AIRX 23/10/1946 > 27/03/1947G-AITL 04/11/1946 > 27/03/1947G-AIZH 20/12/1946 > 01/03/1947G-AJHK 10/02/1947 > 22/04/1947
Not all would have entered service with Aerial Transit Co. due to their conversion status
Avro 652A Anson 1G-AHRD 27/05/1946 > 01/03/1947G-AHXT 20/12/1946 > 07/03/1947G-AIRL 22/10/1946 > 01/03/1947G-AIRM 22/10/1946 > 27/03/1947G-AIRN 22/10/1946 > 27/03/1947G-AIRO 22/10/1946 > 01/03/1947G-AIRW 23/10/1946 > 01/03/1947G-AIRX 23/10/1946 > 27/03/1947G-AITL 04/11/1946 > 27/03/1947G-AIZH 20/12/1946 > 01/03/1947G-AJHK 10/02/1947 > 22/04/1947
Aero FlightOps UK Ltd
Aero FlightOps UK Ltd
2021 - 2024
HQ: FarnboroughIATA: FO ICAO: UKACallsign: BLACK JETAOC: 2476
Aero provided direct, premium private flights via private terminals offering guests the comfort of low-contact travel.
28/01/2021: Company incorporated for both scheduled and Non-scheduled passenger air transport, plus Service activities incidental to air transportation.
2024: Company dissolved
v Tap for Fleet History v
28/01/2021: Company incorporated for both scheduled and Non-scheduled passenger air transport, plus Service activities incidental to air transportation.
2024: Company dissolved
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Embraer ERJ-135 BJ Legacy
G-LIST 20/08/2021 > 30/11/2023
Embraer EMB-135ER
G-CGMC 30/11/2021 > 08/05/2024Aerocharter (Midlands) Ltd
Aerocharter (Midlands) Ltd
1981 - 2000
HQ: CoventryIATA: -- ICAO: ACCCallsign: AEROCHARTER
Aerocharter (Midlands) Limited was a small UK charter operator based at Coventry and the Midlands. The company was Incorporated on 28 January 1981 for '6210 - Scheduled air transport' and dissolved via voluntary strike-off on 15 February 2000. Although the last aircraft listed in the fleet history left the recorded fleet in August 1990, Aerocharter (Midlands) Ltd was documented as the operator of Cessna 550 Citation II G-JETB when it was involved in an accident at Southampton Airport on 26 May 1993. This demonstrates that the company's operational activities extended beyond the dates shown in its fleet history, which reflect recorded ownership or charter associations rather than necessarily representing actual operating periods.
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Fleet history
Beech 65-A80 QueenairG-ASRX 28/11/1983 > 14/12/1988G-BSSL 06/01/1984 > 11/09/1985
Cessna 550 Citation IIG-JETB 10/10/1991 > 10/08/1994 [ European Jet Ltd ]AAIB accident logs note that Aerocharter (Midlands) Ltd was the operator involved in a positioning flight incident involving this aircraft at Southampton Airport on 26 May 1993. The aircraft was used regularly to ferry passengers between Southampton and Eindhoven each Wednesday
Partenavia P.68CG-BJCR 07/11/1984 > 27/08/1992 [ Nullifire Ltd ]
G-DORE 24/06/1984 > 26/02/1987 [ Nullifire Ltd ] >>>> G-TELE 26/02/1987 > 01/08/1990
Beech 65-A80 QueenairG-ASRX 28/11/1983 > 14/12/1988G-BSSL 06/01/1984 > 11/09/1985
Cessna 550 Citation IIG-JETB 10/10/1991 > 10/08/1994 [ European Jet Ltd ]AAIB accident logs note that Aerocharter (Midlands) Ltd was the operator involved in a positioning flight incident involving this aircraft at Southampton Airport on 26 May 1993. The aircraft was used regularly to ferry passengers between Southampton and Eindhoven each Wednesday
Partenavia P.68CG-BJCR 07/11/1984 > 27/08/1992 [ Nullifire Ltd ]
G-DORE 24/06/1984 > 26/02/1987 [ Nullifire Ltd ] >>>> G-TELE 26/02/1987 > 01/08/1990
Aeroscot Ltd
Aeroscot Ltd
1980 - 1990
Traded as 'Air Charter Scotland'
Refer to Air Charter Scotland
(not the current 'Air Charter Scotland' business jet Company)
Afrek Cargo Ltd
Afrek Cargo Ltd
1976 - 1983
Main base: Athens Ellinikon AirportIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Afrek Ltd was a small cargo airline operating UK registered ex-RAF Bristol Britannias. The aircraft were principally employed on cargo operations, including transporting oil-industry equipment between Greece and Nigeria. Whilst Headquartered at Athens Ellinikon Airport, the airline was registered in Cyprus on 03/02/1977.
The company was dissolved 01/07/1983.
v Tap for Fleet History v
The company was dissolved 01/07/1983.
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Fleet history
Bristol 175 Britannia 253F
G-BDUP 21/05/1976 > 30/07/1984G-BDUR 02/07/1976 > 30/07/1984
Bristol 175 Britannia 253F
G-BDUP 21/05/1976 > 30/07/1984G-BDUR 02/07/1976 > 30/07/1984
African Air Safaris
African Air Safaris
1954 - 1959
> Air Safaris
Main Base: SouthendIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
29/11/1954: Meridith Air Transport Ltd was renamed African Air Safaris.26/11/1959: Airline relocated to Gatwick following the success of new Scandinavian, Continental European and Mediterranean destinations, and was renamed as Air Safaris.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Handley Page HP81 HERMES 4AG-ALDM 15/10/1956 > 18/03/1960
Vickers Viking 1AG-AHOR 29/11/1958 > 18/03/1960G-AHOW 31/07/1958 > 18/03/1960
Handley Page HP81 HERMES 4AG-ALDM 15/10/1956 > 18/03/1960
Vickers Viking 1AG-AHOR 29/11/1958 > 18/03/1960G-AHOW 31/07/1958 > 18/03/1960
Aikman Airways
Aikman Airways
1947 - 1950
Main Base: Croydon Airport > Thame AirportAirline designators n/a
Aikman Airways Ltd was registered as a Croydon based airline on 13 November 1947 by Wing Commander Barry Aikman and Cyril Walker. The company operated a fleet of Percival Proctors and a Dragon Rapide during the summer for pleasure flying and charter work. Barry Aikman left in May 1948 to form Aquila Airways. Aikman Airways had ceased charter flying by the end of 1950 and had moved base to Thame airport with the intentions to overhaul former RAF aircraft, including Proctors, however several were never converted and left to deteriorate at Blackbushe and Thame.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Percival Proctor 1G-AGYA 27/01/1948 > 17/11/1948G-AGYB 27/01/1948 > 26/10/1949
Percival Proctor 3G-AKWM 31/03/1948 > 05/09/1949G-AKWN 31/03/1948 > 05/09/1949G-AKWO 31/03/1948 > 28/09/1949G-AKWP 31/03/1948 > 12/11/1952G-AKWR 31/03/1948 > 17/04/1952
de Havilland DH.89A Dragon RapideG-AKND 29/11/1947 > 13/03/1948 [ Barry Aikman ]
Percival Proctor 1G-AGYA 27/01/1948 > 17/11/1948G-AGYB 27/01/1948 > 26/10/1949
Percival Proctor 3G-AKWM 31/03/1948 > 05/09/1949G-AKWN 31/03/1948 > 05/09/1949G-AKWO 31/03/1948 > 28/09/1949G-AKWP 31/03/1948 > 12/11/1952G-AKWR 31/03/1948 > 17/04/1952
de Havilland DH.89A Dragon RapideG-AKND 29/11/1947 > 13/03/1948 [ Barry Aikman ]
Air 2000
Air 2000
1987 - 2004
> First Choice Airways
Main Base: Gatwick (LGW / EGKK)IATA: DP ICAO: AMMCallsign: JETSET
11/04/1987: Established by the Owners Abroad Group, operations commenced
1998: First Choice acquires tour operator Unijet, that included Leisure International Airways.
28/03/2004: Air 2000 officially became First Choice Airways. The airline retained the same operating company, Air Operator Certificate, fleet and route network, with only the corporate identity changing.
v Tap for Fleet History v
1998: First Choice acquires tour operator Unijet, that included Leisure International Airways.
28/03/2004: Air 2000 officially became First Choice Airways. The airline retained the same operating company, Air Operator Certificate, fleet and route network, with only the corporate identity changing.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Aircraft were progressively transferred to the First Choice Airways identity and repainted over a period of time following the 2004 name change. Dates shown reflect the formal transfer to the First Choice Airways name and not necessarily the date the aircraft first appeared in First Choice Airways livery. Seasonal breaks in service not shown.
Airbus A320-214G-OOAP 23/10/2000 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOAR 03/11/2000 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOAS 05/10/2001 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOAT 26/11/2001 > 06/12/2002G-OOAU 10/01/2002 > 28/03/2004 > First Choice G-OOAW 29/04/2002 > 28/03/2004 > First Choice
Airbus A320-231G-OOAA 11/04/1992 > 15/11/2000G-OOAB 24/04/1992 > 21/11/2000G-OOAC 15/09/1992 > 23/11/2001G-OOAD 24/09/1992 > 28/11/2001
Airbus A321-213G-OOAE 01/12/1998 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOAF 04/12/1998 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOAH 04/01/1999 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOAI 30/04/1999 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOAJ 12/05/1999 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOAV 29/04/2002 > 28/03/2004 > First Choice
Boeing 737-3Q8G-KKUH 31/01/1989 > 25/10/1990
Boeing 757-200G-BKRM 10/12/1990 > 21/12/1992G-CPEP 30/04/2002 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-CPEU 08/01/2003 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-CPEV 08/01/2003 > 28/03/2004 > First Choice G-OOBA 09/02/2001 > 31/10/2003G-OOBB 09/02/2001 > 10/12/2003G-OOBC 29/03/2003 > 28/03/2004 > First Choice G-OOBD 31/03/2003 > 28/03/2004 > First Choice G-OOBE 19/05/2003 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOBG 11/03/2004 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOOA 06/03/1987 > 19/11/2002G-OOOB 19/02/1987 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOOC 19/01/1988 > 30/05/2003G-OOOD 25/02/1988 > 16/12/2003G-OOOG 29/03/1989 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOOH 06/04/1989 > 16/06/1994G-OOOI 19/10/1989 > 28/07/2003G-OOOJ 19/10/1989 > 28/05/2003G-OOOK 09/10/2002 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOOM 20/04/1990 > 01/12/2003G-OOOS 14/05/1991 > 19/01/2004 G-OOOT 16/05/1991 > 25/11/1997G-OOOU 30/08/1991 > 04/04/2003G-OOOV 12/02/1992 > 27/09/2002G-OOOW 20/01/1992 > 27/09/2002G-OOOX 24/02/1993 > 28/03/2004 > First Choice G-OOOY 21/05/1998 > 28/03/2004 > First Choice G-OOOZ 05/04/2002 > 28/03/2004 > First Choice
Boeing 767-300G-OOAL 29/03/1999 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOAM 10/05/2000 > 15/05/2003G-OOAN 26/01/1999 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOAO 11/01/1999 > 03/12/2001
Aircraft were progressively transferred to the First Choice Airways identity and repainted over a period of time following the 2004 name change. Dates shown reflect the formal transfer to the First Choice Airways name and not necessarily the date the aircraft first appeared in First Choice Airways livery. Seasonal breaks in service not shown.
Airbus A320-214G-OOAP 23/10/2000 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOAR 03/11/2000 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOAS 05/10/2001 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOAT 26/11/2001 > 06/12/2002G-OOAU 10/01/2002 > 28/03/2004 > First Choice G-OOAW 29/04/2002 > 28/03/2004 > First Choice
Airbus A320-231G-OOAA 11/04/1992 > 15/11/2000G-OOAB 24/04/1992 > 21/11/2000G-OOAC 15/09/1992 > 23/11/2001G-OOAD 24/09/1992 > 28/11/2001
Airbus A321-213G-OOAE 01/12/1998 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOAF 04/12/1998 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOAH 04/01/1999 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOAI 30/04/1999 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOAJ 12/05/1999 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOAV 29/04/2002 > 28/03/2004 > First Choice
Boeing 737-3Q8G-KKUH 31/01/1989 > 25/10/1990
Boeing 757-200G-BKRM 10/12/1990 > 21/12/1992G-CPEP 30/04/2002 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-CPEU 08/01/2003 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-CPEV 08/01/2003 > 28/03/2004 > First Choice G-OOBA 09/02/2001 > 31/10/2003G-OOBB 09/02/2001 > 10/12/2003G-OOBC 29/03/2003 > 28/03/2004 > First Choice G-OOBD 31/03/2003 > 28/03/2004 > First Choice G-OOBE 19/05/2003 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOBG 11/03/2004 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOOA 06/03/1987 > 19/11/2002G-OOOB 19/02/1987 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOOC 19/01/1988 > 30/05/2003G-OOOD 25/02/1988 > 16/12/2003G-OOOG 29/03/1989 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOOH 06/04/1989 > 16/06/1994G-OOOI 19/10/1989 > 28/07/2003G-OOOJ 19/10/1989 > 28/05/2003G-OOOK 09/10/2002 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOOM 20/04/1990 > 01/12/2003G-OOOS 14/05/1991 > 19/01/2004 G-OOOT 16/05/1991 > 25/11/1997G-OOOU 30/08/1991 > 04/04/2003G-OOOV 12/02/1992 > 27/09/2002G-OOOW 20/01/1992 > 27/09/2002G-OOOX 24/02/1993 > 28/03/2004 > First Choice G-OOOY 21/05/1998 > 28/03/2004 > First Choice G-OOOZ 05/04/2002 > 28/03/2004 > First Choice
Boeing 767-300G-OOAL 29/03/1999 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOAM 10/05/2000 > 15/05/2003G-OOAN 26/01/1999 > 28/03/2004 > First ChoiceG-OOAO 11/01/1999 > 03/12/2001
Air Anglia
Air Anglia
1970 - 1980
Merged with British Island Airways > AirUK
Main base: Norwich (NWI / EGSH)IATA: AQ ICAO: ---Callsign: ANGLIAN
1970: Private independant airline based at Norwich Airport, formed following the merger of 3 local air taxi operators based in the East of England; Anglian Air Charter, Norfolk Airways and Rig Air
1980: Merged with British Island Airways (BIA), Air Wales and Air Westward to form Air UK
v Tap for Fleet History v
1980: Merged with British Island Airways (BIA), Air Wales and Air Westward to form Air UK
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Armstrong Whitworth Argosy (Cargo)G-APRL [ Leased from Field Aircraft Services ]G-AZHN [ Leased from Air Bridge Carriers ]
Britten-Norman BN.2A IslanderG-AXVP [ Eastlease Ltd ]
de Havilland DH.114 Heron 1BG-AXFH 28/12/1978 > 27/11/1979
Douglas C47 DAKOTA 4G-AGJV [ Eastlease Ltd ]G-ANTD [ Eastlease Ltd ]
Douglas DC-3G-AMPZ [ ? ]G-AOBN [ Eastlease Ltd ]
Fokker F27 Friendship 100G-SPUD 31/01/1979 > 04/02/1982
Fokker F27 Friendship 200G-BAKL [ Eastlease Ltd ]G-BAUR 23/08/1985 > 24/01/1990G-BCDN [ Eastlease Ltd ]G-BCDO [ ? ]G-BDDH 27/05/1975 > 04/02/1982G-BDVS [ Eastlease Ltd ]G-BDVT [ Eastlease Ltd ]G-BLGW 20/03/1978 > 04/02/1982
Fokker F-27-400 FriendshipG-BFDS 26/10/1977 > 30/11/1978
Fokker F28 Fellowship Mk.4000G-JCWW 03/06/1979 > 26/05/1981G-WWJC 10/10/1979 > 23/05/1981
Handley Page Herald 214G-ASVO [ Leased from British Midland ]
also
Auster J5G AutocarG-ASFK
Cessna 170BG-AWOU
Cessna F.172HG-AVECG-AVIEG-AVVZ
Cessna U.206AG-ATLT
Piper PA27 Aztec 250CG-BAAJ
Piper PA27 Aztec 250DG-AXDCG-AYBOG-AYSF
Piper PA27 Aztec 250EG-AYTPG-BCBG
Piper PA31 Navajo 300G-BBMLG-BBZI
Piper PA31 Navajo 350G-BDMDG-BEOJG-BEOUG-BEXUG-BMING-FJGC
Piper PA34 Seneca 200G-AZON
Piper PA30 Twin ComancheG-ATEN
Piper PA39 Twin Comanche C/RG-AYZY
Armstrong Whitworth Argosy (Cargo)G-APRL [ Leased from Field Aircraft Services ]G-AZHN [ Leased from Air Bridge Carriers ]
Britten-Norman BN.2A IslanderG-AXVP [ Eastlease Ltd ]
de Havilland DH.114 Heron 1BG-AXFH 28/12/1978 > 27/11/1979
Douglas C47 DAKOTA 4G-AGJV [ Eastlease Ltd ]G-ANTD [ Eastlease Ltd ]
Douglas DC-3G-AMPZ [ ? ]G-AOBN [ Eastlease Ltd ]
Fokker F27 Friendship 100G-SPUD 31/01/1979 > 04/02/1982
Fokker F27 Friendship 200G-BAKL [ Eastlease Ltd ]G-BAUR 23/08/1985 > 24/01/1990G-BCDN [ Eastlease Ltd ]G-BCDO [ ? ]G-BDDH 27/05/1975 > 04/02/1982G-BDVS [ Eastlease Ltd ]G-BDVT [ Eastlease Ltd ]G-BLGW 20/03/1978 > 04/02/1982
Fokker F-27-400 FriendshipG-BFDS 26/10/1977 > 30/11/1978
Fokker F28 Fellowship Mk.4000G-JCWW 03/06/1979 > 26/05/1981G-WWJC 10/10/1979 > 23/05/1981
Handley Page Herald 214G-ASVO [ Leased from British Midland ]
also
Auster J5G AutocarG-ASFK
Cessna 170BG-AWOU
Cessna F.172HG-AVECG-AVIEG-AVVZ
Cessna U.206AG-ATLT
Piper PA27 Aztec 250CG-BAAJ
Piper PA27 Aztec 250DG-AXDCG-AYBOG-AYSF
Piper PA27 Aztec 250EG-AYTPG-BCBG
Piper PA31 Navajo 300G-BBMLG-BBZI
Piper PA31 Navajo 350G-BDMDG-BEOJG-BEOUG-BEXUG-BMING-FJGC
Piper PA34 Seneca 200G-AZON
Piper PA30 Twin ComancheG-ATEN
Piper PA39 Twin Comanche C/RG-AYZY
Air Atlantique / Atlantic Air Transport
Air Atlantique / Atlantic Air Transport
1977 - 2008
Main Base: Coventry Baginton (CVT / EGBE)IATA: KI ICAO: AAGCallsign: ATLANTIC
1969: The Air Atlantique Group started as an air taxi operation under the name of General Aviation Services, based in Jersey
June 1977: Freight charter flights launched with DC-3's when the Air Atlantique name was adopted.
30/08/2008: Ceased operations
v Tap for Fleet History v
June 1977: Freight charter flights launched with DC-3's when the Air Atlantique name was adopted.
30/08/2008: Ceased operations
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Ownership with Atlantic Air Transport Ltd unless otherwise stated in [ ]
ATR 42-300G-IONA 24/06/2005 > 03/11/2006G-RHUM 13/06/2005 > 14/03/2007
ATR 72-201G-HERM 07/10/2005 > 29/03/2007
Britten-Norman BN2A ISLANDERG-AXZK 17/09/1987 > 12/12/1990G-BCEN 24/11/1987 > 27/04/2007G-BELF 08/10/1987 > 27/02/1990G-BNXA 17/09/1987 > 30/12/1997G-BNXB 17/09/1987 > 12/12/1990
Cessna 310LG-BBBX 10/06/1986 > 18/04/2007
Cessna 310RG-BODY 17/12/1987 > 27/04/2007G-SOUL 27/06/1988 > 27/04/2007
Cessna 402BG-MPCU 16/02/1988 > 12/05/1995 >>G-NOSE 23/04/1996 > 27/04/2007
Convair 440 MetropolitanG-CONV 19/07/2001 > 20/12/2006
Douglas DC-3G-AMCA20/07/1977 > 09/07/1977 [ Air Atlantique ]09/06/1988 > 16/10/2003
G-AMHJ15/02/1982 > 01/06/1987 [ Air Atlantique ]24/09/1987 > 23/01/2003
G-AMPO21/10/1981 > 06/10/1987 [ Air Atlantique ]09/06/1988 > 18/10/2001G-AMYJ 26/02/1990 > 12/12/2001
G-ANAF21/10/1977 > 18/06/1985 [ Air Atlantique ]13/07/2007 > 13/11/2015 [ Air Atlantique ]
Douglas C47-50-DL DakotaG-BPMP 22/12/1992 > 18/04/1995
Douglas DC-6BG-APSA 03/08/2007 > 05/09/2012[ Air Atlantique ]
G-SIXA 22/05/1979 > 02/01/1981[ General Aviation Services trading as Air Atlantique ]
G-SIXB 09/03/1979 > 02/01/1981
G-SIXC 13/07/2007 > 02/08/2011[ Air Atlantique ]
Fairchild Swearingen SA.227AC Metro IIIG-BUKA 14/04/1992 > 17/08/2006
Lockheed L-188C(F) ElectraG-FIJR 27/11/1997 > 16/06/2004G-FIJV 25/09/1998 > 16/06/2004G-FIZU 23/12/1998 > 16/06/2004G-LOFA 10/02/1994 > 29/07/1998G-LOFB 28/06/1994 > 16/06/2004G-LOFC 15-/06/1995 > 16/06/2004G-LOFD 12/06/1997 > 16/06/2004G-LOFE 05/01/1999 > 16/06/2004G-LOFF 21/06/2000 > 16/06/2004
Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer 3G-BCWF 02/11/1993 > 09/12/1993
Shorts SD3-60 Variant 100G-BNDM 23/04/1997 > 24/09/1997
Ownership with Atlantic Air Transport Ltd unless otherwise stated in [ ]
ATR 42-300G-IONA 24/06/2005 > 03/11/2006G-RHUM 13/06/2005 > 14/03/2007
ATR 72-201G-HERM 07/10/2005 > 29/03/2007
Britten-Norman BN2A ISLANDERG-AXZK 17/09/1987 > 12/12/1990G-BCEN 24/11/1987 > 27/04/2007G-BELF 08/10/1987 > 27/02/1990G-BNXA 17/09/1987 > 30/12/1997G-BNXB 17/09/1987 > 12/12/1990
Cessna 310LG-BBBX 10/06/1986 > 18/04/2007
Cessna 310RG-BODY 17/12/1987 > 27/04/2007G-SOUL 27/06/1988 > 27/04/2007
Cessna 402BG-MPCU 16/02/1988 > 12/05/1995 >>G-NOSE 23/04/1996 > 27/04/2007
Convair 440 MetropolitanG-CONV 19/07/2001 > 20/12/2006
Douglas DC-3G-AMCA20/07/1977 > 09/07/1977 [ Air Atlantique ]09/06/1988 > 16/10/2003
G-AMHJ15/02/1982 > 01/06/1987 [ Air Atlantique ]24/09/1987 > 23/01/2003
G-AMPO21/10/1981 > 06/10/1987 [ Air Atlantique ]09/06/1988 > 18/10/2001G-AMYJ 26/02/1990 > 12/12/2001
G-ANAF21/10/1977 > 18/06/1985 [ Air Atlantique ]13/07/2007 > 13/11/2015 [ Air Atlantique ]
Douglas C47-50-DL DakotaG-BPMP 22/12/1992 > 18/04/1995
Douglas DC-6BG-APSA 03/08/2007 > 05/09/2012[ Air Atlantique ]
G-SIXA 22/05/1979 > 02/01/1981[ General Aviation Services trading as Air Atlantique ]
G-SIXB 09/03/1979 > 02/01/1981
G-SIXC 13/07/2007 > 02/08/2011[ Air Atlantique ]
Fairchild Swearingen SA.227AC Metro IIIG-BUKA 14/04/1992 > 17/08/2006
Lockheed L-188C(F) ElectraG-FIJR 27/11/1997 > 16/06/2004G-FIJV 25/09/1998 > 16/06/2004G-FIZU 23/12/1998 > 16/06/2004G-LOFA 10/02/1994 > 29/07/1998G-LOFB 28/06/1994 > 16/06/2004G-LOFC 15-/06/1995 > 16/06/2004G-LOFD 12/06/1997 > 16/06/2004G-LOFE 05/01/1999 > 16/06/2004G-LOFF 21/06/2000 > 16/06/2004
Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer 3G-BCWF 02/11/1993 > 09/12/1993
Shorts SD3-60 Variant 100G-BNDM 23/04/1997 > 24/09/1997
Air Belfast
Air Belfast
1993 - 1997
> AB Airlines
Main base: Belfast / StanstedIATA: 7L ICAO: AZXCallsign: AZTEC AIR
Air Belfast was the original trading name of Air Bristol founded on 11/10/1993 by former Brymon Airways executives Brian Beal and Tony Auld. Although the airline was legally incorporated as Air Bristol, it initially marketed itself as Air Belfast to reflect its principal route between Belfast and Stansted.
As the route network expanded beyond Northern Ireland, the Air Belfast brand was dropped in favour of AB Shannon, before the airline finally adopted the name AB Airlines on 01/05/1997.
v Tap for Fleet History v
As the route network expanded beyond Northern Ireland, the Air Belfast brand was dropped in favour of AB Shannon, before the airline finally adopted the name AB Airlines on 01/05/1997.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
BAC One Eleven 510EDG-AVMHG-AVMN.(Registered to European Aviation Ltd - aircraft leased)
BAC One Eleven 510EDG-AVMHG-AVMN.(Registered to European Aviation Ltd - aircraft leased)
Air Bridge Carriers (ABC)
Air Bridge Carriers (ABC)
1972 - 1992
> Hunting Cargo Airlines
Main Base: East Midlands (EMA / EGNX)IATA: AG ICAO: ABRCallsign: AIRBRIDGE
Air Bridge Carriers (ABC) was a cargo airline established in 1972 by Parent company Field Aircraft Services. Based at East Midlands Airport, the airline was originally named Carbia Transport, but the name Air Bridge Carriers Ltd would soon be adopted.
The airline initially concentrated on transporting fresh produce from the Channel Islands before expanding into livestock, oil industry support, express parcels, engineering freight and international cargo charters.
Following a corporate reorganisation within the Hunting Group, the airline became Hunting Cargo Airlines in 1992.
v Tap for Fleet history and historical timeline v
The airline initially concentrated on transporting fresh produce from the Channel Islands before expanding into livestock, oil industry support, express parcels, engineering freight and international cargo charters.
Following a corporate reorganisation within the Hunting Group, the airline became Hunting Cargo Airlines in 1992.
v Tap for Fleet history and historical timeline v
Fleet history
Armstrong Whitworth AW.650 Argosy 101G-APRL 30/08/1979 > 19/11/1987G-APRN 22/06/1973 > 27/08/1982G-APWW 04/12/1972 > 09/04/1974G-AZHN [ Field Aircraft Services Ltd ]G-BDCV [ Field Aircraft Services Ltd ]G-BEOZ 30/08/1979 > 19/11/1987
Lockheed L-188A ElectraG-FNWY 03/04/1991 > 03/12/1991
Lockheed L-188CF ElectraG-FIJR [ Hunting-Cargo ]
Vickers Vanguard 953C MerchantmanG-APEG 19/12/1979 > 18/02/1992G-APEJ 12/12/1979 > 01/09/1992G-APEK 06/11/1979 > 01/09/1992G-APEM 05/08/1987 > 01/09/1992G-APEP 16/11/1979 > 01/09/1992G-APES 11/09/1984 > 01/09/1992G-APET 30/07/1984 > 01/09/1992
Vickers Viscount 808G-BBDK 11/04/1974 > 09/05/1983
Armstrong Whitworth AW.650 Argosy 101G-APRL 30/08/1979 > 19/11/1987G-APRN 22/06/1973 > 27/08/1982G-APWW 04/12/1972 > 09/04/1974G-AZHN [ Field Aircraft Services Ltd ]G-BDCV [ Field Aircraft Services Ltd ]G-BEOZ 30/08/1979 > 19/11/1987
Lockheed L-188A ElectraG-FNWY 03/04/1991 > 03/12/1991
Lockheed L-188CF ElectraG-FIJR [ Hunting-Cargo ]
Vickers Vanguard 953C MerchantmanG-APEG 19/12/1979 > 18/02/1992G-APEJ 12/12/1979 > 01/09/1992G-APEK 06/11/1979 > 01/09/1992G-APEM 05/08/1987 > 01/09/1992G-APEP 16/11/1979 > 01/09/1992G-APES 11/09/1984 > 01/09/1992G-APET 30/07/1984 > 01/09/1992
Vickers Viscount 808G-BBDK 11/04/1974 > 09/05/1983
Historical timeline
November 1972
The airline was established as Carbia Transport, a subsidiary of Field Aircraft Services, based at East Midlands Airport. Shortly afterwards, the company adopted the name Air Bridge Carriers (ABC).
1972
Commercial cargo operations commenced using a single Armstrong Whitworth Argosy. Early work focused on transporting flowers, fruit and vegetables from the Channel Islands to mainland Britain.
1973
The airline expanded into ad hoc freight charters, livestock transport and offshore oil industry support flights, establishing itself as a versatile independent cargo operator.
1974
A Vickers Viscount joined the fleet. Initially used on Dan-Air's coach-air services between Lydd and Beauvais, it was later converted for cargo operations.
1975
ABC's fleet grew to three Argosy freighters. The airline secured major contract work transporting freight for companies including:AlidairBritish Aircraft Corporation (BAC)Rolls-Royce
These contracts significantly expanded the airline's cargo business.
1977
The first Vickers Vanguard Merchantman entered service. This larger freighter enabled Air Bridge Carriers to undertake longer-distance cargo operations throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
1978–1979
Additional Merchantman aircraft joined the fleet, along with several Handley Page Heralds. ABC became an increasingly important provider of heavy cargo, livestock and racehorse transport services.
1980
The fleet was standardised around the Argosy and Merchantman, improving operational efficiency and increasing long-range charter capability. International freight services continued to expand.
Mid-1980s
ABC entered the rapidly growing overnight express parcel market, operating scheduled cargo flights across Europe for:TNTParcelforceSecuricor
These contracts became a major part of the airline's business.
Late 1980s
The airline became closely associated with Elan Air (later part of DHL Air), holding a 50% shareholding and operating aircraft on its behalf under contract.
01/09/1992: Following a corporate restructuring within the Hunting Group, Air Bridge Carriers was officially renamed Hunting Cargo Airlines. The airline retained its core cargo activities while adopting a new corporate identity.
November 1972
The airline was established as Carbia Transport, a subsidiary of Field Aircraft Services, based at East Midlands Airport. Shortly afterwards, the company adopted the name Air Bridge Carriers (ABC).
1972
Commercial cargo operations commenced using a single Armstrong Whitworth Argosy. Early work focused on transporting flowers, fruit and vegetables from the Channel Islands to mainland Britain.
1973
The airline expanded into ad hoc freight charters, livestock transport and offshore oil industry support flights, establishing itself as a versatile independent cargo operator.
1974
A Vickers Viscount joined the fleet. Initially used on Dan-Air's coach-air services between Lydd and Beauvais, it was later converted for cargo operations.
1975
ABC's fleet grew to three Argosy freighters. The airline secured major contract work transporting freight for companies including:AlidairBritish Aircraft Corporation (BAC)Rolls-Royce
These contracts significantly expanded the airline's cargo business.
1977
The first Vickers Vanguard Merchantman entered service. This larger freighter enabled Air Bridge Carriers to undertake longer-distance cargo operations throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
1978–1979
Additional Merchantman aircraft joined the fleet, along with several Handley Page Heralds. ABC became an increasingly important provider of heavy cargo, livestock and racehorse transport services.
1980
The fleet was standardised around the Argosy and Merchantman, improving operational efficiency and increasing long-range charter capability. International freight services continued to expand.
Mid-1980s
ABC entered the rapidly growing overnight express parcel market, operating scheduled cargo flights across Europe for:TNTParcelforceSecuricor
These contracts became a major part of the airline's business.
Late 1980s
The airline became closely associated with Elan Air (later part of DHL Air), holding a 50% shareholding and operating aircraft on its behalf under contract.
01/09/1992: Following a corporate restructuring within the Hunting Group, Air Bridge Carriers was officially renamed Hunting Cargo Airlines. The airline retained its core cargo activities while adopting a new corporate identity.
Air Bristol
Air Bristol
1993 - 1997
> AB Airlines
Main base: Bristol Filton (FZO / EGTG)IATA: 7L ICAO: AZXCallsign: AZTEC AIR
Air Bristol was founded on 11/10/1993 by former Brymon Airways executives Brian Beal and Tony Auld. Although the airline was legally incorporated as Air Bristol, it initially marketed itself as Air Belfast to reflect its principal route between Belfast and Stansted.
1994: Base opened at Shannon Airport to operate flights to London Gatwick Airport and marketed as AB Shannon.
As the route network expanded beyond Northern Ireland, the airline adopted the name AB Airlines on 01/05/1997.
v Tap for Fleet History v
1994: Base opened at Shannon Airport to operate flights to London Gatwick Airport and marketed as AB Shannon.
As the route network expanded beyond Northern Ireland, the airline adopted the name AB Airlines on 01/05/1997.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet historyBoeing 737-300(Registered as Air Bristol Ltd trading as AB Airlines)G-OABA 15/05/1998 > 28/10/1999G-OABD 20/04/1999 > 07/10/1999G-OABL 06/05/1998 > 27/10/1999
Boeing 737-400(Registered as Air Bristol Ltd trading as AB Airlines)G-OABE 29/04/1998 > 02/11/1998G-OABF 19/06/1998 > 14/10/1998
Boeing 737-400(Registered as Air Bristol Ltd trading as AB Airlines)G-OABE 29/04/1998 > 02/11/1998G-OABF 19/06/1998 > 14/10/1998
Air Caledonian
Air Caledonian
2003 - 2005
Main base: PrestwickIATA: -- ICAO: CSFCallsign: -
Established in 2003, Air Caledonian was a wholly owned subsidiary of Clasair and operated flights from their base at Prestwick Airport to Stornoway.
06/12/2004: Operations commenced.
January 2005: Operations ceased.
v Tap for Fleet History v
06/12/2004: Operations commenced.
January 2005: Operations ceased.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Embraer EMB-110P1 Bandeirante G-FLTY(Registered to Skydrift Charters - aircraft leased)
Embraer EMB-110P1 Bandeirante G-FLTY(Registered to Skydrift Charters - aircraft leased)
Air Camelot
Air Camelot
1978 - 1987
Main base: Bournemouth AirportIATA: -- ICAO: CMECallsign: -
Air Camelot was established at Bournemouth Airport in 1978, initially operating ad‑hoc passenger and freight charters. The airline started regional scheduled services in 1984 having acquired a Trislander. 1985 saw the companies fleet integrated with that of Aviation West (Avon Aviation Services) a Bristol‑based group to which Air Camelot was a subsidiary. Aviation West relocated to Liverpool, taking over the IoM postal contract. Air Camelot continued operating a nightly Bristol–Luton Datapost service and the scheduled routes linking Bournemouth, Alderney, Bristol, Exeter and Cherbourg. Operations ceased on 27 March 1987 with the intentions of a new company, Regency Airways, taking over the scheduled services. However, nothing appeared to come of this.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
*Anthony Tucker trading as Air Camelot**Avon Aviation Services Ltd trading as Aviation West / Air Camelot***Aviation West****Regency Aviation Services Ltd
Beech 65 Queen AirG-AVDR 14/07/1980 > 26/03/1984*G-AVDS 25/06/1981 > 26/03/1984*
Britten-Norman BN2A-2 IslanderG-AXXG 22/07/1983 > 15/02/1985* > > 15/02/1985 > 24/11/1987**
Britten-Norman BN-2A Mk.lll TrislanderG-AYWI 26/03/1985 > 14/05/1986**
G-AZLJ 26/03/1985 > 03/02/1986** >>>> G-OAVW 03/02/1986 > 06/08/1986** > > 06/08/1986 > 29/01/1987*** >>>> G-OREG 29/01/1987 > 17/05/1989****
G-BEVV 28/07/1983 > 20/08/1984* > > 20/08/1984 > 21/04/1986** > > 21/04/1986 > 22/06/1987***
Piper PA-23-235 AztecG-ATHA 11/02/1985 > 18/03/1986**
Piper PA-31-350 Navajo chieftainG-BFDA 17/04/1985 > 23/09/1986** > > 23/09/1986 > 21/01/1988***
G-BMSV 03/11/1987 > 22/06/1989****
*Anthony Tucker trading as Air Camelot**Avon Aviation Services Ltd trading as Aviation West / Air Camelot***Aviation West****Regency Aviation Services Ltd
Beech 65 Queen AirG-AVDR 14/07/1980 > 26/03/1984*G-AVDS 25/06/1981 > 26/03/1984*
Britten-Norman BN2A-2 IslanderG-AXXG 22/07/1983 > 15/02/1985* > > 15/02/1985 > 24/11/1987**
Britten-Norman BN-2A Mk.lll TrislanderG-AYWI 26/03/1985 > 14/05/1986**
G-AZLJ 26/03/1985 > 03/02/1986** >>>> G-OAVW 03/02/1986 > 06/08/1986** > > 06/08/1986 > 29/01/1987*** >>>> G-OREG 29/01/1987 > 17/05/1989****
G-BEVV 28/07/1983 > 20/08/1984* > > 20/08/1984 > 21/04/1986** > > 21/04/1986 > 22/06/1987***
Piper PA-23-235 AztecG-ATHA 11/02/1985 > 18/03/1986**
Piper PA-31-350 Navajo chieftainG-BFDA 17/04/1985 > 23/09/1986** > > 23/09/1986 > 21/01/1988***
G-BMSV 03/11/1987 > 22/06/1989****
Air Cargo Distributors
Air Cargo Distributors
1948 - 1950
Main base: Hatston Aerodrome, KirkwallIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Air Cargo Distributors Ltd was established in February 1948 to operate cargo flights between the Orkneys, Shetlands and Miles HQ at Woodley aerodrome. The company initially operated a Miles Aerovan, on lease from Kennings, from Hatston Aerodrome. These services were principally intended as a rapid outlet for products and commodities of the Northern Isles, and returning from Woodley with cargoes of food, vegetables and items of general merchandise. In February 1949 the leased Aerovan was replaced by one owned by the Avia Britannica Corporation. During the next eighteen months, the airline operated various ad-hoc charters from both Kirkwall and Woodley, but in October 1950 the aircraft was sold and all operations ceased.
Fleet history
Miles M.57 Aerovan 4/6G-AJZP Leased from Kenning AviationG-AKHF Owned by Avia Britannica CorporationG-AJTC and G-AKHD were also leased for a short period direct from Miles, who at the time were in receivership.
Miles M.57 Aerovan 4/6G-AJZP Leased from Kenning AviationG-AKHF Owned by Avia Britannica CorporationG-AJTC and G-AKHD were also leased for a short period direct from Miles, who at the time were in receivership.
Air Cavrel
Air Cavrel
1997 - 2002
Base: East Midlands / ManstonIATA: - ICAO: ACLCallsign: CAVREL
Air Cavrel Ltd was established by Air Charter Service (ACS) in 1997 for their dedicated cargo/charter operations. Operations commenced a year later, but ceased in April 2002.
Fleet HistorySD3-30 Variant 100G-BITW 11/02/1998 > 20/07/1999G-DACS 06/07/1998 > 15/05/2002
Air Charter Limited
Air Charter Limited
1947 - 1960
> British United Airways
Base: Southend / StanstedIATA: - ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Air Charter Ltd was established, in early 1947, initially operating flights from Croydon. The airline susequently operated worldwide passenger and freight charter flights from Southend and Stansted, plus regular troop flights to Cyprus. The company was acquired by Freddie Laker in 1951, and subsequently assumed sole responsibility for his flying operations to and from Berlin. A scheduled coach-air/vehicle ferry services began in 1955 initially linking London and Paris (via Southend and Calais), but these operations were taken over by sister company Channel Air Bridge in 1958. 1959: Air Charter became part of the Airwork group in 1959 and inturn Airwork merged with Hunting-Clan to form British United Airways (BUA) a year later.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Avro 685 York C1G-AMUS 22/09/1952 > 17/01/1956G-AMUT 22/09/1952 > 04/03/1955G-AMUU 22/09/1952 > 09/01/1956G-AMUV 22/09/1952 > 24/02/1956
Bristol 175 Britannia 307FG-ANCD 23/08/1961 > 01/10/1963(also leased earlier from Bristol Aircraft Ltd)G-ANCE: leased from Bristol Aircraft Ltd)
Avro 688 Tudor Super Trader 4BG-AGRG 20/08/1954 > 10/03/1959G-AGRH 20/08/1954 > 11/11/1959G-AHNI 22/09/1952 > 24/02/1956G-AHNM 22/09/1952 > 24/02/1956G-AHNL 22/09/1952 > 24/02/1956G-AHNO 22/09/1952 > 24/02/1956
Avro 688 Tudor 1G-AGRI 20/08/1954 > 11/12/1958G-AGRJ 20/08/1954 > 11/12/1958
Avro 689 Tudor 2G-AGRY [leased from Fairflight ltd]
Avro 689 Tudor 5G-AKCD 05/04/1954 > 29/01/1959
Douglas DC-4G-APNH 25/03/1960 > 24/08/1964
Bristol 170 Freighter Mk.31G-ANMF 25/04/1956 > 31/03/1965
Bristol 170 Freighter Mk.32G-AMLP 04/11/1953 > 31/03/1965G-AMSA 25/04/1956 > 31/03/1965G-ANVR 24/12/1957 > 31/03/1965G-ANVS 24/12/1957 > 31/03/1965G-AOUU 05/12/1958 > 31/03/1965G-AOUV 05/12/1958 > 31/03/1965G-APAU 26/07/1961 > 31/03/1965G-APAV 26/07/1961 > 31/03/1965
Douglas C-54B SkymasterG-ANYB 31/01/1955 > 08/01/1962
Avro 685 York C1G-AMUS 22/09/1952 > 17/01/1956G-AMUT 22/09/1952 > 04/03/1955G-AMUU 22/09/1952 > 09/01/1956G-AMUV 22/09/1952 > 24/02/1956
Bristol 175 Britannia 307FG-ANCD 23/08/1961 > 01/10/1963(also leased earlier from Bristol Aircraft Ltd)G-ANCE: leased from Bristol Aircraft Ltd)
Avro 688 Tudor Super Trader 4BG-AGRG 20/08/1954 > 10/03/1959G-AGRH 20/08/1954 > 11/11/1959G-AHNI 22/09/1952 > 24/02/1956G-AHNM 22/09/1952 > 24/02/1956G-AHNL 22/09/1952 > 24/02/1956G-AHNO 22/09/1952 > 24/02/1956
Avro 688 Tudor 1G-AGRI 20/08/1954 > 11/12/1958G-AGRJ 20/08/1954 > 11/12/1958
Avro 689 Tudor 2G-AGRY [leased from Fairflight ltd]
Avro 689 Tudor 5G-AKCD 05/04/1954 > 29/01/1959
Douglas DC-4G-APNH 25/03/1960 > 24/08/1964
Bristol 170 Freighter Mk.31G-ANMF 25/04/1956 > 31/03/1965
Bristol 170 Freighter Mk.32G-AMLP 04/11/1953 > 31/03/1965G-AMSA 25/04/1956 > 31/03/1965G-ANVR 24/12/1957 > 31/03/1965G-ANVS 24/12/1957 > 31/03/1965G-AOUU 05/12/1958 > 31/03/1965G-AOUV 05/12/1958 > 31/03/1965G-APAU 26/07/1961 > 31/03/1965G-APAV 26/07/1961 > 31/03/1965
Douglas C-54B SkymasterG-ANYB 31/01/1955 > 08/01/1962
Air Charter Experts
Air Charter Experts
1947
Base: Ronaldsway, Isle of ManIATA: - ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Air Charter Experts Ltd was a short lived charter operator established in March 1947 by Captain G.H.Drummond, L.Vondy and W.M.Finch. Two Dragon Rapides operated charter flights to England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with the company also running an associated aero club. In August 1947 Air Charter Experts was taken over by Manx Air Charters. The Air Charter Experts name was dropped, but the associated flying club continued to operate under the ownership of Manx Air Charters.
Fleet history
DH89 Dragon RapideG-ADAE 11/06/1947 > 20/08/1948 ScrappedG-AEMH 11/07/1947 > 19/08/1947 > Manx Air Charters
DH89 Dragon RapideG-ADAE 11/06/1947 > 20/08/1948 ScrappedG-AEMH 11/07/1947 > 19/08/1947 > Manx Air Charters
Air Charter (Scotland) / Aeroscot Ltd
Air Charter (Scotland) / Aeroscot Ltd
1975 - 1990
Base: Hangar 12, Glasgow AirportIATA: - ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Air Charter (Scotland) Ltd (later operating under the corporate banner Aeroscot Ltd) was a prominent Scottish independent air taxi and regional scheduled carrier based at Glasgow Airport. Founded by ex-RAF fighter pilot Captain Geoff Rosenbloom in 1975, the airline capitalized on the rapid logistics demands of the North Sea oil boom and secures a nightly newspaper distribution contract to Belfast. Backed in 1980 by Scottish billionaire Sir Hugh Fraser, the company scaled into a premier twin-engine piston fleet. In 1983 it also acquired aircraft from Burnthills Aviation, before expanding briefly into scheduled corporate regional services.
Following the death of Sir Hugh Fraser, the airline was eventually wound down in 1990, remaining entirely separate from the modern business jet operator of the same name established in 2003.
v Tap for Fleet details and historical timeline v
v Tap for Fleet details and historical timeline v
Fleet history
*Aeroscot Ltd Trading as Air Charter Scotland
Mooney M20KG-GTPL 21/04/1986 > 07/11/1988
Partenavia P68CG-BMLR 19/05/1986 > 12/12/1986
Piper PA23 Aztec 250DG-AYEM Acquired from AirgoG-AZFE 17/12/1980 > 13/04/1983* > > 13/04/1983 > 29/05/1984G-AZHA 13/04/1983 > 03/04/1985G-AZZA 22/02/1978 > 21/01/1987* G-BPOG 29/11/1985 > 14/02/1989
Piper PA-28R-200 Cherokee ArrowG-BMJG 29/07/1986 > 26/02/1987
Piper PA-30 Twin ComancheG-ASSB 05/09/1986 > 09/06/1988
Piper PA-31 NavajoG-AZHL 11/09/1986 > 17/03/1988G-BFKJ 13/05/1985 > 03/12/1985G-IGON 26/03/1985 > 26/05/1989G-MDAS 07/05/1986 > 06/10/1986
Piper PA-31-350 Navajo ChieftanG-BASU 12/04/1984 > 24/05/1985G-BFDA 20/08/1979 > 29/11/1983G-BMBC 09/07/1985 > 11/12/1987G-BMBI 05/09/1985 > 21/03/1986G-BMPX 29/05/1986 > 11/06/1986G-BMSV 11/06/1986 > 03/11/1987G-BPAR 24/05/1983 > 21/01/1985 from BurnthillsG-BTHL 15/06/1983 > 11/07/1986G-LEON 08/01/1981 > 21/12/1982*G-OIAS 10/01/1985 > 11/03/1988
Piper PA-34-200 SenecaG-AZJB 08/05/1984 > 30/05/1984G-BADF 10/08/1984 > 23/11/1984G-BLCD 28/12/1983 > 16/04/1984
Rockwell Commander 114G-BMJL 29/07/1986 > 17/05/1988
also
DH112 Venom-FB1G-BLIE 12/04/1985 > 09/06/1988
*Aeroscot Ltd Trading as Air Charter Scotland
Mooney M20KG-GTPL 21/04/1986 > 07/11/1988
Partenavia P68CG-BMLR 19/05/1986 > 12/12/1986
Piper PA23 Aztec 250DG-AYEM Acquired from AirgoG-AZFE 17/12/1980 > 13/04/1983* > > 13/04/1983 > 29/05/1984G-AZHA 13/04/1983 > 03/04/1985G-AZZA 22/02/1978 > 21/01/1987* G-BPOG 29/11/1985 > 14/02/1989
Piper PA-28R-200 Cherokee ArrowG-BMJG 29/07/1986 > 26/02/1987
Piper PA-30 Twin ComancheG-ASSB 05/09/1986 > 09/06/1988
Piper PA-31 NavajoG-AZHL 11/09/1986 > 17/03/1988G-BFKJ 13/05/1985 > 03/12/1985G-IGON 26/03/1985 > 26/05/1989G-MDAS 07/05/1986 > 06/10/1986
Piper PA-31-350 Navajo ChieftanG-BASU 12/04/1984 > 24/05/1985G-BFDA 20/08/1979 > 29/11/1983G-BMBC 09/07/1985 > 11/12/1987G-BMBI 05/09/1985 > 21/03/1986G-BMPX 29/05/1986 > 11/06/1986G-BMSV 11/06/1986 > 03/11/1987G-BPAR 24/05/1983 > 21/01/1985 from BurnthillsG-BTHL 15/06/1983 > 11/07/1986G-LEON 08/01/1981 > 21/12/1982*G-OIAS 10/01/1985 > 11/03/1988
Piper PA-34-200 SenecaG-AZJB 08/05/1984 > 30/05/1984G-BADF 10/08/1984 > 23/11/1984G-BLCD 28/12/1983 > 16/04/1984
Rockwell Commander 114G-BMJL 29/07/1986 > 17/05/1988
also
DH112 Venom-FB1G-BLIE 12/04/1985 > 09/06/1988
Historical timeline
October–November 1975Airline Founded: Established by Managing Director and Chief Pilot Captain Geoff Rosenbloom out of Glasgow Abbotsinch Airport. A Piper PA-23 Aztec 250D (G-AYEM) is acquired from Airgo Ltd on November 25, 1975, to launch early ad-hoc executive charter services.1976–1977Operating with the single Aztec, Captain Rosenbloom personally logs over 1,000 flight hours in the first year to build market presence.Oil Boom Pivots: The company secures contracts ferrying oil executives, engineers, and high-priority cargo to maritime hubs like the Flotta oil terminal (Orkney), Stavanger, and Bergen.February 1978Capacity Expansion: The airline bolsters its regional short-to-medium-range capacity by taking delivery of a second Piper Aztec (G-AZZA).August 1979To satisfy oil company demands for larger corporate configurations, the company takes delivery of its first twin-piston corporate aircraft, a Piper PA-31 Navajo (G-BFDA).September 1980The Aeroscot Reorganization: Scottish retail billionaire Sir Hugh Fraser (head of House of Fraser) steps in with a capital injection.Legal Shift: Aeroscot Limited is legally incorporated on 10 September 1980, taking over operations while preserving brand continuity by Trading As "Air Charter Scotland".April–May 1983Rival Buyout: Backed by Fraser's finance, Aeroscot purchases the entire fixed-wing asset fleet of its fierce local turf-war rival, Burnthills Aviation, gaining dominance over Central Scotland's corporate air taxi market.Scheduled Services Launch: In May 1983, the company transitions into a scheduled commercial commuter airline. Legendary Loganair co-founder Captain Duncan MacIntosh is brought in to launch daily timetabled business routes, including the Glasgow–Aberdeen oil corridor, Glasgow–Dundee, and Glasgow–Manchester.Mid-to-Late 1980sThe Belfast Lifeline: The airline anchors its steady, recurring revenues via intense nightly newspaper distribution contracts, running the Daily Record & Sunday Mail print copies safely across the Irish Sea to Belfast every night.August 1987The airline's primary financial backer, billionaire retail magnate Sir Hugh Fraser, passes away at age 50. Without his continuous capital injections, the corporate strategy pivots away from aggressive expansion toward a controlled financial wind-down. Over the next several months, a cluster of the carrier's core operational twin pistons (including G-AZZA, G-BMBC, and G-BMSV) are progressively sold off or removed from active service.14 February 1989The registration of their very last remaining aircraft (G-BPOG) is formally removed from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) registry, marking the date that physical aviation assets cease to exist on the company's books.1990Corporate Dissolution: Following a period of complete operational dormancy after its last aircraft left the ledger, Aeroscot Limited is officially struck off the Companies House register and dissolved, bringing a formal legal end to the original 1970s/1980s Air Charter Scotland era.Legacy and the 2003 ReincarnationFollowing the operational wind-down of Aeroscot Ltd and the final closure of its physical asset registry entries by 1989, the highly respected "Air Charter Scotland" brand identity went completely dormant. However, the historic name was not entirely lost to time. In 2003, Glasgow-based aviation entrepreneur George McFarlane legally acquired the rights to the classic corporate name, trademarks, and branding assets to elevate his own expanding executive air taxi business. While the original 1970s piston fleet and corporate shell were long gone, this calculated brand acquisition allowed the name to live on. Today's modern, multi-million-pound global private jet operation—managing a fleet of luxury business jets across bases in Glasgow, Luton, and Malta—stands as the direct spiritual and intellectual descendant of Captain Geoff Rosenbloom's pioneering 1975 startup. Refer here for the current Air Charter Scotland.
Air Commerce
Air Commerce
1937 - 1950
> Olley Air Services
Main Base: Heston AirportIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Air Commerce Ltd was established at Heston Airport in early 1937 by British and Foreign Aviation. During 1938 scheduled passenger services commenced: Liverpool <> London and Belfast <> Isle of Man. The outbreak of war in 1939 suspended operations, but these scheduled services restarted in 1945. In December 1946, the airline was taken over by Olley Air Service, and scheduled services continued until 01/02/1947, when all the airline's scheduled routes were taken over by B.E.A. The Air Commerce name continued until 1950 as a charter operator using Olley Air Service's aircraft from their base at Croydon.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
DH89A Dragon RapideG-AEPF 10/03/1937 > 18/06/1940G-AERZ 10/03/1937 > 04/05/1946G-AFEP 13/11/1940 > 30/12/1946G-AHGG 19/08/1946 > 27/12/1946
DH90 DragonflyG-AEFN 18/02/1939 > 28/03/1940
DH89A Dragon RapideG-AEPF 10/03/1937 > 18/06/1940G-AERZ 10/03/1937 > 04/05/1946G-AFEP 13/11/1940 > 30/12/1946G-AHGG 19/08/1946 > 27/12/1946
DH90 DragonflyG-AEFN 18/02/1939 > 28/03/1940
Air Commuter
Air Commuter
1981 - 1984
> Venture Airways
Main Base: Coventry Baginton (CVT / EGBE)IATA: 3A ICAO: ACKCallsign: -
Air Commuter was a small regional airline based at Coventry Baginton Airport, operating short‑haul commuter services, including between Coventry Baginton and Paris.
09/08/1984: the airline adopted the new trading name Venture Airways as part of a corporate rebranding.
v Tap for Fleet History v
09/08/1984: the airline adopted the new trading name Venture Airways as part of a corporate rebranding.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
AVRO 748 SERIES 1G-VAJK 29/02/1984 > 13/06/1985
Vickers Viscount 802G-AOHV: Leased from British Air Ferries
Embraer EMB-110 BandeiranteG-BGCS: Leased from Genair 1982
Bae Jetstream 31G-BKHI: in collaboration with Peregrine Air Services
Cessna 500G-BCKM: Registered to IDS Fanjet 1981
AVRO 748 SERIES 1G-VAJK 29/02/1984 > 13/06/1985
Vickers Viscount 802G-AOHV: Leased from British Air Ferries
Embraer EMB-110 BandeiranteG-BGCS: Leased from Genair 1982
Bae Jetstream 31G-BKHI: in collaboration with Peregrine Air Services
Cessna 500G-BCKM: Registered to IDS Fanjet 1981
Air Condor
Air Condor
1960 - 1960
Main Base: Southend Airport (SEN)IATA: 3A ICAO: ACKCallsign: -
Established in 1960, Air Condor was a small independent airline operating from Southend Airport and Specialising in charter and inclusive-tour (IT) flights using a Bristol 170 Freighter and a Vickers Viking. The airline ceased operations after financial difficulties, with bankruptcy declared in December 1960.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet historyG-AGPV Bristol Freighter Series 1 04/08/1960 > 17/11/1960G-AHJD Bristol Freighter Mk.21 Leased from North South AirlinesG-AKTU Vickers Viking 634 Leased from Airwork Services
Air Continental
Air Continental
1979 - 1983
Main Base: Luton AirportIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Based at Luton Airport, Air Continental Securities Ltd commenced services early in 1979, initially operating ad-hoc charters to the Continent. In April 1980 a scheduled nightly freight service commenced to Geneva and Zurich, primarily carrying newspapers, plus a similar service subsequently operating to Scotland. All operations ceased in 1983.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
*aircaft registered as Solitaire Flight Management Ltd until 11/02/1981
Beech 65 King AirG-BHGT* 20/08/1980 > 26/04/1983G-BJMN 27/11/1981 > 16/12/1983
Piper PA-31 NavajoG-BFHO 19/11/1982 > 01/08/1983G-NEVA* 09/08/1979 > 01/08/1983G-TAXY* 07/08/1978 > 19/06/1989
*aircaft registered as Solitaire Flight Management Ltd until 11/02/1981
Beech 65 King AirG-BHGT* 20/08/1980 > 26/04/1983G-BJMN 27/11/1981 > 16/12/1983
Piper PA-31 NavajoG-BFHO 19/11/1982 > 01/08/1983G-NEVA* 09/08/1979 > 01/08/1983G-TAXY* 07/08/1978 > 19/06/1989
Air Contractors
Air Contractors
1946 - 1949
Main base: RAF BovingdonAirline designators n/a
Air Contractors was a small independent airline based at RAF Bovingdon, and operated passenger and cargo services immediately after WWII. It was known for flying the Miles M.57 Aerovan and for its participation in the Berlin Airlift.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet historyMiles M.65 Gemini 1AG-AISO 29/01/1947 > 14/11/1947Miles M.57 AerovanG-AHXH 14/02/1947 > 14/06/1948G-AIDI 27/08/1946 > 14/11/1947G-AIHK 09/01/1947 > 10/01/1949G-AIHL 17/09/1946 > 24/07/1947G-AIKV 01/10/1946 > 17/02/1947G-AISI 23/12/1946 > 26/04/1948Douglas C47 Dakota 3G-AIWC 13/11/1946 > 29/11/1948G-AIWD 13/11/1946 > 29/11/1948G-AIWE 13/11/1946 > 29/11/1948
Air Corbière
Air Corbière
1991 - 1994
+ Air Atlantique > Atlantic Airways
Main Base: CoventryIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Named after the iconic Lighthouse on the south-western tip of Jersey, Air Corbière was a regional airline brand associated with the Air Atlantique group. The sillouette of the lighthouse featured on their aircraft. Scheduled services were operated from 26 July 1991 and included daily flights linking Coventry-Gloucester, Liverpool-Channel Islands and Jersey/Guernsey-Rennes. The fleet initially utilised Cessna Caravan II and Cessna 402C with a Fairchild Metro III added in 1992. The Brand dissapeared soon after passenger operations were combined with those of Air Atlantique to become Atlantic Airways in late 1993. Their last scheduled service ended in 1994.
v Tap for Fleet history v
v Tap for Fleet history v
Fleet history
all aircraft are shown on G-INFO as registered to Atlantic Air Transport Ltd
Cessna 402C UtililinerG-EYES
Fairchild Swearingen SA.227AC Metro IIIG-BUKA
Reims-Cessna F406 Caravan IIG-BPSVG-FIND
all aircraft are shown on G-INFO as registered to Atlantic Air Transport Ltd
Cessna 402C UtililinerG-EYES
Fairchild Swearingen SA.227AC Metro IIIG-BUKA
Reims-Cessna F406 Caravan IIG-BPSVG-FIND
Air Couriers (Transport) Ltd
Air Couriers (Transport) Ltd
1938 - 1967
> Transglobe Airways
Main base: Croydon Airport > Biggin Hill > GatwickIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Based at Croydon Airport, Air Couriers was initially established in 1938 as an aircraft engineering and operating company by F.W. Griffith. Operations were suspended during WW2 but Air Couriers (Transport) Ltd was formed as a new charter division after the war finished and started ad-hoc passenger and freight charter work, including air taxi services, pleasure flying and aerial photography. The company moved to Biggin Hill following the 1959 closure of Croydon, acquiring hangar space and maintenance facilities. Whilst keeping its light aircraft maintenance facility at Biggin, the company subsequently moved its HO to Gatwick Airport where they maintained several airline operators' aircraft. The company was taken over by Gatwick based Transglobe Airways on 10 July 1967.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Bell 47GG-ARIA 20/01/1961 > 27/09/1962
Percival Proctor 1G-AHVB 07/11/1947 > 22/09/1950G-AHVC 07/11/1947 > 07/11/1950
Percival Proctor 3G-AJWN 24/07/1947 > 15/11/1949
Short S16 Scion 2G-AEZF 11/03/1947 > 11/08/1947
DH89A Dragon RapideG-AKNN 16/04/1951 > 17/05/1954G-AKNY 29/07/1953 > 03/10/1960G-AKSE 03/01/1961 > 07/04/1963G-AKTD 17/10/1949 > 04/05/1951G-ALBI 25/06/1955 > 16/08/1960G-APBM 21/05/1957 > 21/07/1960
Miles M.65 Gemini 1AG-AJZO 11/06/1959 > 17/06/1959G-AKEG 21/09/1955 > 19/07/1956G-AKFY 29/12/1953 > 27/07/1960G-AKHV 09/11/1956 > 09/05/1958
Reid & Sigrist RS4 BobsleighG-AGOS 17/01/1956 > 05/03/1958
Airspeed AS40 Oxford 2G-AHGU 12/07/1956 > 25/08/1958
Bell 47GG-ARIA 20/01/1961 > 27/09/1962
Percival Proctor 1G-AHVB 07/11/1947 > 22/09/1950G-AHVC 07/11/1947 > 07/11/1950
Percival Proctor 3G-AJWN 24/07/1947 > 15/11/1949
Short S16 Scion 2G-AEZF 11/03/1947 > 11/08/1947
DH89A Dragon RapideG-AKNN 16/04/1951 > 17/05/1954G-AKNY 29/07/1953 > 03/10/1960G-AKSE 03/01/1961 > 07/04/1963G-AKTD 17/10/1949 > 04/05/1951G-ALBI 25/06/1955 > 16/08/1960G-APBM 21/05/1957 > 21/07/1960
Miles M.65 Gemini 1AG-AJZO 11/06/1959 > 17/06/1959G-AKEG 21/09/1955 > 19/07/1956G-AKFY 29/12/1953 > 27/07/1960G-AKHV 09/11/1956 > 09/05/1958
Reid & Sigrist RS4 BobsleighG-AGOS 17/01/1956 > 05/03/1958
Airspeed AS40 Oxford 2G-AHGU 12/07/1956 > 25/08/1958
Air Ecosse
Air Ecosse
1977 - 1988
> Aberdeen Airways
Main base: Aberdeen Dyce (ABZ / EGPD)IATA: EC ICAO: ECSCallsign: AIR ECOSSE
June 1977: Established as a subsidiary of Fairflight Charters
November 1988: Acquired by Peregrine Air Services Limited and became Aberdeen Airways
v Tap for Fleet History v
November 1988: Acquired by Peregrine Air Services Limited and became Aberdeen Airways
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
DHC-6 SERIES 310 Twin OtterG-MAIL 25/07/1980 > 19/03/1981
Short 330-100G-BGNA 01/11/1983 > 13/03/1984G-BIOF 04/04/1984 > 08/08/1985G-BIRN 01/05/1984 > 19/04/1985G-BITV 09/02/1984 > 19/02/1985G-BKDN 21/04/1986 > 20/01/1987G-BKDO 06/05/1986 > 20/01/1987G-BKSU 16/04/1986 > 06/02/1987G-RNMO 11/04/1986 > 27/02/1987
SD3-60 Variant 100G-RMSS 24/01/1983 > 21/02/1986
DHC-6 SERIES 310 Twin OtterG-MAIL 25/07/1980 > 19/03/1981
Short 330-100G-BGNA 01/11/1983 > 13/03/1984G-BIOF 04/04/1984 > 08/08/1985G-BIRN 01/05/1984 > 19/04/1985G-BITV 09/02/1984 > 19/02/1985G-BKDN 21/04/1986 > 20/01/1987G-BKDO 06/05/1986 > 20/01/1987G-BKSU 16/04/1986 > 06/02/1987G-RNMO 11/04/1986 > 27/02/1987
SD3-60 Variant 100G-RMSS 24/01/1983 > 21/02/1986
Air Enterprises
Air Enterprises
1946-1955
Main base: CroydonAirline designators n/a
Air Enterprises (London) Ltd was a small independent operating Dragon Rapides on behalf of British European Airways (BEA), primarily on Scottish regional routes. low‑density feeder services and/or Contract/associate operations, which BEA frequently outsourced in the late 1940s. This was part of BEA’s “associate airline” system, where small independents flew light aircraft on BEA‑branded routes.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet History
Airspeed AS65 CONSULG-AGVY 02/05/1947 > 27/07/1948G-AIKT 30/09/1947 > 20/08/1954G-AIOT 02/10/1953 > 06/08/1954G-AIOV 13/12/1948 > 30/09/1953G-AJLJ 01/05/1947 > 21/03/1950G-AJNE 21/10/1948 > 20/08/1954
DH89A Dragon RapideG-AKRS 01/02/1949 > 01/04/1953G-AFMJ 11/12/1947 > 01/04/1953G-AKNX 04/12/1947 > 01/12/1948G-AKNY 11/12/1947 > 27/11/1948G-AKNZ 11/12/1947 > 09/11/1948G-AKOA 11/12/1947 > 27/11/1948G-AKOB 11/12/1947 > 22/09/1952G-ALWY 18/01/1950 >19/05/1952
Percival Proctor 1G-AIHG 16/04/1947 > 19/11/1952
Avro 652A AnsonG-ALWX 16/01/1950 > 08/08/1950
Percival P.50 PrinceOperated on behalf of the Standard Motor CompanyG-AMPR 12/03/1952 > 02/11/1955
Airspeed AS65 CONSULG-AGVY 02/05/1947 > 27/07/1948G-AIKT 30/09/1947 > 20/08/1954G-AIOT 02/10/1953 > 06/08/1954G-AIOV 13/12/1948 > 30/09/1953G-AJLJ 01/05/1947 > 21/03/1950G-AJNE 21/10/1948 > 20/08/1954
DH89A Dragon RapideG-AKRS 01/02/1949 > 01/04/1953G-AFMJ 11/12/1947 > 01/04/1953G-AKNX 04/12/1947 > 01/12/1948G-AKNY 11/12/1947 > 27/11/1948G-AKNZ 11/12/1947 > 09/11/1948G-AKOA 11/12/1947 > 27/11/1948G-AKOB 11/12/1947 > 22/09/1952G-ALWY 18/01/1950 >19/05/1952
Percival Proctor 1G-AIHG 16/04/1947 > 19/11/1952
Avro 652A AnsonG-ALWX 16/01/1950 > 08/08/1950
Percival P.50 PrinceOperated on behalf of the Standard Motor CompanyG-AMPR 12/03/1952 > 02/11/1955
Air Europe
Air Europe
1979 - 1991
Main Base: Gatwick (LGW / EGKK)IATA: AE ICAO: AOECallsign: AIR EUROPE
1978: Independent airline initially established as Inter European Airways
04/05/1979: Name changed to Air Europe 08/03/1991: In administration
v Tap for Fleet History v
04/05/1979: Name changed to Air Europe 08/03/1991: In administration
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Includes registrations to AE Finance ltd and ILG Travel Ltd
Boeing 737-200G-BJFH 20/02/1980 > 05/12/1988G-BJXL [ Leased from Air Florida ]G-BJXM [ Leased from Air Florida ]G-BKRO 20/04/1983 > 25/10/1983G-BMEC 11/05/1979 > 01/05/1985G-BMHG 19/03/1979 > 01/05/1985G-BMOR 24/04/1979 > 01/05/1985G-BMSM 20/02/1980 > 15/03/1985G-BRJP 03/02/1982 > 05/11/1986G-DDDV 16/02/1981 > 18/12/1984
Boeing 737-300G-BLKD [ Leased from Orion Airways ]G-BMTE 10/02/1987 > 15/12/1989G-BMTF 12/02/1987 > 09/01/1991G-BMTG 27/02/1987 > 21/11/1990G-BMTH 26/03/1987 > 06/12/1990G-BNPA 03/09/1987 > 12/04/1991G-BNPB 07/03/1988 > 19/06/1991G-BNPC 27/06/1988 > 31/07/1990G-BNXP 22/12/1987 > 05/11/1990G-BNXW 14/11/1989 > 26/04/1991G-BOYN 26/10/1988 > 12/04/1991G-BRXJ 11/04/1990 > 26/04/1991
Boeing 737-400G-BOPK 20/12/1990 > 08/11/1991G-BPKA 14/04/1989 > 26/03/1990G-BPKB 14/04/1989 > 12/10/1990G-BPKC 23/05/1989 > 08/08/1991G-BPKD 26/05/1989 > 08/08/1991G-BPKE 28/06/1989 > 19/10/1990G-BRKF 11/06/1990 > 07/04/1992G-BRKG 12/07/1990 > 03/04/1991
Boeing 757-200G-BIKF [ Leased from British Airways ]G-BKRM 31/03/1987 > 10/12/1990G-BLVH 13/02/1985 > 17/04/1990G-BNSD 01/03/1988 > 05/07/1991G-BNSE 15/06/1988 > 17/10/1990G-BNSF 27/06/1988 > 05/06/1991G-BOHC 29/03/1988 > 16/08/1990G-BPGW 28/03/1984 > 02/11/1990G-BPSN 03/04/1989 > 05/07/1991G-BRJD 13/04/1989 > 14/05/1991 G-BRJE 26/04/1989 > 04/12/1990G-BRJF 26/03/1990 > 18/12/1990G-BRJG 27/03/1990 > 14/05/1991G-BRJH 20/04/1990 > 11/04/1991G-BRJI 30/04/1990 > 03/05/1990G-BRIJ 20/06/1990 > 16/05/1991
Fokker F28 Mk.100G-FIOO 15/02/1991 > 10/06/1991G-FIOR 15/02/1991 > 10/06/1991G-FIOS 15/02/1991 > 10/06/1991
Includes registrations to AE Finance ltd and ILG Travel Ltd
Boeing 737-200G-BJFH 20/02/1980 > 05/12/1988G-BJXL [ Leased from Air Florida ]G-BJXM [ Leased from Air Florida ]G-BKRO 20/04/1983 > 25/10/1983G-BMEC 11/05/1979 > 01/05/1985G-BMHG 19/03/1979 > 01/05/1985G-BMOR 24/04/1979 > 01/05/1985G-BMSM 20/02/1980 > 15/03/1985G-BRJP 03/02/1982 > 05/11/1986G-DDDV 16/02/1981 > 18/12/1984
Boeing 737-300G-BLKD [ Leased from Orion Airways ]G-BMTE 10/02/1987 > 15/12/1989G-BMTF 12/02/1987 > 09/01/1991G-BMTG 27/02/1987 > 21/11/1990G-BMTH 26/03/1987 > 06/12/1990G-BNPA 03/09/1987 > 12/04/1991G-BNPB 07/03/1988 > 19/06/1991G-BNPC 27/06/1988 > 31/07/1990G-BNXP 22/12/1987 > 05/11/1990G-BNXW 14/11/1989 > 26/04/1991G-BOYN 26/10/1988 > 12/04/1991G-BRXJ 11/04/1990 > 26/04/1991
Boeing 737-400G-BOPK 20/12/1990 > 08/11/1991G-BPKA 14/04/1989 > 26/03/1990G-BPKB 14/04/1989 > 12/10/1990G-BPKC 23/05/1989 > 08/08/1991G-BPKD 26/05/1989 > 08/08/1991G-BPKE 28/06/1989 > 19/10/1990G-BRKF 11/06/1990 > 07/04/1992G-BRKG 12/07/1990 > 03/04/1991
Boeing 757-200G-BIKF [ Leased from British Airways ]G-BKRM 31/03/1987 > 10/12/1990G-BLVH 13/02/1985 > 17/04/1990G-BNSD 01/03/1988 > 05/07/1991G-BNSE 15/06/1988 > 17/10/1990G-BNSF 27/06/1988 > 05/06/1991G-BOHC 29/03/1988 > 16/08/1990G-BPGW 28/03/1984 > 02/11/1990G-BPSN 03/04/1989 > 05/07/1991G-BRJD 13/04/1989 > 14/05/1991 G-BRJE 26/04/1989 > 04/12/1990G-BRJF 26/03/1990 > 18/12/1990G-BRJG 27/03/1990 > 14/05/1991G-BRJH 20/04/1990 > 11/04/1991G-BRJI 30/04/1990 > 03/05/1990G-BRIJ 20/06/1990 > 16/05/1991
Fokker F28 Mk.100G-FIOO 15/02/1991 > 10/06/1991G-FIOR 15/02/1991 > 10/06/1991G-FIOS 15/02/1991 > 10/06/1991
Air Europe Express
Air Europe Express
1989-1991
Administration > Eurworld Airways
Main Base: Gatwick (LGW / EGKK)IATA: AX ICAO: AEECallsign: EUROEXPRESS
June 1988: ILG acquire Connectair, a small Gatwick-based regional airline.
01/02/1989: Re-branded Air Europe Express adopting a new corporate identity and regional airline subsidiary of Air Europe
29/10/1989: Guernsey Airlines fully integrated into Air Europe Express following ILG's earlier acquisition in April 1989
08/03/1991: Operations ceased as a result of ILG putting all the Airlines of Europe group companies into administrative receivership
May 1991: Air Europe Express operations acquired by the original management of Connectair restarting operations as Euroworld Airways, later becoming CityFlyer Express a franchisee of British Airways in June 1993.
v Tap for Fleet History v
01/02/1989: Re-branded Air Europe Express adopting a new corporate identity and regional airline subsidiary of Air Europe
29/10/1989: Guernsey Airlines fully integrated into Air Europe Express following ILG's earlier acquisition in April 1989
08/03/1991: Operations ceased as a result of ILG putting all the Airlines of Europe group companies into administrative receivership
May 1991: Air Europe Express operations acquired by the original management of Connectair restarting operations as Euroworld Airways, later becoming CityFlyer Express a franchisee of British Airways in June 1993.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet HistorySD3-30 Variant 100G-BITW 22/12/1989 > 12/04/1990G-BJFK 02/10/1989 > 12/04/1990
SD3-60 Variant 100G-BLRT 05/01/1990 > 30/11/1990G-BMHY 21/08/1989 > 30/05/1991G-BNBD 20/05/1987 > 24/05/1991G-BNDI 19/02/1990 > 17/04/1991G-BNDK 19/02/1990 > 15/05/1991G-BPCO 12/02/1988 > 14/08/1991G-OAEX 09/03/1989 > 23/08/1991
SD3-60 Variant 100G-BLRT 05/01/1990 > 30/11/1990G-BMHY 21/08/1989 > 30/05/1991G-BNBD 20/05/1987 > 24/05/1991G-BNDI 19/02/1990 > 17/04/1991G-BNDK 19/02/1990 > 15/05/1991G-BPCO 12/02/1988 > 14/08/1991G-OAEX 09/03/1989 > 23/08/1991
Air Exel UK
Air Exel UK
1989 - 1991
Main Base: Luton (LTN / EGGW)IATA: NE ICAO: EXXCallsign: EXCALIBUR
1989: One of several European regional airlines to be formed by a consortium made up of Esquelle Holdings, AeroLeasing, and Alphalines
17/01/1991: Charter flights commence between Luton and Brussels
February 1991: Scheduled flights commenced
01/06/1991: Air Exel UK ceased operations. The business was reorganised and immediately continued under the new trading name Air EC, but operations ceased in December.
v Tap for Fleet History v
17/01/1991: Charter flights commence between Luton and Brussels
February 1991: Scheduled flights commenced
01/06/1991: Air Exel UK ceased operations. The business was reorganised and immediately continued under the new trading name Air EC, but operations ceased in December.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Embraer EMB-120RT Brasilia
G-EXEL 03/10/1991 > 07/07/1992G-BRAZ 27/11/1990 > 20/01/1992
Embraer EMB-120RT Brasilia
G-EXEL 03/10/1991 > 07/07/1992G-BRAZ 27/11/1990 > 20/01/1992
Air Faisel Ltd
Air Faisel Ltd
1975 - 1978
Main Base: Birmingham > RAF Manston (MSE / EGMH)IATA: KV ICAO: ---Callsign: FAISAL
Air Faisal Ltd was a British independent cargo airline founded in 1975. Headquartered in Fulwood, Lancashire, with operational bases at Birmingham Airport and later RAF Manston. The airline specialised in transporting fresh produce, livestock and general freight between the UK, the Middle East, East Africa and continental Europe.
Operating a fleet of Bristol Britannia freighters, Air Faisal sought to establish regular cargo links serving Britain's growing South Asian and Middle Eastern communities. After initially operating charter services under arrangements with Air India, the airline obtained its own UK Air Operator Certificate in 1977. Financial and regulatory difficulties led to the end of operations in 1978.
v Tap for Fleet History and historical timeline v
Operating a fleet of Bristol Britannia freighters, Air Faisal sought to establish regular cargo links serving Britain's growing South Asian and Middle Eastern communities. After initially operating charter services under arrangements with Air India, the airline obtained its own UK Air Operator Certificate in 1977. Financial and regulatory difficulties led to the end of operations in 1978.
v Tap for Fleet History and historical timeline v
Fleet history
Bristol 175 Britannia 253F
G-BDLZ 17/11/1975 > 23/01/1976G-BEMZ 11/02/1977 > 13/09/1979
Bristol 175 Britannia 253F
G-BDLZ 17/11/1975 > 23/01/1976G-BEMZ 11/02/1977 > 13/09/1979
Historical timeline
1975
Air Faisal Ltd was established by British businessmen Patel Raj and Iqbal Raj with the objective of operating international cargo charter services using surplus Bristol Britannia freighters.
1975
The airline acquired its first Bristol Type 235F Britannia freighter, intending to operate charter flights from Birmingham Airport to destinations in the Persian Gulf carrying fresh produce and commercial freight.
1975–1976
Because the company had not yet been granted its own UK Civil Aviation Authority Air Operator Certificate, flights were initially operated under commercial arrangements with Air India, allowing services to commence while certification issues were resolved.
1976
Commercial cargo operations expanded to include destinations in:
IndiaUnited Arab EmiratesItalyCyprus
Typical cargoes included fresh fruit, vegetables, livestock and general freight.
February 1977
A second Bristol Britannia joined the fleet, increasing the airline's capacity for international cargo charter operations.
October 1977
The UK Civil Aviation Authority granted Air Faisal its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC), allowing the airline to operate independently under its own authority.
Late 1977
A third Bristol Britannia 5Y-AYR was leased from African Safari Airways to support expanding cargo services, particularly fresh produce imports from Kenya to the United Kingdom.
1978
The airline continued operating international freight charters between the UK, Europe, East Africa and the Middle East using its Britannia fleet.
September 1978
Following regulatory action by the Civil Aviation Authority, Air Faisal's Air Operator Certificate was revoked, bringing the airline's commercial operations to an end.
1975
Air Faisal Ltd was established by British businessmen Patel Raj and Iqbal Raj with the objective of operating international cargo charter services using surplus Bristol Britannia freighters.
1975
The airline acquired its first Bristol Type 235F Britannia freighter, intending to operate charter flights from Birmingham Airport to destinations in the Persian Gulf carrying fresh produce and commercial freight.
1975–1976
Because the company had not yet been granted its own UK Civil Aviation Authority Air Operator Certificate, flights were initially operated under commercial arrangements with Air India, allowing services to commence while certification issues were resolved.
1976
Commercial cargo operations expanded to include destinations in:
IndiaUnited Arab EmiratesItalyCyprus
Typical cargoes included fresh fruit, vegetables, livestock and general freight.
February 1977
A second Bristol Britannia joined the fleet, increasing the airline's capacity for international cargo charter operations.
October 1977
The UK Civil Aviation Authority granted Air Faisal its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC), allowing the airline to operate independently under its own authority.
Late 1977
A third Bristol Britannia 5Y-AYR was leased from African Safari Airways to support expanding cargo services, particularly fresh produce imports from Kenya to the United Kingdom.
1978
The airline continued operating international freight charters between the UK, Europe, East Africa and the Middle East using its Britannia fleet.
September 1978
Following regulatory action by the Civil Aviation Authority, Air Faisal's Air Operator Certificate was revoked, bringing the airline's commercial operations to an end.
Air Ferry Limited
Air Ferry Limited
1962 - 1968
Main base: RAF Manston (MSE / EGMH)IATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Air Ferry Limited was a private, independent airline operating charter, scheduled and all-cargo flights.00/07/1962: Air Ferry Ltd was established as a subsidiary of Leroy Tours to operate general charter and inclusive tour flights.01/04/1963: Charters commenced from Manston Airport00/10/1964: Leroy Tours are acquired by Air Holdings the parent company of British United Airways (BUA).31/10/1968: Air Ferry ceased trading and assets were transferred to the BUA Group.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Douglas C54A SkymasterG-APYK 17/01/1963 > 03/06/1967G-ASFY 19/03/1963 > 26/11/1968G-ASOG 30/01/1964 > 21/01/1967
Vickers Viking 1AG-AHOW 10/04/1964 > 27/10/1966
Vickers Viking 1BG-AJBX 08/04/1964 > 21/10/1965
Vickers Viking 2G-AOCH 07/10/1963 > 23/03/1966
Vickers Viking 3BG-AIVD 14/02/1963 > 23/03/1966G-AIVF 14/02/1963 > 23/03/1966
Douglas C54A SkymasterG-APYK 17/01/1963 > 03/06/1967G-ASFY 19/03/1963 > 26/11/1968G-ASOG 30/01/1964 > 21/01/1967
Vickers Viking 1AG-AHOW 10/04/1964 > 27/10/1966
Vickers Viking 1BG-AJBX 08/04/1964 > 21/10/1965
Vickers Viking 2G-AOCH 07/10/1963 > 23/03/1966
Vickers Viking 3BG-AIVD 14/02/1963 > 23/03/1966G-AIVF 14/02/1963 > 23/03/1966
Air Foyle Passenger Airlines
Air Foyle Passenger Airlines
1992 - 2001
Main base: Luton AirportIATA: GS ICAO: UPDCallsign: BROADSWORD
Headquartered at Luton Airport, Air Foyle Passenger Airlines was a subsidiary charter carrier of parent company Air Foyle Limited, and provided aircraft and crew for tour operators and other airlines such as easyJet, Airworld, Sunjet and Color Air.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Boeing 737-3Q8G-BNNJ [ Leased from British Airways - 'Sunjet' logo ]G-COLB 28/05/1998 > 19/11/1999*G-COLC 26/05/1998 > 19/11/1999*G-COLE 13/11/1998 > 11/01/2000*
*Registered owner: Color Air as Air Foyle Passenger Airlines Ltd
Boeing 737-3Q8G-BNNJ [ Leased from British Airways - 'Sunjet' logo ]G-COLB 28/05/1998 > 19/11/1999*G-COLC 26/05/1998 > 19/11/1999*G-COLE 13/11/1998 > 11/01/2000*
*Registered owner: Color Air as Air Foyle Passenger Airlines Ltd
Air Foyle HeavyLift
Air Foyle HeavyLift
2001 - 2006
Main base: Stansted (STN / EGSS)IATA: GS ICAO: UPACallsign: FOYLE
01/02/2001: Following termination of Volga-Dnepr's deal with HeavyLift, Air Foyle and HeavyLift established Air Foyle HeavyLift to take responsibility for the sales and marketing of charters and leases of Antonov Airline's fleet of cargo aircraft. Air Foyle had previously been the worldwide General Sales Agent of the Antonov Design Bureau of Kyiv since July 1989.
01/10/2001: Operations commenced.
30/06/2006: Antonov terminated this joint venture to pursue a joint marketing venture with Volga-Dnepr under the name Ruslan International.
v Tap for Fleet History v
01/10/2001: Operations commenced.
30/06/2006: Antonov terminated this joint venture to pursue a joint marketing venture with Volga-Dnepr under the name Ruslan International.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Antonov An-22Antonov An-124Antonov An-225
Antonov An-22Antonov An-124Antonov An-225
Air Freight Ltd
Air Freight Ltd
1946 - 1953
> Lancashire Aircraft Corporation
Main base: BovingdonAirline designators: n/a
Air Freight Ltd was established as a freight operator in 1946, and became a registered airline a year later. The company operated long distance freight charter flights to the Far East and North Africa, plus flights to the Continent to collect fresh fruit and vegetables which was then transferred to markets in London and the Midlands via its base at Bovingdon. Air Freight mainly used Bovingdon for all its services, although Gatwick and Luton airports were also visited. The Air Freight name all but disappeared when the Air Freight operations were integrated with those of Eagle Aviation, following the company's acquirement by Eagle's owner. The Air Freight name was revived by Eagle in 1952 but this was short lived when Air Freight was acquired by the Lancashire Aircraft Corporation a year later.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Avro 685 York 1G-AGNP 30/09/1952 > 16/07/1953G-AGNT 20/08/1952 > 14/07/1953
Handley Page HP61 Halifax Mk.6G-AKJI 06/10/1947 > 23/09/1948G-AKJJ 06/10/1947 > 23/09/1948
Handley Page HP70 Halifax Mk.8G-AJBK 17/02/1947 > 18/10/1947G-AJBL 17/02/1947 > 27/12/1949
Percival Proctor 5G-AIAG 02/08/1951 > 11/03/1952
Avro 685 York 1G-AGNP 30/09/1952 > 16/07/1953G-AGNT 20/08/1952 > 14/07/1953
Handley Page HP61 Halifax Mk.6G-AKJI 06/10/1947 > 23/09/1948G-AKJJ 06/10/1947 > 23/09/1948
Handley Page HP70 Halifax Mk.8G-AJBK 17/02/1947 > 18/10/1947G-AJBL 17/02/1947 > 27/12/1949
Percival Proctor 5G-AIAG 02/08/1951 > 11/03/1952
Historical timeline
*The overview history has been extracted from 'British independent airlines since 1946' by Merton Jones, Anthony C.Late 1946
Air Freight Ltd was established as a freight operator.
28/02/1947
Company registered as an airline.
Early 1948
The airline was acquired by Harold Bamberg, founder of the newly formed Eagle Aviation, and the Air Freight operations were integrated with those of Eagle.
September 1952
The Air Freight name was revived by Eagle when they acquired a couple of AVRO Yorks and placed them into service under the name of Air Freight.
July 1953
Company acquired by the Lancashire Aircraft Corporation.
*The overview history has been extracted from 'British independent airlines since 1946' by Merton Jones, Anthony C.Late 1946
Air Freight Ltd was established as a freight operator.
28/02/1947
Company registered as an airline.
Early 1948
The airline was acquired by Harold Bamberg, founder of the newly formed Eagle Aviation, and the Air Freight operations were integrated with those of Eagle.
September 1952
The Air Freight name was revived by Eagle when they acquired a couple of AVRO Yorks and placed them into service under the name of Air Freight.
July 1953
Company acquired by the Lancashire Aircraft Corporation.
Air Freight UK
Air Freight UK
1967 - 1975
> Skyways Aviation
Main base: Lympne Airport > LyddIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
1967: Air freight company initially operating from Lympne Airport, Ashford
1970: Operated three DC-3s acquired from Skyways Air Cargo, the defunct airline's cargo subsidiary.
1971: Continued to operate former Skyways Air Cargo operation under its own name
February 1973: Merged with South West Aviation.
1974: Relocated to nearby Lydd Airport following closure of Lympne Airport, where it operated DC-3s for cargo and Fairchild Hiller FH-227 turboprops for combined passenger and cargo operations across the UK, Channel Islands and to Amsterdam and Paris.
1975: Renamed Skyways Aviation
v Tap for Fleet History v
1970: Operated three DC-3s acquired from Skyways Air Cargo, the defunct airline's cargo subsidiary.
1971: Continued to operate former Skyways Air Cargo operation under its own name
February 1973: Merged with South West Aviation.
1974: Relocated to nearby Lydd Airport following closure of Lympne Airport, where it operated DC-3s for cargo and Fairchild Hiller FH-227 turboprops for combined passenger and cargo operations across the UK, Channel Islands and to Amsterdam and Paris.
1975: Renamed Skyways Aviation
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Douglas C-47B SkytrainG-AMSM 01/09/1970 > 11/09/1978G-AMWW 01/09/1970 > 08/06/1981G-APBC [ SouthWest Aviation ]G-AGYZ 01/09/1970 > 08/06/1977
Douglas C-47B SkytrainG-AMSM 01/09/1970 > 11/09/1978G-AMWW 01/09/1970 > 08/06/1981G-APBC [ SouthWest Aviation ]G-AGYZ 01/09/1970 > 08/06/1977
Air Furness
Air Furness
1984 - 1990
Main base: Barrow/Walney IslandIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
1984: commenced scheduled passenger flights from Barrow/Walney Island Airport predominantly to Manchester. Operating up to 4 times daily using Britten-Norman Islanders, the flights were designed to connect with international services from Manchester.
1988: Ceased operations
1990: Company wound upv Tap for Fleet History v
1988: Ceased operations
1990: Company wound upv Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
BN2A-21 IslanderG-BEXA 02/11/1987 > 27/07/1988
BN2A-26 IslanderG-BFNV 27/11/1987 > 27/07/1988G-BMDT 30/05/1986 > 03/12/1986
BN2B-27 IslanderG-BLDX 03/12/1986 > 18/01/1994
BN2A-21 IslanderG-BEXA 02/11/1987 > 27/07/1988
BN2A-26 IslanderG-BFNV 27/11/1987 > 27/07/1988G-BMDT 30/05/1986 > 03/12/1986
BN2B-27 IslanderG-BLDX 03/12/1986 > 18/01/1994
Air Gregory
Air Gregory
1963 - 1968
Main base: DenhamIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Operating out of Denham, Air Gregory was an air charter and helicopter flight training company established in 1962 by Ken Gregory (a former racing car manager) originally as Gregory Air Taxis. During 1963, Gregory’s took-over Marshall Dunn Aero Services at Denham, to become Gregory Air Engineering.In December 1968 the Bristol Street Motor Group acquired the Air Gregory group of companies. The Air Taxis side was subsequently run down with the business concentrating on maintenance and flying training at Denham on both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. The company would eventually be replaced by the Denham Flying Training School in 1975.v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Aero Commander 500G-ASIO 12/02/1965 > 19/03/1968
DH104 Dove 1G-ALBM 29/10/1968 > 21/01/1970G-ANMJ 10/05/1968 > 02/12/1969
Douglas C47A Dakota 3Based at NewcastleG-AKJH 20/04/1965 > 12/08/1968
HS.125 Series 1BBased at LutonG-AWUF 22/11/1968 > 01/10/1969
also
Hughes 369HSG-AXPL
Piper PA24 Comanche 250G-ARIE
Piper PA27 Aztec 250AG-ASHH
Piper PA27 Aztec 250BG-ASRIG-ASFG
Piper PA27 Aztec 250EG-AZYU
Piper PA-28-140 CherokeeG-ATBN
Piper PA30 Twin ComancheG-ASMRG-ASONG-ASYKG-ASYOG-AXAV
Piper PA39 Twin ComancheG-AYKO
Cessna 337A Super SkymasterG-ATPU
Cessna 310QG-AYND
Cessna 401G-AWXN
Aero Commander 500G-ASIO 12/02/1965 > 19/03/1968
DH104 Dove 1G-ALBM 29/10/1968 > 21/01/1970G-ANMJ 10/05/1968 > 02/12/1969
Douglas C47A Dakota 3Based at NewcastleG-AKJH 20/04/1965 > 12/08/1968
HS.125 Series 1BBased at LutonG-AWUF 22/11/1968 > 01/10/1969
also
Hughes 369HSG-AXPL
Piper PA24 Comanche 250G-ARIE
Piper PA27 Aztec 250AG-ASHH
Piper PA27 Aztec 250BG-ASRIG-ASFG
Piper PA27 Aztec 250EG-AZYU
Piper PA-28-140 CherokeeG-ATBN
Piper PA30 Twin ComancheG-ASMRG-ASONG-ASYKG-ASYOG-AXAV
Piper PA39 Twin ComancheG-AYKO
Cessna 337A Super SkymasterG-ATPU
Cessna 310QG-AYND
Cessna 401G-AWXN
Air International Charter Company (Gibraltar) Ltd
Air International Charter Company (Gibraltar) Ltd
1971 - 1972
Main base: GatwickIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Air International Charter Company (Gibraltar) Ltd was a short-lived charter airline that also carried out crew training at various locations around the UK.16/07/1971: Dry leased a single Vickers Viscount 702 from Field Aircraft Services Ltd and operated initially from Stansted.01/091971: Air Operators Certificate (AOC) received.04/09/1971: First revenue service operated from Gatwick.28/10/1972: Aircraft impounded at Gatwick by the British Airports Authority (BAA) for unpaid landing fees*v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Vickers Viscount 702G-APPX(Dry leased from Field Aircraft Services Ltd)*Full history of aircraft and airline movements can be found here at the Vickers Viscount network
Vickers Viscount 702G-APPX(Dry leased from Field Aircraft Services Ltd)*Full history of aircraft and airline movements can be found here at the Vickers Viscount network
Air Kent
Air Kent
1979
Main base: RAF ManstonIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Air Kent was a short lived airline operating daily commercial flights from Manston in Kent to Brussels and Rotterdam during 1979.
Fleet history
Piper PA31 Navajo ChieftanG-BGFY [ Registered to Airmore International Ltd ]
Piper PA31 Navajo ChieftanG-BGFY [ Registered to Airmore International Ltd ]
Air Kilroe
Air Kilroe
1978 - 1999
> Eastern Airways
Main base: Manchester (MAN / EGCC)IATA: 9R ICAO: AKLCallsign: KILROE
Air Kilroe Limited was a Manchester-based UK charter and regional operator, estbalished in 1978 by T Kilroe and Sons Ltd, a Manchester construction company. It initially specialised in executive charter and corporate flying, subsequently developing scheduled services and aircraft-management/contract operations.
February 1999: Eastern Airways acquires Air Kilroe's Air Operator's Certificate and two BAe Jetstream 32s.
22/10/1999: Air Kilroe Limited changed its registered name to Eastern Airways Limited, completing the legal corporate transition.
v Tap for Fleet History v
February 1999: Eastern Airways acquires Air Kilroe's Air Operator's Certificate and two BAe Jetstream 32s.
22/10/1999: Air Kilroe Limited changed its registered name to Eastern Airways Limited, completing the legal corporate transition.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
*T Kilroe and Sons Ltd
Beagle B.206S Srs.2G-AWRO 29/06/1976 > 21/06/1979*
Beech Super King Air 200G-OAKL 06/09/1982 > 06/07/1995G-OAKM 16/02/1987 > 22/01/1993
British Aerospace Jetstream 3102G-BRGN 15/01/1993 > 23/04/1993G-IBLX [ Leased from British Aerospace ]G-IJYS [ Leased from British Aerospace ]G-OAKA 12/07/1996 > 28/05/1998G-OAKI 02/07/1992 > 03/06/1999G-OAKJ [ Leased from British Aerospace ]G-OAKK 07/09/1993 > 28/09/1994
Partenavia P.68G-BJRZ 26/11/1990 > 01/09/1993 >> >> G-OAKP 01/09/1993 > 02/09/1993 >>>> G-BJRZ 02/09/1993 > 16/05/1994G-BMCB 20/08/1985 > 16/07/1991
Piper PA-23G-AYWG 16/01/1984 > 27/01/1984G-AZSZ 26/08/1977 > 29/01/1986*G-BSFL 27/01/1981 > 07/07/1988*
Piper PA-30 Twin ComancheG-ATSZ 22/10/1979 > 21/01/1981
Piper PA-31-350 Navajo ChieftainG-WSSC 26/03/1985 > 27/04/1989 >>>> G-OAKC 27/04/1989 > 28/03/1994
*T Kilroe and Sons Ltd
Beagle B.206S Srs.2G-AWRO 29/06/1976 > 21/06/1979*
Beech Super King Air 200G-OAKL 06/09/1982 > 06/07/1995G-OAKM 16/02/1987 > 22/01/1993
British Aerospace Jetstream 3102G-BRGN 15/01/1993 > 23/04/1993G-IBLX [ Leased from British Aerospace ]G-IJYS [ Leased from British Aerospace ]G-OAKA 12/07/1996 > 28/05/1998G-OAKI 02/07/1992 > 03/06/1999G-OAKJ [ Leased from British Aerospace ]G-OAKK 07/09/1993 > 28/09/1994
Partenavia P.68G-BJRZ 26/11/1990 > 01/09/1993 >> >> G-OAKP 01/09/1993 > 02/09/1993 >>>> G-BJRZ 02/09/1993 > 16/05/1994G-BMCB 20/08/1985 > 16/07/1991
Piper PA-23G-AYWG 16/01/1984 > 27/01/1984G-AZSZ 26/08/1977 > 29/01/1986*G-BSFL 27/01/1981 > 07/07/1988*
Piper PA-30 Twin ComancheG-ATSZ 22/10/1979 > 21/01/1981
Piper PA-31-350 Navajo ChieftainG-WSSC 26/03/1985 > 27/04/1989 >>>> G-OAKC 27/04/1989 > 28/03/1994
Air Kruise
Air Kruise
1946 - 1958
Main base: Lympne Airport > Ramsgate AirportAirline designators n/a
Air Kruise was an airline established in Kent by Squadron Leader Hugh Kennard DFC in 1946, and initially commenced charter work operations using light aircraft. The company expanded operations to include scheduled services to the near-continent, but was absorbed into Silver City Airways on 28th October 1957.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Airspeed AS.65 ConsulG-AIUS 01/01/1947 > 08/03/1948
Bristol 170 FreighterMk 11AG-AIME 09/02/1956 > 28/10/1957
Mk 21G-AIFM 07/01/1956 > 28/10/1957
Mk 21EG-AHJI 21/12/1955 > 28/10/1957
De Havilland DH.89A Dragon RapideG-AESR 18/03/1953 > 26/09/1956G-AEWL 13/04/1950* > 24/11/1955G-ALWK 21/08/1951* > 15/04/1957**Registered to Hugh Kennard
Douglas C-47 Dakota 3G-ANLF 20/04/1955 > 28/10/1957G-AMYV 01/02/1956 > 28/10/1957G-AMYX 20/01/1956 > 28/10/1957G-AMZB 06/11/1956 > 28/10/1957
Douglas C-47 Dakota 4G-AOBN 20/04/1955 > 28/10/1957
Miles M.38 Messenger 2AG-AHZS 19/07/1946 to 22/05/1964Registered to Hugh Kennard
Miles M.65 Gemini 1AG-AJWH 31/01/1951 > 04/11/1957Registered to Hugh Kennard
Percival Q.6 PetrelG-AFIX 01/10/1946 > 21/11/1946
Airspeed AS.65 ConsulG-AIUS 01/01/1947 > 08/03/1948
Bristol 170 FreighterMk 11AG-AIME 09/02/1956 > 28/10/1957
Mk 21G-AIFM 07/01/1956 > 28/10/1957
Mk 21EG-AHJI 21/12/1955 > 28/10/1957
De Havilland DH.89A Dragon RapideG-AESR 18/03/1953 > 26/09/1956G-AEWL 13/04/1950* > 24/11/1955G-ALWK 21/08/1951* > 15/04/1957**Registered to Hugh Kennard
Douglas C-47 Dakota 3G-ANLF 20/04/1955 > 28/10/1957G-AMYV 01/02/1956 > 28/10/1957G-AMYX 20/01/1956 > 28/10/1957G-AMZB 06/11/1956 > 28/10/1957
Douglas C-47 Dakota 4G-AOBN 20/04/1955 > 28/10/1957
Miles M.38 Messenger 2AG-AHZS 19/07/1946 to 22/05/1964Registered to Hugh Kennard
Miles M.65 Gemini 1AG-AJWH 31/01/1951 > 04/11/1957Registered to Hugh Kennard
Percival Q.6 PetrelG-AFIX 01/10/1946 > 21/11/1946
Main base: GatwickIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Air Links Ltd. was established by captain pilot Denis Martin on 21 August 1958. The first flight did not take place until 22 July 1959 from Southend Airport utilising a DC-3 acquired earlier in the year. Operations continued through the summer to Central Europe, primarily from Gatwick and Southend. The company also operated on behalf of other airlines. Operations were reorganised in 1962 with Handley Page H.P.81 Hermes, and subsequently Canadair C-4 Argonauts being added to the fleet that allowed routes to the Middle and Far East. With the arrival of Bristol Britannias, Air Links Ltd changed its name to Transglobe Airways 01 August 1965.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Canadair C-4 ArgonautG-ALHC 13/08/1964 > 01/08/1965 > Transglobe AirwaysG-ALHH 13/08/1964 > 01/08/1965 > Transglobe AirwaysG-ALHI 26/06/1964 > 01/08/1965 > Transglobe AirwaysG-ALHM 04/09/1964 > 01/08/1965 > Transglobe AirwaysG-ALHT 31/01/1964 > 01/08/1965 > Transglobe AirwaysG-ALHW 24/07/1964 > 01/08/1965 > Transglobe Airways
Douglas C-47 Dakota 3G-AMKE 04/07/1961 > 16/10/1962G-APUC 03/06/1959 > 09/08/1962 27/08/1962 > 06/09/1962
Handley Page HP.81 Hermes IVG-ALDA 24/10/1962 > 01/08/1965 > Transglobe Airways
Canadair C-4 ArgonautG-ALHC 13/08/1964 > 01/08/1965 > Transglobe AirwaysG-ALHH 13/08/1964 > 01/08/1965 > Transglobe AirwaysG-ALHI 26/06/1964 > 01/08/1965 > Transglobe AirwaysG-ALHM 04/09/1964 > 01/08/1965 > Transglobe AirwaysG-ALHT 31/01/1964 > 01/08/1965 > Transglobe AirwaysG-ALHW 24/07/1964 > 01/08/1965 > Transglobe Airways
Douglas C-47 Dakota 3G-AMKE 04/07/1961 > 16/10/1962G-APUC 03/06/1959 > 09/08/1962 27/08/1962 > 06/09/1962
Handley Page HP.81 Hermes IVG-ALDA 24/10/1962 > 01/08/1965 > Transglobe Airways
Air Luton
Air Luton
1983 - 1987
Main base: LutonIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Air Luton was a regional airline, operating from Luton Airport and carried out ad-hoc charters using Air Atlantique DC-3 Dakota's plus their own Piper PA-31 Navajo.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Douglas DC-3C DakotaG-AMPOG-AMHJ(both registered to Air Atlantique)
Piper PA-31 NavajoG-AYFZ 27/03/1984 and 06/03/1987
Douglas DC-3C DakotaG-AMPOG-AMHJ(both registered to Air Atlantique)
Piper PA-31 NavajoG-AYFZ 27/03/1984 and 06/03/1987
Air Manchester
Air Manchester
1982
Main base: Manchester (MAN / EGCC)IATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: SUREWAY
Air Manchester was a short-lived charter airline that operated in 1982. The carrier used a single leased BAC 1-11 416EK to operate holiday charter flights.
03/06/1982: Operations commenced from Manchester Airport
Summer 1982: Charter flights from both Manchester and Liverpool to Mediterranean destinations were operated
--/09/1982: Operations ceased and company was acquired by British Air Ferries and the airlines were merged.
v Tap for Fleet History v
03/06/1982: Operations commenced from Manchester Airport
Summer 1982: Charter flights from both Manchester and Liverpool to Mediterranean destinations were operated
--/09/1982: Operations ceased and company was acquired by British Air Ferries and the airlines were merged.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
BAC 1-11 416EK
G-SURE 13/04/1982 > 08/09/1982(Registered to Keydeck Ltd, IoM)G-BMAN 10/09/1982 > 18/03/1983(Registered to Air Manchester but never operated before takeover).
BAC 1-11 416EK
G-SURE 13/04/1982 > 08/09/1982(Registered to Keydeck Ltd, IoM)G-BMAN 10/09/1982 > 18/03/1983(Registered to Air Manchester but never operated before takeover).
Air Orkney
Air Orkney
1981 - 1983
Main base: OrkneyIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Orkney based Air Charter company operating a single Britten Norman Islander.
Fleet history
Britten-Norman BN2A-2 IslanderG-AXXG 21/04/1981 > 22/07/1983
Britten-Norman BN2A-2 IslanderG-AXXG 21/04/1981 > 22/07/1983
Air Safaris
Air Safaris
1959 - 1962
Main Base: GatwickIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Air Safaris was a scheduled and charter airline and was originally set up as Meredith Air Transport Ltd in 1952.
29/11/1954: Meredith then changed name to African Air Safaris.
26/11/1959: Following relocation to Gatwick Airport, the airline changed name to Air Safaris Ltd.
End October 1961: Both Charter and scheduled flights were suspended.
11/02/1962: AOC revoked
v Tap for Fleet History v
29/11/1954: Meredith then changed name to African Air Safaris.
26/11/1959: Following relocation to Gatwick Airport, the airline changed name to Air Safaris Ltd.
End October 1961: Both Charter and scheduled flights were suspended.
11/02/1962: AOC revoked
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Handley Page HP81 Hermes 4AG-ALDA 16/12/1960 > 07/11/1961G-ALDE 15/05/1961 > 19/10/1961G-ALDL 16/05/1961 > 09/11/1961G-ALDM 18/03/1960 > --/08/1962G-ALDT 22/06/1961 > 09/11/1961
Vickers Viking 1AG-AHOR 18/03/1960 > 04/07/1960 G-AHOS 03/03/1961 > --/08/1962G-AHOW 18/03/1960 > --/12/1961G-AHPC 11/07/1960 > --/08/1962
Vickers Viking 1BG-AJBX 14/03/1961 > 12/04/1962G-AJCA 30/08/1960 > --/08/1962G-AJFT 07/10/1960 > 26/05/1962
Handley Page HP81 Hermes 4AG-ALDA 16/12/1960 > 07/11/1961G-ALDE 15/05/1961 > 19/10/1961G-ALDL 16/05/1961 > 09/11/1961G-ALDM 18/03/1960 > --/08/1962G-ALDT 22/06/1961 > 09/11/1961
Vickers Viking 1AG-AHOR 18/03/1960 > 04/07/1960 G-AHOS 03/03/1961 > --/08/1962G-AHOW 18/03/1960 > --/12/1961G-AHPC 11/07/1960 > --/08/1962
Vickers Viking 1BG-AJBX 14/03/1961 > 12/04/1962G-AJCA 30/08/1960 > --/08/1962G-AJFT 07/10/1960 > 26/05/1962
Air Sarnia
Air Sarnia
1985 - 1990
Main Base: Blackpool AirportIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Guernsey based airline operating two Britten-Norman Trislanders and and one Islander
1989: acquired Bournmouth based Ellan-Vannin Airlines (EVA).
Late 1990: Bankruptcy
v Tap for Fleet History v
1989: acquired Bournmouth based Ellan-Vannin Airlines (EVA).
Late 1990: Bankruptcy
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
BN2B-26 IslanderG-UERN 17/06/1985 > 02/04/1991
BN2A MK.III-2 TrislanderG-SARN 03/08/1988 > 13/11/1990G-BEFP 16/06/1989 > 23/04/1991
BN2B-26 IslanderG-UERN 17/06/1985 > 02/04/1991
BN2A MK.III-2 TrislanderG-SARN 03/08/1988 > 13/11/1990G-BEFP 16/06/1989 > 23/04/1991
Air Scandic International Aviation
Air Scandic International Aviation
1997 - 2005
Main Base: ManchesterIATA: -- ICAO: SCYCallsign: AIRSCAN
Air Scandic was an airline established in late 1997 in Jersey, operating charter flights for various UK tour operators, most of which operated out of Manchester Airport.
May 1998: Commenced operations
13/09/2005: Ceased operations
v Tap for Fleet History v
May 1998: Commenced operations
13/09/2005: Ceased operations
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Airbus A300B4-203G-SWJW 19/05/1998 > 08/12/2004G-TTMC 25/04/1998 > 08/12/2004
Airbus A300B4-203G-SWJW 19/05/1998 > 08/12/2004G-TTMC 25/04/1998 > 08/12/2004
Air Shetland
Air Shetland
1978 - 1981
> Air Ecosse
Main Base: Sumburgh Airport (EGPB), ShetlandIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
June 1978: Airline founded by Fairflight Ltd, the parent company of Air Ecosse, Air Shetland was established as a regional airline based at Sumburgh Airport, with the aim of providing scheduled passenger services between Shetland and mainland Scotland, while also serving charter demand generated by the offshore oil industry. Air Shetland operated an Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante registered to Fairflight.
1981: Completely absorbed in to Air Ecosse
v Tap for Fleet History v
1981: Completely absorbed in to Air Ecosse
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Embraer EMB-110P2 BandeiranteG-BWTV 04/09/1978 > 29/10/1979G-BSVT 29/10/1979 > 11/03/1982(Same airframe, both marks registered to Fairflight Ltd)
Embraer EMB-110P2 BandeiranteG-BWTV 04/09/1978 > 29/10/1979G-BSVT 29/10/1979 > 11/03/1982(Same airframe, both marks registered to Fairflight Ltd)
Air Southwest
Air Southwest
2003 - 2011
> Eastern Airways
Main base: PlymouthIATA: SZ ICAO: WOWCallsign: SWALLOW
May 2003: Established by Sutton Harbour Holdings
26/10/2003: Operations commenced with its main base at Plymouth City Airport, and hubs at Newquay Cornwall Airport and Bristol Airport
September 2010: Acquired by Eastern Airways
30/09/2010: Operations ceased with the leases of their three remaining aircraft transferred to Eastern Airways on 04/07/2011
v Tap for Fleet History v
26/10/2003: Operations commenced with its main base at Plymouth City Airport, and hubs at Newquay Cornwall Airport and Bristol Airport
September 2010: Acquired by Eastern Airways
30/09/2010: Operations ceased with the leases of their three remaining aircraft transferred to Eastern Airways on 04/07/2011
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet HistoryDe Havilland Canada DHC-8-311G-WOWA 23/10/2003 > 04/07/2011G-WOWB 29/10/2003 > 04/07/2011G-WOWC 29/10/2004 > 13/07/2011G-WOWD 06/05/2005 > 13/05/2011G-WOWE 03/03/2006 > 04/07/2011
Air Swift
Air Swift
1986 - 1996
Main base: StanstedIATA: -- ICAO: SWFCallsign: AIR SWIFT
29/05/1986: Based at Stansted, Air Swift Ltd was established as a small regional/commuter airline
Ceased operations: June 1996.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Ceased operations: June 1996.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet historyBAe Jetstream 31G-BUFM 11/07/1994 > 01/07/1996Beech C90 King AirG-BIXM 17/06/1991 > 28/10/1991Beech 200 Super KingairG-SWFT 29/05/1986 > 24/05/1996
Air Tabernacle
Air Tabernacle
1996 - 1998
Main base: StanstedIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Air Tabernacle Ltd was a Streamline offshoot created following its acquisition of Willow Air and was principally intended to continue their contract with Overseas Courier Service (OCS). It operated a fleet containing aircraft formerly associated with Willowair and Streamline.
Willowair ceased its airline operations in November 1996, while Air Tabernacle continued the associated OCS operation into the late 1990s, although Air Tabernacle remained on the register as owner of some aircraft after active operations had ceased.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Willowair ceased its airline operations in November 1996, while Air Tabernacle continued the associated OCS operation into the late 1990s, although Air Tabernacle remained on the register as owner of some aircraft after active operations had ceased.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
*continued from Willowair**continued from Streamline
Britten-Norman BN-2A-III TrislanderG-OJAV* 07/02/1997 > 1/07/1997
Embraer EMB-110PG-OCSI* 18/01/1996 > 11/04/2001G-BNIX* 28/12/1995 > 11/02/1997G-OCSZ* 28/12/1995 > 11/04/2001G-OHIG* 03/06/1996 > 11/04/2001
Shorts SD3-30 Variant 100G-IOCS** 25/07/1996 > 11/04/2001
*continued from Willowair**continued from Streamline
Britten-Norman BN-2A-III TrislanderG-OJAV* 07/02/1997 > 1/07/1997
Embraer EMB-110PG-OCSI* 18/01/1996 > 11/04/2001G-BNIX* 28/12/1995 > 11/02/1997G-OCSZ* 28/12/1995 > 11/04/2001G-OHIG* 03/06/1996 > 11/04/2001
Shorts SD3-30 Variant 100G-IOCS** 25/07/1996 > 11/04/2001
Air Transport Charter
Air Transport Charter
1946 - 1952
Main base: Croydon AirportAirline designators n/a
Established in July 1946, Air Transport Charter operated passenger and cargo charters between the Channel Islands and England from March 1947.
1950: Island Air Charters, who were running similar routes from and within the Channel Islands, were merged into Air Transport Charter
31/10/1952: Operations ceased
v Tap for Fleet History v
1950: Island Air Charters, who were running similar routes from and within the Channel Islands, were merged into Air Transport Charter
31/10/1952: Operations ceased
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet historyde Havilland DH89A Dragon RapideG-AIUL 09/06/1947 > 07/01/1952G-AGWC 09/04/1947 > 16/10/1950G-AFFB 30/06/1947 > 16/10/1950Douglas DC-3 DakotaG-AJBH 18/01/1947 > 15/03/1950G-AJVZ 18/06/1948 > 14/03/1950G-AKIL 18/09/1947 > 29/06/1950Miles M57 Aerovan 4G-AISE 02/12/1946 > 01/06/1947G-AISF 02/12/1946 > 06/03/1947
Air Ulster
Air Ulster
1967 - 1970
HQ: BelfastIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Formed in 1967, Air Ulster was a small Northern Ireland based airline and was the trading name of Ulster Air Transport. Created from the consolidation of Emerald Airways, Air Ulster generally operated passenger and cargo charters between Northern Ireland and Scotland including short-haul island-hopping and Irish Sea routes, often transporting perishables, ship spares, and specialised cargo. 07/01/1970: Ceased operations
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Douglas C47 DAKOTA 3
G-AMJU 07/05/1968 > 14/01/1970G-AMWV 07/05/1968 > 26/03/1973G-AGJV leased and operated by Air Ulster between late March 1969 and January 1970
Douglas C47 DAKOTA 3
G-AMJU 07/05/1968 > 14/01/1970G-AMWV 07/05/1968 > 26/03/1973G-AGJV leased and operated by Air Ulster between late March 1969 and January 1970
Air Wales
Air Wales
1977 - 1980
Main base: CardiffIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
06/12/1977: Twice-daily scheduled route from Cardiff to Hawarden Airport commenced.30/06/1979: Ceased operations and assets acquired by Air Anglia.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Piper PA-31-350 Navajo ChieftainG-BWAL 01/11/71 > 30/07/1979
Embraer EMB-110 BandeiranteG-CELT 16/04/78 > 30/07/1979
Piper PA-31-350 Navajo ChieftainG-BWAL 01/11/71 > 30/07/1979
Embraer EMB-110 BandeiranteG-CELT 16/04/78 > 30/07/1979
Air Wales
Air Wales
1997 - 2006
Main base: Swansea > CardiffIATA: 6G ICAO: AWWCallsign: RED DRAGON
January 1997: Airline initially established at Pembrey West Wales airport
January 2000: Commenced operations
October 2001: Relocated Operations to Swansea Airport
October 2004: Relocated Operations to Cardiff Airport
23/04/2006: Ceased operations
v Tap for Fleet History v
January 2000: Commenced operations
October 2001: Relocated Operations to Swansea Airport
October 2004: Relocated Operations to Cardiff Airport
23/04/2006: Ceased operations
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
ATR 42-300G-CDFF 30/03/2004 > 17/11/2006G-SSEA 29/08/2003 > 16/09/2008G-WLSH 21/07/2003 > 02/08/2006
ATR 42-320G-KNNY 01/04/2003 > 09/06/2006G-TAWE 17/03/2003 > 09/06/2006
Dornier Do-228-201(K)G-RGDT 25/05/2000 > 14/11/2002
Dornier Do-228-202(K)G-BUXT 10/04/2001 > 03/11/2004
ATR 42-300G-CDFF 30/03/2004 > 17/11/2006G-SSEA 29/08/2003 > 16/09/2008G-WLSH 21/07/2003 > 02/08/2006
ATR 42-320G-KNNY 01/04/2003 > 09/06/2006G-TAWE 17/03/2003 > 09/06/2006
Dornier Do-228-201(K)G-RGDT 25/05/2000 > 14/11/2002
Dornier Do-228-202(K)G-BUXT 10/04/2001 > 03/11/2004
Air Westward (Air West Ltd)
Air Westward (Air West Ltd)
1978 - 1979
merged with BIA and Air Anglia > AirUK
Main base: Exeter AirportIATA: WP ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Air Westward, the trading name of Air West Ltd, was a British regional airline based at Exeter Airport, operating between 1977 and 1979. The airline was established to provide scheduled passenger services linking the South West of England with the Channel Islands and other regional destinations
1978: Air Westward was established as the trading name of Air West Ltd.
March 1979: Acquired by the owners of British Island Airways and merged with BIA and Air Anglia to form AIR UK
v Tap for Fleet History v
1978: Air Westward was established as the trading name of Air West Ltd.
March 1979: Acquired by the owners of British Island Airways and merged with BIA and Air Anglia to form AIR UK
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Cessna 404 TitanG-WTVB 17/04/1978 > 08/11/1979G-WTVC 13/04/1978 > 08/11/1979
G-WTVE & G-WTVF were registered to Westward Television at the same address and were likely to have also been operated by Air Westward.
Cessna 404 TitanG-WTVB 17/04/1978 > 08/11/1979G-WTVC 13/04/1978 > 08/11/1979
G-WTVE & G-WTVF were registered to Westward Television at the same address and were likely to have also been operated by Air Westward.
Aircraft and Engineering Services
Aircraft and Engineering Services
1946 - 1950
Main base: Croydon AirportIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
July 1946: Aircraft and Engineering Services was registered as a charter operator and maintenance company, based at Croydon Airport.
September 1946: Air charter operations commenced. The company also carried out overhaul and conversion to RAF aircraft to civilian standard, for which the company would concentrate their business efforts. The company also carried out pleasure flying and flight training using Tiger Moths, Rapides and Proctors.
By the spring of 1950 the charter side of the business had closed down, despite the small amount of charter work being undertaken and 'private use' aircraft hire.
v Tap for Fleet History v
September 1946: Air charter operations commenced. The company also carried out overhaul and conversion to RAF aircraft to civilian standard, for which the company would concentrate their business efforts. The company also carried out pleasure flying and flight training using Tiger Moths, Rapides and Proctors.
By the spring of 1950 the charter side of the business had closed down, despite the small amount of charter work being undertaken and 'private use' aircraft hire.
v Tap for Fleet History v
*The overview history has been extracted from 'British independent airlines since 1946' by Merton Jones, Anthony C.The registrations below were verified via G-INFO.
Fleet history
Percival Proctor 2AG-AHNB 01/04/1947 > 15/01/1949
DH89 Dragon RapideG-ACPP 16/04/1948 > 16/06/1948
DH89A Dragon RapideG-AFHY 23/09/1946 > 09/01/1947G-AJMY 13/06/1947 > 22/03/1948G-AKVU 19/03/1948 > 28/09/1949
Fleet history
Percival Proctor 2AG-AHNB 01/04/1947 > 15/01/1949
DH89 Dragon RapideG-ACPP 16/04/1948 > 16/06/1948
DH89A Dragon RapideG-AFHY 23/09/1946 > 09/01/1947G-AJMY 13/06/1947 > 22/03/1948G-AKVU 19/03/1948 > 28/09/1949
Aircraft Transport and Travel
Aircraft Transport and Travel
1916 - 1921
Main base: Hounslow Heath AerodromeAirline designators n/a
Formed during WW1 as a subsidiary of Airco, Aircraft Transport and Travel Limited (AT&T) was the World's first airline to operate a daily commercial aviation service, that being an international flight between London and Paris.
05/10/1916: AT&T, also known as Air Express was established by George Holt Thomas using a fleet of former military Airco DH.4A biplanes.
25/08/1919: On this day, Air Transport and Travel Ltd (AT&T) operated the first-ever scheduled international passenger flight from London to Paris, marking a significant milestone in aviation history.
00/02/1920: AT&T was acquired, along with Airco, by the Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA).
17/12/1920: AT&T ceased operations after BSA had put Airco into liquidation following financial loses.
Early 1921: Assets were transferred to BSA subsidiary Daimler Air Hire Ltd, and services continued under newly formed airline Daimler Airway Limited.
v Tap for Fleet History v
05/10/1916: AT&T, also known as Air Express was established by George Holt Thomas using a fleet of former military Airco DH.4A biplanes.
25/08/1919: On this day, Air Transport and Travel Ltd (AT&T) operated the first-ever scheduled international passenger flight from London to Paris, marking a significant milestone in aviation history.
00/02/1920: AT&T was acquired, along with Airco, by the Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA).
17/12/1920: AT&T ceased operations after BSA had put Airco into liquidation following financial loses.
Early 1921: Assets were transferred to BSA subsidiary Daimler Air Hire Ltd, and services continued under newly formed airline Daimler Airway Limited.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
These fleet registrations have been verified against the UK Civil Aircraft Register (G-INFO) wherever surviving records permit. Where registration dates are incomplete, this generally reflects limitations in the surviving official records, particularly for aircraft originally registered under the temporary British 'K' prefix prior to the adoption of the 'G' nationality mark on 22 July 1919. Aircraft without complete registration dates have been included only where supported by official registration records or contemporary photographic evidence.
Airco DH.4AG-EAHF 18/07/1919 > --/01/1920G-EAJC 07/08/1918 > --/11/1920
Airco DH.9G-EAAA --/--/---- > 01/09/1919G-EAPL 13/11/1919 > 27/07/1921
Airco DH.9BG-EAGX 14/07/1919 > --/09/1920G-EAQP 12/01/1920 > --/01/1922
Airco DH.10G-EAJO 09/08/1919 > --/04/1920
Airco DH.16G-EACT --/--/---- > --/03/1920G-EALM --/--/----G-EALU 29/08/1919 > --/--/----G-EAQS 23/01/1920 > --/--/----
de Havilland DH.18G-EARI --/--/----
These fleet registrations have been verified against the UK Civil Aircraft Register (G-INFO) wherever surviving records permit. Where registration dates are incomplete, this generally reflects limitations in the surviving official records, particularly for aircraft originally registered under the temporary British 'K' prefix prior to the adoption of the 'G' nationality mark on 22 July 1919. Aircraft without complete registration dates have been included only where supported by official registration records or contemporary photographic evidence.
Airco DH.4AG-EAHF 18/07/1919 > --/01/1920G-EAJC 07/08/1918 > --/11/1920
Airco DH.9G-EAAA --/--/---- > 01/09/1919G-EAPL 13/11/1919 > 27/07/1921
Airco DH.9BG-EAGX 14/07/1919 > --/09/1920G-EAQP 12/01/1920 > --/01/1922
Airco DH.10G-EAJO 09/08/1919 > --/04/1920
Airco DH.16G-EACT --/--/---- > --/03/1920G-EALM --/--/----G-EALU 29/08/1919 > --/--/----G-EAQS 23/01/1920 > --/--/----
de Havilland DH.18G-EARI --/--/----
Aircruise (Operating) Ltd
Aircruise (Operating) Ltd
1963 - 1970
Main base: Cranfield > LeavesdenIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Aircruise (Operating) Ltd was established initially as an air taxi operator based at Cranfield on 28 August 1963, utilising a Piper Aztec and Beechcraft Travelair registered to one of the carrier's owners. After two de Havilland Doves were acquired for executive charters, the company relocated to Leavesden Airport mid 1964. Additional Doves were acquired and Aircruise subsequently held air charter contracts with several UK companies including Rolls Royce's aero engine division, flying executives between the company's factories at Leavesden, Filton and Hucknall. A Dove was also based at Southend to fly Ford Motor Co. executives to and from Birmingham on a regular daily basis. Doves were also leased out to other carriers such as South Coast Air from Shoreham.
Dove operations were wound down following a force landing incident in April 1965. Some of the twins continued with air taxi operations from Leavesden along with Flying training. The company presumably ceased all operations in May 1970 when the last aircraft was sold on, although it wasn't until 12 July 1984 a notice was published in the London Gazette recording Aircruise (Operating) Ltd as being dissolved under the Companies Act 1948.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
de Havilland DH104 DoveG-AICY 31/08/1964 > 15/12/1964G-AJDP 20/01/1966 > 01/03/1966G-AJLW 26/06/1964 > 02/06/1965 [ J Breedon ]G-ASDD 20/08/1964 > 27/05/1965G-ASMX 02/12/1963 > 27/05/1965 [ J Breedon ]
Piper PA27 Aztec 250G-ARBR 26/11/1963 > 31/03/1965 [ J Breedon ]G-ATCM 25/03/1968 > 26/06/1968
Piper PA30 Twin ComancheG-ASLD 11/06/1965 > 23/09/1965
Reims Cessna F.172G SkyhawkG-ATKU 31/03/1966 > 01/05/1970
Cessna 310FG-AROK 29/01/1964 > 04/05/1965 [ J Breedon ]
Beech 95 TravelairG-APUB 11/06/1963 > 27/11/1963 [ J Breedon ]
de Havilland DH104 DoveG-AICY 31/08/1964 > 15/12/1964G-AJDP 20/01/1966 > 01/03/1966G-AJLW 26/06/1964 > 02/06/1965 [ J Breedon ]G-ASDD 20/08/1964 > 27/05/1965G-ASMX 02/12/1963 > 27/05/1965 [ J Breedon ]
Piper PA27 Aztec 250G-ARBR 26/11/1963 > 31/03/1965 [ J Breedon ]G-ATCM 25/03/1968 > 26/06/1968
Piper PA30 Twin ComancheG-ASLD 11/06/1965 > 23/09/1965
Reims Cessna F.172G SkyhawkG-ATKU 31/03/1966 > 01/05/1970
Cessna 310FG-AROK 29/01/1964 > 04/05/1965 [ J Breedon ]
Beech 95 TravelairG-APUB 11/06/1963 > 27/11/1963 [ J Breedon ]
Airflight
Airflight
1948 - 1950
Main base: Langley AirfieldAirline designators n/a
Air Flight Limited was a charter and cargo airline established by Air Vice-Marshal Don Bennett to operate a couple of AVRO Tudors from Langley Airfield during the Berlin Airlift.28/04/1950: Air Flight merged operations into Fairflight Ltd, another company previously set up by Air Vice-Marshal Don Bennett, following the conversion of the AVRO Tudor to civilian cargo and passenger configuration.v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet historyAvro 689 Tudor II MK5G-AGRY 01/09/1948 > 20/03/1950G-AKBY 25/09/1948 > 15/07/1949
Airfreight Express
Airfreight Express
1999 - 2003
Main base: HeathrowIATA: 5Z ICAO: AFXCallsign: -
Airfreight Express operated long‑haul cargo flights, including work on behalf of other carriers such as Malaysia Airlines and Air Atlanta Icelandic from its base at Heathrow Airport.
25/04/1997: Air Freight airline initially incorporated
08/03/2002: Operations ceased
04/06/2003: Commencement of winding up order
v Tap for Fleet History v
25/04/1997: Air Freight airline initially incorporated
08/03/2002: Operations ceased
04/06/2003: Commencement of winding up order
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet historyBoeing 747-200FG-GAFX 28/08/1999 > 20/06/2003G-INTL 08/12/2000 > 24/12/2003
Airtours International
Airtours International
1990 - 2002
> MyTravel Airways
Main base: Manchester (MAN / EGCC)IATA: VZ ICAO: AIHCallsign: KESTRAL
01/10/1990: Airline established for Airtours Holidays (Going Places Travel Agent}
11/03/1991: commenced operations
November 1993: Inter European Airways acquired and integrated
1996: parent company acquires Danish charter airline Premiair
08/02/2002: The Airtours Group plc, rebranded as MyTravel Group plc.
01/05/2002 Airtours International and Premiair operations rebranded as MyTravel Airways
v Tap for Fleet History v
11/03/1991: commenced operations
November 1993: Inter European Airways acquired and integrated
1996: parent company acquires Danish charter airline Premiair
08/02/2002: The Airtours Group plc, rebranded as MyTravel Group plc.
01/05/2002 Airtours International and Premiair operations rebranded as MyTravel Airways
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Airbus A320-200G-BYFS 27/03/1999 > 14/04/1999G-BYTH 21/01/2000 > 14/12/2001G-COEZ 10/02/1997 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-CRPH 10/04/1995 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-DACR 27/02/1996 > 27/01/1997G-DJAR 18/03/1997 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-DRVE 15/05/1996 > 18/03/1997G-EPFR 18/11/1997 > 27/03/2000 >>>> G-FTDF 11/05/2005 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-FHAJ 14/11/2001 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-HBAP 02/02/1996 > 18/02/1997G-IEAF 27/01/1993 > 28/09/1993 >>>> G-YJBM 28/09/1993 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-IEAG 19/03/1993 > 23/09/1993 >>>> G-SUEE 23/09/1993 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-JANM 01/12/1995 > 22/11/1996G-JDFW 20/11/1995 > 20/12/1996G-OUZO 12/04/2000 > 17/04/2000>> G-JOEM 17/04/2000 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-OZBB [ Leased from Monarch Airlines ]G-RDVE 26/02/1997 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-RRJE 15/05/1996 > 05/03/1997G-SSAS 27/03/1999 > 14/04/1999G-TICL 10/12/1996 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-TMDP 19/11/1996 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-TPTT 29/02/1996 > 04/06/1999G-VCED 21/01/1997 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel Airways
Airbus A321-200G-DHJH 07/06/2000 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-JSJX 03/04/1998 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-NIKO 21/06/2000 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-VOLH 15/05/1998 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel Airways
Airbus A330-200G-MDBD 24/06/1999 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-MLJL 15/06/1999 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-MOJO 08/11/1999 > 03/12/1999 07/08/2000 > 07/12/2000 10/05/2001 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel Airways
Boeing 737-300G-BNGL 12/04/1988 > 16/12/1993G-BNGM 12/04/1988 > 16/12/1993G-IEAA 18/09/1989 > 16/12/1993
Boeing 757-200G-IEAB 01/02/1990 > 27/10/1993 >>>> G-LCRC 27/10/1990 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-IEAC 28/04/1992 > 19/10/1993 >>>> G-CSVS 19/10/1993 > 30/04/1998G-IEAD 09/04/1992 > 30/09/1993G-JALC 06/03/1995 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-MCEA 06/02/1995 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-OAHK 29/04/1992 > 29/11/1993G-PIDS 09/01/1995 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-RJGR 22/11/1994 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-WJAN 18/03/1997 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel Airways
Boeing 767-300G-DAJC 15/04/1994 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-DIMB 28/04/1997 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-SJMC 16/03/1994 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel Airways
McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (MD-83)G-COES 21/02/1991 > 31/01/1996G-DCAC 05/02/1996 > 25/03/1996G-GMJM 15/11/1991 > 30/01/1996G-HCRP 19/11/1990 > 30/03/1995G-JSMC 12/12/1990 > 24/03/1994 >>>> G-DEVR 24/03/1994 > 18/04/1996G-RJER 01/10/1991 > 03/05/1996G-TONW 03/12/1991 > 11/12/1995G-TTPT 01/03/1991 > 03/04/1996
McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10G-DPSP 12/09/2000 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-TAOS 30/08/2000 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-TDTW 25/10/2000 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel Airways
McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30G-BYDA 25/03/1999 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel Airways
Airbus A320-200G-BYFS 27/03/1999 > 14/04/1999G-BYTH 21/01/2000 > 14/12/2001G-COEZ 10/02/1997 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-CRPH 10/04/1995 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-DACR 27/02/1996 > 27/01/1997G-DJAR 18/03/1997 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-DRVE 15/05/1996 > 18/03/1997G-EPFR 18/11/1997 > 27/03/2000 >>>> G-FTDF 11/05/2005 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-FHAJ 14/11/2001 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-HBAP 02/02/1996 > 18/02/1997G-IEAF 27/01/1993 > 28/09/1993 >>>> G-YJBM 28/09/1993 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-IEAG 19/03/1993 > 23/09/1993 >>>> G-SUEE 23/09/1993 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-JANM 01/12/1995 > 22/11/1996G-JDFW 20/11/1995 > 20/12/1996G-OUZO 12/04/2000 > 17/04/2000>> G-JOEM 17/04/2000 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-OZBB [ Leased from Monarch Airlines ]G-RDVE 26/02/1997 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-RRJE 15/05/1996 > 05/03/1997G-SSAS 27/03/1999 > 14/04/1999G-TICL 10/12/1996 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-TMDP 19/11/1996 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-TPTT 29/02/1996 > 04/06/1999G-VCED 21/01/1997 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel Airways
Airbus A321-200G-DHJH 07/06/2000 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-JSJX 03/04/1998 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-NIKO 21/06/2000 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-VOLH 15/05/1998 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel Airways
Airbus A330-200G-MDBD 24/06/1999 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-MLJL 15/06/1999 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-MOJO 08/11/1999 > 03/12/1999 07/08/2000 > 07/12/2000 10/05/2001 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel Airways
Boeing 737-300G-BNGL 12/04/1988 > 16/12/1993G-BNGM 12/04/1988 > 16/12/1993G-IEAA 18/09/1989 > 16/12/1993
Boeing 757-200G-IEAB 01/02/1990 > 27/10/1993 >>>> G-LCRC 27/10/1990 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-IEAC 28/04/1992 > 19/10/1993 >>>> G-CSVS 19/10/1993 > 30/04/1998G-IEAD 09/04/1992 > 30/09/1993G-JALC 06/03/1995 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-MCEA 06/02/1995 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-OAHK 29/04/1992 > 29/11/1993G-PIDS 09/01/1995 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-RJGR 22/11/1994 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-WJAN 18/03/1997 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel Airways
Boeing 767-300G-DAJC 15/04/1994 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-DIMB 28/04/1997 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-SJMC 16/03/1994 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel Airways
McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (MD-83)G-COES 21/02/1991 > 31/01/1996G-DCAC 05/02/1996 > 25/03/1996G-GMJM 15/11/1991 > 30/01/1996G-HCRP 19/11/1990 > 30/03/1995G-JSMC 12/12/1990 > 24/03/1994 >>>> G-DEVR 24/03/1994 > 18/04/1996G-RJER 01/10/1991 > 03/05/1996G-TONW 03/12/1991 > 11/12/1995G-TTPT 01/03/1991 > 03/04/1996
McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10G-DPSP 12/09/2000 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-TAOS 30/08/2000 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel AirwaysG-TDTW 25/10/2000 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel Airways
McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30G-BYDA 25/03/1999 > 08/02/2002 > MyTravel Airways
AirUK
AirUK
1980 - 1998
> KLM uk
Main base: StanstedIATA: UK ICAO: UKACallsign: UKAY
01/01/1980: Formed following merger of British Island Airways (BIA) and Air Anglia.
In 1997, KLM became Air UK's sole shareholder when it acquired British and Commonwealth Shipping (B&C) stake in British Air Transport (Holdings).
30/01/1998: Rebranded as KLM uk Ltd.
v Tap for Fleet History v
In 1997, KLM became Air UK's sole shareholder when it acquired British and Commonwealth Shipping (B&C) stake in British Air Transport (Holdings).
30/01/1998: Rebranded as KLM uk Ltd.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
ATR 72G-UKTJ 19/12/1997 > 30/01/1998 > KLM uk
BAC 1-11 Series 400G-AXBB [ British and Commonwealth Shipping ]G-AXMU [ British Island Airways ]G-AXOX [ British Island Airways ]G-CBIA [ British and Commonwealth Shipping ]
Boeing 737-400G-UKLA 28/04/1997 > 27/06/1997G-UKLB 14/04/1997 > 05/09/1997G-UKLC 16/05/1996 > 03/02/1997G-UKLD 16/05/1996 > 17/02/1997G-UKLE 28/04/1997 > 20/11/1997G-UKLF 24/05/1996 > 20/03/1997G-UKLG 24/05/1996 > 11/04/1997
British Aerospace 146-100G-UKJF 17/10/1989 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKPC 04/04/1989 > 20/05/1994
British Aerospace 146-200G-BNND 13/12/1988 > 31/03/1989G-BTIA 27/03/1991 > 17/06/1991G-CHSR 31/03/1988 > 06/10/1992G-CNMF 31/12/1987 > 12/01/1993G-CSJH 31/03/1988 > 09/09/1992G-OLCA 07/01/1992 > 11/02/1992G-UKLN 07/05/1991 > 26/04/1994G-UKRH 07/05/1991 > 30/11/1995
British Aerospace 146-300G-BRAB 30/04/1992 > 26/08/1992G-BSNR 21/11/1994 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-BSNS 20/10/1994 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-BTTP 21/03/1994 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-BUHB 31/10/1995 > 21/05/1996G-BUHC 24/03/1995 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKAC 24/10/1989 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKAG 04/01/1991 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKHP 26/10/1988 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKID 23/03/1990 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKRC 11/03/1991 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKSC 26/10/1988 > 30/01/1998 > KLM uk
British Aerospace BAe ATPG-BTPH [ Leased from British Airways ]
Cessna 404 Titan Courier IIG-WTVE 31/01/1980 > 05/10/1981
Dornier 328-100G-BWIR [ Leased from Suckling Airways ]
Embraer EMB-110P BandeiranteG-BGYS 18/02/1983 > 30/01/1984G-BGYT 18/02/1983 > 03/05/1983G-BGYU 18/02/1983 > 30/01/1984G-BGYV 18/02/1983 > 31/05/1983
G-OBIA [ Leased ] >>>> G-BKBG 08/12/1982 > 16/12/1982
G-BNOC [ Leased ]G-OAIR 18/02/1983 > 16/12/1983G-MOBL [ Leased ]
Fokker F27 Mark 050G-UKTA 22/02/1995 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKTB 21/03/1995 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKTC 25/01/1995 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKTD 20/01/1995 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKTE 14/02/1995 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKTF 31/01/1995 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKTG 28/02/1995 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKTH 28/03/1995 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKTI 17/03/1995 > 30/01/1998 > KLM uk
Fokker F27 Mark 100 FriendshipG-BLFJ 04/04/1984 > 06/01/1997
Fokker F27 Mark 200 FriendshipG-BAKL 15/01/1990 > 11/12/1996G-BAUR 24/01/1990 > 06/06/1995G-BCDN 15/01/1990 > 28/01/1998G-BCDO 15/01/1990 > 27/01/1995G-BDDH 04/02/1982 > 26/06/1986G-BDVS 17/01/1990 > 19/12/1996G-BDVT 11/01/1984 > 09/09/1986G-BHMW 09/09/1980 > 15/01/1998G-BHMX 17/07/1980 > 04/10/1995G-BHMY 06/05/1980 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-BHMZ 04/08/1980 > 04/10/1995G-BLGW 04/02/1982 > 04/10/1995G-BLML 20/09/1984 > 25/09/1987G-BNTB 11/04/1988 > 10/10/1990G-STAN 04/02/1982 > 20/12/1996
Fokker F27 Mark 500 FriendshipG-BMXD 06/10/1986 > 27/10/1998G-BNCY 09/02/1987 > 19/02/1998G-BVOB 05/07/1994 > 26/11/1997G-BVOM 05/07/1994 > 12/11/1998G-BVRN 07/03/1995 > 21/10/1998G-JEAB [ Leased ]
Fokker F27 Mark 600 FriendshipG-BLMM 20/09/1984 > 17/10/1985G-BNAL 28/11/1986 > 22/09/1995G-BNIY 01/06/1987 > 28/04/1988G-BNIZ 01/06/1987 > 02/09/1988G-BNTA 10/09/1987 > 01/11/1988
Fokker F28 Mark 0100G-UKFA 01/07/1992 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFB 01/07/1992 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFC 01/07/1992 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFD 22/07/1992 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFE 22/07/1992 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFF 09/11/1993 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFG 19/11/1993 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFH 29/09/1993 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFI 12/10/1993 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFJ 30/01/1996 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFK 19/02/1996 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFL 14/08/1997 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFN 16/06/1997 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFO 20/10/1997 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFR 21/03/1997 > 30/01/1998 > KLM uk
Fokker F-28 Mark 4000 FellowshipG-JCWW 01/01/1980 > 26/05/1981G-WWJC 16/01/1980 > 23/05/1981
Handley Page HPR-7 HeraldG-APWE 08/04/1983 > 14/11/1984G-APWF [ Leased ]G-APWG [ Leased ]G-APWH [ Leased ]G-APWJ 15/05/1980 > 10/07/1985G-ASBG 15/05/1980 > 13/06/1983G-ASKK 08/04/1983 > 29/04/1985G-ASVO [ Leased from British Air Ferries ]G-AVEZ [ Leased ]G-AVPN 15/05/1980 > 28/08/1987G-AYMG 15/05/1980 > 29/03/1983G-BAZJ 15/05/1980 > 04/01/1985G-BBXI 15/05/1980 > 19/07/1984G-BCWE [ Leased from British Air Ferries ]G-BCZG [ Leased from British Air Ferries ]G-BDZV [ Leased from British Air Ferries ]G-BEBB [ Leased from British Air Ferries ]G-BEYF [ Leased from British Air Ferries ]G-BEYK 15/05/1980 > 12/07/1988
Piper PA-23-250 Aztec CG-AYLY 15/05/1980 > 30/07/1982
Short 3-30 Variant 100G-BIRN [ Leased from Air Ecosse ]G-BIOF [ Leased from Air Ecosse ]G-BJFK 04/06/1984 > 26/02/1985G-BJLK [ Leased from Fairflight ] G-BKDN 15/04/1983 > 25/02/1985G-BKSU 06/07/1983 > 16/04/1986
Short 3-60 Variant 100G-DASI 20/01/1986 > 16/05/1995G-BLPV 28/12/1984 > 08/06/1988G-BLPY 28/12/1984 > 01/06/1988G-BLZT 04/09/1985 > 22/02/1995
ATR 72G-UKTJ 19/12/1997 > 30/01/1998 > KLM uk
BAC 1-11 Series 400G-AXBB [ British and Commonwealth Shipping ]G-AXMU [ British Island Airways ]G-AXOX [ British Island Airways ]G-CBIA [ British and Commonwealth Shipping ]
Boeing 737-400G-UKLA 28/04/1997 > 27/06/1997G-UKLB 14/04/1997 > 05/09/1997G-UKLC 16/05/1996 > 03/02/1997G-UKLD 16/05/1996 > 17/02/1997G-UKLE 28/04/1997 > 20/11/1997G-UKLF 24/05/1996 > 20/03/1997G-UKLG 24/05/1996 > 11/04/1997
British Aerospace 146-100G-UKJF 17/10/1989 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKPC 04/04/1989 > 20/05/1994
British Aerospace 146-200G-BNND 13/12/1988 > 31/03/1989G-BTIA 27/03/1991 > 17/06/1991G-CHSR 31/03/1988 > 06/10/1992G-CNMF 31/12/1987 > 12/01/1993G-CSJH 31/03/1988 > 09/09/1992G-OLCA 07/01/1992 > 11/02/1992G-UKLN 07/05/1991 > 26/04/1994G-UKRH 07/05/1991 > 30/11/1995
British Aerospace 146-300G-BRAB 30/04/1992 > 26/08/1992G-BSNR 21/11/1994 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-BSNS 20/10/1994 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-BTTP 21/03/1994 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-BUHB 31/10/1995 > 21/05/1996G-BUHC 24/03/1995 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKAC 24/10/1989 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKAG 04/01/1991 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKHP 26/10/1988 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKID 23/03/1990 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKRC 11/03/1991 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKSC 26/10/1988 > 30/01/1998 > KLM uk
British Aerospace BAe ATPG-BTPH [ Leased from British Airways ]
Cessna 404 Titan Courier IIG-WTVE 31/01/1980 > 05/10/1981
Dornier 328-100G-BWIR [ Leased from Suckling Airways ]
Embraer EMB-110P BandeiranteG-BGYS 18/02/1983 > 30/01/1984G-BGYT 18/02/1983 > 03/05/1983G-BGYU 18/02/1983 > 30/01/1984G-BGYV 18/02/1983 > 31/05/1983
G-OBIA [ Leased ] >>>> G-BKBG 08/12/1982 > 16/12/1982
G-BNOC [ Leased ]G-OAIR 18/02/1983 > 16/12/1983G-MOBL [ Leased ]
Fokker F27 Mark 050G-UKTA 22/02/1995 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKTB 21/03/1995 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKTC 25/01/1995 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKTD 20/01/1995 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKTE 14/02/1995 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKTF 31/01/1995 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKTG 28/02/1995 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKTH 28/03/1995 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKTI 17/03/1995 > 30/01/1998 > KLM uk
Fokker F27 Mark 100 FriendshipG-BLFJ 04/04/1984 > 06/01/1997
Fokker F27 Mark 200 FriendshipG-BAKL 15/01/1990 > 11/12/1996G-BAUR 24/01/1990 > 06/06/1995G-BCDN 15/01/1990 > 28/01/1998G-BCDO 15/01/1990 > 27/01/1995G-BDDH 04/02/1982 > 26/06/1986G-BDVS 17/01/1990 > 19/12/1996G-BDVT 11/01/1984 > 09/09/1986G-BHMW 09/09/1980 > 15/01/1998G-BHMX 17/07/1980 > 04/10/1995G-BHMY 06/05/1980 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-BHMZ 04/08/1980 > 04/10/1995G-BLGW 04/02/1982 > 04/10/1995G-BLML 20/09/1984 > 25/09/1987G-BNTB 11/04/1988 > 10/10/1990G-STAN 04/02/1982 > 20/12/1996
Fokker F27 Mark 500 FriendshipG-BMXD 06/10/1986 > 27/10/1998G-BNCY 09/02/1987 > 19/02/1998G-BVOB 05/07/1994 > 26/11/1997G-BVOM 05/07/1994 > 12/11/1998G-BVRN 07/03/1995 > 21/10/1998G-JEAB [ Leased ]
Fokker F27 Mark 600 FriendshipG-BLMM 20/09/1984 > 17/10/1985G-BNAL 28/11/1986 > 22/09/1995G-BNIY 01/06/1987 > 28/04/1988G-BNIZ 01/06/1987 > 02/09/1988G-BNTA 10/09/1987 > 01/11/1988
Fokker F28 Mark 0100G-UKFA 01/07/1992 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFB 01/07/1992 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFC 01/07/1992 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFD 22/07/1992 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFE 22/07/1992 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFF 09/11/1993 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFG 19/11/1993 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFH 29/09/1993 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFI 12/10/1993 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFJ 30/01/1996 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFK 19/02/1996 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFL 14/08/1997 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFN 16/06/1997 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFO 20/10/1997 > 30/01/1998 > KLM ukG-UKFR 21/03/1997 > 30/01/1998 > KLM uk
Fokker F-28 Mark 4000 FellowshipG-JCWW 01/01/1980 > 26/05/1981G-WWJC 16/01/1980 > 23/05/1981
Handley Page HPR-7 HeraldG-APWE 08/04/1983 > 14/11/1984G-APWF [ Leased ]G-APWG [ Leased ]G-APWH [ Leased ]G-APWJ 15/05/1980 > 10/07/1985G-ASBG 15/05/1980 > 13/06/1983G-ASKK 08/04/1983 > 29/04/1985G-ASVO [ Leased from British Air Ferries ]G-AVEZ [ Leased ]G-AVPN 15/05/1980 > 28/08/1987G-AYMG 15/05/1980 > 29/03/1983G-BAZJ 15/05/1980 > 04/01/1985G-BBXI 15/05/1980 > 19/07/1984G-BCWE [ Leased from British Air Ferries ]G-BCZG [ Leased from British Air Ferries ]G-BDZV [ Leased from British Air Ferries ]G-BEBB [ Leased from British Air Ferries ]G-BEYF [ Leased from British Air Ferries ]G-BEYK 15/05/1980 > 12/07/1988
Piper PA-23-250 Aztec CG-AYLY 15/05/1980 > 30/07/1982
Short 3-30 Variant 100G-BIRN [ Leased from Air Ecosse ]G-BIOF [ Leased from Air Ecosse ]G-BJFK 04/06/1984 > 26/02/1985G-BJLK [ Leased from Fairflight ] G-BKDN 15/04/1983 > 25/02/1985G-BKSU 06/07/1983 > 16/04/1986
Short 3-60 Variant 100G-DASI 20/01/1986 > 16/05/1995G-BLPV 28/12/1984 > 08/06/1988G-BLPY 28/12/1984 > 01/06/1988G-BLZT 04/09/1985 > 22/02/1995
AirUK Leisure
AirUK Leisure
1987 - 1996
> Leisure International Airways
Main base: StanstedIATA: MV ICAO: UKLCallsign: LEISUREAOC: 1217
June 1987: Air UK, B&C Holding and travel group Viking International announce it would start a new charter airline based at Stansted Airport
1988: Air UK (Leisure) commence operations
1996: Acquired by the tour operator Unijet and renamed Leisure International Airways and Gatwick Airport becomes its main base
v Tap for Fleet History v
1988: Air UK (Leisure) commence operations
1996: Acquired by the tour operator Unijet and renamed Leisure International Airways and Gatwick Airport becomes its main base
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Boeing 737-200G-BMOR 31/03/1988 > 08/08/1989 (B737--2S3)G-BNZT 31/03/1988 > 02/11/1988 (B737-2E3ADV)
Boeing 737-300G-UKLA 14/10/1988 > 04/10/1995 (B737-4Y0)G-UKLB 02/04/1991 > 01/11/1995 (B737-4Y0)G-UKLC 15/06/1990 > 16/05/1996 (B737-42C)G-UKLD 07/06/1991 > 16/05/1996 (B737-42C)G-UKLE 19/07/1989 > 27/12/1995 (B737-4Y0)G-UKLF 11/06/1991 > 24/05/1996 (B737-42C)G-UKLG 23/04/1992 > 24/05/1996 (B737-42C)
Boeing 737-200G-BMOR 31/03/1988 > 08/08/1989 (B737--2S3)G-BNZT 31/03/1988 > 02/11/1988 (B737-2E3ADV)
Boeing 737-300G-UKLA 14/10/1988 > 04/10/1995 (B737-4Y0)G-UKLB 02/04/1991 > 01/11/1995 (B737-4Y0)G-UKLC 15/06/1990 > 16/05/1996 (B737-42C)G-UKLD 07/06/1991 > 16/05/1996 (B737-42C)G-UKLE 19/07/1989 > 27/12/1995 (B737-4Y0)G-UKLF 11/06/1991 > 24/05/1996 (B737-42C)G-UKLG 23/04/1992 > 24/05/1996 (B737-42C)
Airways International Cymru
Airways International Cymru
1984 - 1988
Main base: Cardiff (CWL / EGFF)IATA: AK ICAO: CYMCallsign: WELSHAIR
1984: Cardiff based airline, formed by Red Dragon Travel, commenced services to Europe. Their operational fleet was leased to other operators during winter months
1988: Operations ceased following the repossession of aircraft due to financial difficulties, partially caused by non-payment of leasing fees from another operator.
v Tap for Fleet History v
1988: Operations ceased following the repossession of aircraft due to financial difficulties, partially caused by non-payment of leasing fees from another operator.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
BAC 1-11-304AX One-ElevenG-WLAD 01/11/1984 > 24/04/1990G-YMRU 17/03/1984 > 27/04/1988
Boeing 737-204ADVG-BAZI 01/04/1985 > 11/04/1988
Boeing 737-3Q8G-BNCT 24/04/1987 > 14/12/1987G-PROC 27/05/1986 > 03/11/1986G-PROK 10/06/1987 > 22/12/1987
BAC 1-11-304AX One-ElevenG-WLAD 01/11/1984 > 24/04/1990G-YMRU 17/03/1984 > 27/04/1988
Boeing 737-204ADVG-BAZI 01/04/1985 > 11/04/1988
Boeing 737-3Q8G-BNCT 24/04/1987 > 14/12/1987G-PROC 27/05/1986 > 03/11/1986G-PROK 10/06/1987 > 22/12/1987
Airwork Limited
Airwork Limited
1928 - 1960
Merged with Hunting-Clan Air Transport > British United Airways (BUA)
Main base: Blackbushe (BBS / EGLK)IATA: AW ICAO: ---Callsign: AIRWORK
1928: Airwork was founded by Nigel Norman and Alan Muntz, following the opening of Heston Aerodrome in Middlesex.December 1936: Airwork Limited registered at Companies House and start its long association with RAF flying training.1947: Headquarters relocated to Langley, Buckinghamshire with further sites established at Blackbushe Airport and Lasham (engineering). June 1952: Airwork, in partnership with Hunting Air Transport, begin scheduled low-fare operatiions from UK to East, Central, Southern and West Africa using Vicker Vikings.1957: Airwork acquires control of Transair1958: Airwork acquire Air Charter Limited19/05/1960: Airwork and Hunting Clan merge to form British United Airways (BUA).
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Airspeed AS.65 ConsulG-AHEG 05/03/1946 > 09/04/1948G-AIKR 25/09/1946 > 06/11/1946G-AJNE 24/10/1956 > 01/01/1960
Avro 652A AnsonG-AIRW 09/08/1948 > 05/07/1950G-AKMV 01/07/1948 > 27/07/1950
Bristol 170 FreighterG-AHJD 07/08/1946 > 20/05/1950G-AHJM 24/03/1949 > 04/08/1949G-AICS 11/01/1949 > 18/02/1949G-AICT [ Leased from Bristol Aeroplane Co. ]
de Havilland DH.89A Dragon RapideG-AESR 18/10/1947 > 01/02/1953G-AJDN 20/04/1953 > 16/04/1958G-AKJS 21/09/1959 > 03/07/1962G-AKRS 13/04/1953 > 04/05/1960G-AKTZ 09/06/1948 > 26/09/1950
de Havilland DH.104 DoveG-AHRJ 08/06/1950 > 05/10/1950G-AKSS 07/02/1969 > 10/02/1951G-ALBM 28/06/1948 > 14/02/1949G-AMEI 17/10/1950 > 14/06/1951
Douglas DC-3/ C-47A/B / Dakota 4G-AGIS 10/11/1953 > 11/11/1953G-AGKC 21/10/1949 > 23/02/1951G-AGYZ 14/05/1954 > 08/03/1957G-AMBW 24/04/1950 > 21/10/1957G-AMRA 11/04/1953 > 19/05/1960 > BUAG-AMZD 10/04/1953 > 11/04/1960G-AMZW 29/05/1953 > 01/07/1953G-AMZX 29/05/1953 > 14/09/1953
Handley Page HP.81 Hermes 4G-AKFP 25/02/1957 > 01/09/1960G-ALDA 31/12/1956 > 04/08/1959G-ALDB [ Leased - destroyed 19/08/1952 ]G-ALDC 31/12/1956 > 12/05/1959G-ALDF [ Leased - destroyed 25/08/1952 ]G-ALDG 25/07/1957 > 04/08/1959G-ALDO [ Leased - wfu 30/04/1959 ]
Percival ProctorG-AHMV 01/11/1950 > 06/01/1954G-AIHD 13/04/1953 > 22/04/1958G-ALCK 07/05/1954 > 12/03/1959G-ALER 22/08/1952 > 04/06/1956G-AMBS 28/04/1952 > 23/06/1958G-AKWL 14/03/1952 > 23/09/1957
Vickers Viking 1AG-AHOP 06/10/1952 > 31/07/1967G-AHOR 27/03/1953 > 03/11/1955G-AHOT 09/03/1953 > 10/08/1954G-OHOW 10/03/1953 > 25/10/1954G-AHOY
Vickers Viking 1BG-AIXR 30/11/1946 > 13/05/1959G-AIXS 30/11/1946 > 19/04/1955G-AJFP 03/02/1947 > 11/12/1948
G-AJFR 03/02/1947 > 31/10/1952 > > 01/10/1954 > 28/02/1958
G-AJFS 03/02/1947 > 01/02/1958G-AJFT 03/02/1947 > 30/09/1959G-AKTU 15/03/1948 > 30/09/1959G-AKTV 15/03/1948 > 13/05/1959
Vickers Viscount 736G-AODG 03/01/1958 > 19/05/1960 > BUAG-AODH 11/01/1958 > 19/05/1960 > BUA
Vickers Viscount 831G-APND 20/05/1958 > 19/05/1960 > BUAG-APNE 20/05/1958 > 19/05/1960 > BUA
Airspeed AS.65 ConsulG-AHEG 05/03/1946 > 09/04/1948G-AIKR 25/09/1946 > 06/11/1946G-AJNE 24/10/1956 > 01/01/1960
Avro 652A AnsonG-AIRW 09/08/1948 > 05/07/1950G-AKMV 01/07/1948 > 27/07/1950
Bristol 170 FreighterG-AHJD 07/08/1946 > 20/05/1950G-AHJM 24/03/1949 > 04/08/1949G-AICS 11/01/1949 > 18/02/1949G-AICT [ Leased from Bristol Aeroplane Co. ]
de Havilland DH.89A Dragon RapideG-AESR 18/10/1947 > 01/02/1953G-AJDN 20/04/1953 > 16/04/1958G-AKJS 21/09/1959 > 03/07/1962G-AKRS 13/04/1953 > 04/05/1960G-AKTZ 09/06/1948 > 26/09/1950
de Havilland DH.104 DoveG-AHRJ 08/06/1950 > 05/10/1950G-AKSS 07/02/1969 > 10/02/1951G-ALBM 28/06/1948 > 14/02/1949G-AMEI 17/10/1950 > 14/06/1951
Douglas DC-3/ C-47A/B / Dakota 4G-AGIS 10/11/1953 > 11/11/1953G-AGKC 21/10/1949 > 23/02/1951G-AGYZ 14/05/1954 > 08/03/1957G-AMBW 24/04/1950 > 21/10/1957G-AMRA 11/04/1953 > 19/05/1960 > BUAG-AMZD 10/04/1953 > 11/04/1960G-AMZW 29/05/1953 > 01/07/1953G-AMZX 29/05/1953 > 14/09/1953
Handley Page HP.81 Hermes 4G-AKFP 25/02/1957 > 01/09/1960G-ALDA 31/12/1956 > 04/08/1959G-ALDB [ Leased - destroyed 19/08/1952 ]G-ALDC 31/12/1956 > 12/05/1959G-ALDF [ Leased - destroyed 25/08/1952 ]G-ALDG 25/07/1957 > 04/08/1959G-ALDO [ Leased - wfu 30/04/1959 ]
Percival ProctorG-AHMV 01/11/1950 > 06/01/1954G-AIHD 13/04/1953 > 22/04/1958G-ALCK 07/05/1954 > 12/03/1959G-ALER 22/08/1952 > 04/06/1956G-AMBS 28/04/1952 > 23/06/1958G-AKWL 14/03/1952 > 23/09/1957
Vickers Viking 1AG-AHOP 06/10/1952 > 31/07/1967G-AHOR 27/03/1953 > 03/11/1955G-AHOT 09/03/1953 > 10/08/1954G-OHOW 10/03/1953 > 25/10/1954G-AHOY
Vickers Viking 1BG-AIXR 30/11/1946 > 13/05/1959G-AIXS 30/11/1946 > 19/04/1955G-AJFP 03/02/1947 > 11/12/1948
G-AJFR 03/02/1947 > 31/10/1952 > > 01/10/1954 > 28/02/1958
G-AJFS 03/02/1947 > 01/02/1958G-AJFT 03/02/1947 > 30/09/1959G-AKTU 15/03/1948 > 30/09/1959G-AKTV 15/03/1948 > 13/05/1959
Vickers Viscount 736G-AODG 03/01/1958 > 19/05/1960 > BUAG-AODH 11/01/1958 > 19/05/1960 > BUA
Vickers Viscount 831G-APND 20/05/1958 > 19/05/1960 > BUAG-APNE 20/05/1958 > 19/05/1960 > BUA
Airworld
Airworld
1994 - 1998
> Flying Colours
Main base: Manchester AirportIATA: RL ICAO: AWDCallsign: ENVOY
Airworld Aviation Ltd was the in-house charter airline for the Thomas Cook Group.
1994: Operations commenced, first UK operator of the Airbus A321.
01/11/1998: Thomas Cook acquire the Flying Colours Leisure Group and integrate Airworld into Flying Colours.
v Tap for Fleet History v
1994: Operations commenced, first UK operator of the Airbus A321.
01/11/1998: Thomas Cook acquire the Flying Colours Leisure Group and integrate Airworld into Flying Colours.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Airbus A320-214
G-BXKC 15/12/1997 > 01/11/1998 > Flying ColoursG-BXKD 17/12/1997 > 01/11/1998 > Flying ColoursG-BXTA 29/04/1998 > 01/11/1998 > Flying Colours
Airbus A320-231
G-BVJV 19/04/1996 > 15/11/1996 30/04/1997 > 18/11/1997
G-BVJW 30/04/1996 > 20/11/1996 12/05/1997 > 13/11/1997
G-BVZU 05/04/1995 > 14/11/1996 03/04/1997 > 31/10/1997
G-BXRW 30/03/1998 > 08/05/1998
Airbus A321-213G-BXAW 07/04/1997 > 01/11/1998 > Flying ColoursG-BXNP 26/02/1998 > 01/11/1998 > Flying Colours
Airbus A320-214
G-BXKC 15/12/1997 > 01/11/1998 > Flying ColoursG-BXKD 17/12/1997 > 01/11/1998 > Flying ColoursG-BXTA 29/04/1998 > 01/11/1998 > Flying Colours
Airbus A320-231
G-BVJV 19/04/1996 > 15/11/1996 30/04/1997 > 18/11/1997
G-BVJW 30/04/1996 > 20/11/1996 12/05/1997 > 13/11/1997
G-BVZU 05/04/1995 > 14/11/1996 03/04/1997 > 31/10/1997
G-BXRW 30/03/1998 > 08/05/1998
Airbus A321-213G-BXAW 07/04/1997 > 01/11/1998 > Flying ColoursG-BXNP 26/02/1998 > 01/11/1998 > Flying Colours
Alderney Air Charter
Alderney Air Charter
1964 - 1996
Operating bases: Alderney (ACI)Used aircraft registration in lieu of Airline designators
1964: Initially established by Alderney entrepreneur Peter Moss as an Alderney-based air taxi and charter operator utilising a Cessna 336 and 337.
11/08/1975: The Mossair name appeared on a newly acquired de Havilland Dove. The Dove was removed from service in 1977, whilst some of the other aircraft remained registered to Alderney Air Charter until July 1996.
11/08/1975: The Mossair name appeared on a newly acquired de Havilland Dove. The Dove was removed from service in 1977, whilst some of the other aircraft remained registered to Alderney Air Charter until July 1996.
Refer to Mossair
Alderney Air Ferries
Alderney Air Ferries
1979 - 1985
> Metropolitan Airways
Operating bases: Alderney (ACI) / Bournemouth (Hurn) (BOH)Used aircraft registration in lieu of Airline designators
Alderney Air Ferries was a small, short-lived regional airline based in the Channel Island, operating local flights primarily out of Alderney Airport.
Alderney Air Ferries shared the same holding company as Bournemouth based Metropolitan Airways.
29/03/1982: Metropolitan Airways officially absorbed all of Air Alderney Air Ferries services, assets, and routes.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Alderney Air Ferries shared the same holding company as Bournemouth based Metropolitan Airways.
29/03/1982: Metropolitan Airways officially absorbed all of Air Alderney Air Ferries services, assets, and routes.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet historyBritten-Norman BN2A-26 ISLANDERG-BEOC 19/07/1979 > 14/01/1983G-BESW 19/11/1980 > 17/03/1983G-BCEN 06/07/1981 > 22/03/1983
Alidair
Alidair
1972 - 1981
> Inter City Airlines
Main base: East Midlands Airport (EMA)IATA: QA ICAO: ---Callsign: ALIDA
Based at East Midlands Airport, Alidair was an airline established in 1972 as the aviation division of the Alida Packaging Group. Initially specialising in passenger charters, Alidair expanded into scheduled services, cargo operations, inclusive-tour charters, oil industry support flights, aircraft leasing, and engineering services. During the late 1970s, the airline also operated under the Alidair Scotland brand for North Sea oil support services based at Aberdeen Airport. In 1981, the airline was renamed Inter City Airlines, although the business ceased operations in 1983.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Vickers Viscount 700/800G-ARBY 29/07/1975 > 01/02/1982G-ARGR 30/05/1975 > 31/01/1984G-ARIR 28/11/1975 > 31/01/1984G-ASED 19/05/1972 > 06/03/1974G-AVIW 13/06/1972 > 31/01/1975G-AVJL 13/06/1972 > 16/05/1975G-AZNH 14/03/1975 > 02/11/1977G-BDIK 28/08/1975 > 24/03/1983G-BDRC 09/02/1976 > 31/01/1984G-BFMW 14/03/1978 > 05/12/1983
Vickers Viscount 700/800G-ARBY 29/07/1975 > 01/02/1982G-ARGR 30/05/1975 > 31/01/1984G-ARIR 28/11/1975 > 31/01/1984G-ASED 19/05/1972 > 06/03/1974G-AVIW 13/06/1972 > 31/01/1975G-AVJL 13/06/1972 > 16/05/1975G-AZNH 14/03/1975 > 02/11/1977G-BDIK 28/08/1975 > 24/03/1983G-BDRC 09/02/1976 > 31/01/1984G-BFMW 14/03/1978 > 05/12/1983
Historical timeline
1972Alidair was established as a subsidiary of the Alida Packaging Group. Operations were based at East Midlands Airport, using former Channel Airways Vickers Viscount aircraft.
12/06/1972The airline operated its first passenger charter flight between East Midlands and Graz, Austria, marking the start of commercial operations.
1972–1973Alidair expanded its charter programme, offering:Inclusive-tour holiday flightsDay excursions to Jersey and continental EuropeCargo charter servicesOperations through its holiday subsidiary, Alidair Holidays.
30/04/1973The airline entered the scheduled passenger market with a three-times-weekly service linking East Midlands, Birmingham, Malmö and Copenhagen.
Late 1973The scheduled Scandinavian service was withdrawn following poor passenger demand and the effects of the global fuel crisis. Alidair subsequently concentrated on charter and freight operations.
1974The airline secured contracts operating:Inclusive-tour chartersFreight servicesNewspaper distribution flightsScheduled services on behalf of other airlines including Dan-Air and Air Anglia.
1975Alidair entered the rapidly expanding North Sea oil support market, basing Viscount aircraft at Aberdeen Airport to transport offshore workers for major oil companies including Shell, Burmah and Total.
1975–1978The fleet expanded with additional Vickers Viscounts acquired from Air Inter, Iraqi Airways and other operators. The airline also undertook wet-lease and dry-lease contracts for several European airlines.
1978Alidair Scotland was introduced as a trading name for the airline's Scottish oil-support operation based at Aberdeen. The company also established Guernsey Airlines as an associated regional carrier.
1980The company re-entered scheduled passenger operations through Guernsey Airlines, taking over the Guernsey–Manchester route while continuing charter, cargo and offshore support flying.
1981Following corporate restructuring, Alidair was renamed Inter City Airlines, although many aircraft continued to operate in Alidair livery for a period.
1983Inter City Airlines ceased operations
1972Alidair was established as a subsidiary of the Alida Packaging Group. Operations were based at East Midlands Airport, using former Channel Airways Vickers Viscount aircraft.
12/06/1972The airline operated its first passenger charter flight between East Midlands and Graz, Austria, marking the start of commercial operations.
1972–1973Alidair expanded its charter programme, offering:Inclusive-tour holiday flightsDay excursions to Jersey and continental EuropeCargo charter servicesOperations through its holiday subsidiary, Alidair Holidays.
30/04/1973The airline entered the scheduled passenger market with a three-times-weekly service linking East Midlands, Birmingham, Malmö and Copenhagen.
Late 1973The scheduled Scandinavian service was withdrawn following poor passenger demand and the effects of the global fuel crisis. Alidair subsequently concentrated on charter and freight operations.
1974The airline secured contracts operating:Inclusive-tour chartersFreight servicesNewspaper distribution flightsScheduled services on behalf of other airlines including Dan-Air and Air Anglia.
1975Alidair entered the rapidly expanding North Sea oil support market, basing Viscount aircraft at Aberdeen Airport to transport offshore workers for major oil companies including Shell, Burmah and Total.
1975–1978The fleet expanded with additional Vickers Viscounts acquired from Air Inter, Iraqi Airways and other operators. The airline also undertook wet-lease and dry-lease contracts for several European airlines.
1978Alidair Scotland was introduced as a trading name for the airline's Scottish oil-support operation based at Aberdeen. The company also established Guernsey Airlines as an associated regional carrier.
1980The company re-entered scheduled passenger operations through Guernsey Airlines, taking over the Guernsey–Manchester route while continuing charter, cargo and offshore support flying.
1981Following corporate restructuring, Alidair was renamed Inter City Airlines, although many aircraft continued to operate in Alidair livery for a period.
1983Inter City Airlines ceased operations
All Leisure Airways
All Leisure Airways
1994 - 1997
> TransAer International Airlines
Main base: GatwickIATA: -- ICAO: ALTCallsign: JETWING
All Leisure Airways was an inclusive‑tour & ad‑hoc charter operator based at Gatwick.
Assets were acquired by TransAer International Airlines in 1997.
Assets were acquired by TransAer International Airlines in 1997.
Fleet history
Airbus A320-200G-OALA 30/05/1995 > 05/11/1996G-OUZO 08/11/1995 > 04/07/1996
Airbus A320-200G-OALA 30/05/1995 > 05/11/1996G-OUZO 08/11/1995 > 04/07/1996
Allied Airways (Gandar Dower)
Allied Airways (Gandar Dower)
1934 - 1947
Aberdeen Airways < > British European Airways
Main base: Aberdeen Dyce AirportAirline designators n/a
02/01/1934: Allied Airways, based at Aberdeen Dyce Airport, was originally established by Eric Gandar Dower as Aberdeen Airways.10/09/1934: Operations commenced13/02/1937: Name changed to Allied Airways (Gandar Dower) Ltd.12/04/1947: Operations ceased and the airline was absorbed into British European Airways (BEA) as part of the full nationalisation of all UK scheduled airlines plan by the UK government.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
DH.80A Puss Moth
DH.80A Puss Moth
G-ABLS 07/05/1931 > 11/03/1959
Fleet history
DH.84 DragonG-ACAN 17/09/1934 > 05/11/1946G-ACLE 07/12/1937 > 13/05/1939G-ACNJ 06/12/1937 > 29/06/1945G-ACRH 16/06/1934 > 13/07/1934*G-ADFI 05/09/1935 > 22/01/1938
DH.86B ExpressG-AETM 06/04/1937 > 08/05/1939
DH.89A RapideG-ACZE 07/02/1942 > 20/06/1942**G-ACZF 16/05/1942 > 12/05/1947
G-ADAH 26/10/1938 > 02/12/1942**>> 31/10/1944 > 25/07/1946>> 25/07/1946 > 18/02/1959**
G-AGDM 11/11/1941 > 10/09/1947G-AGHI 02/12/1943 > 19/07/1947G-AIDL 23/08/1946 > 19/04/1950
*Aberdeen Airways** Gandar Dower
DH.84 DragonG-ACAN 17/09/1934 > 05/11/1946G-ACLE 07/12/1937 > 13/05/1939G-ACNJ 06/12/1937 > 29/06/1945G-ACRH 16/06/1934 > 13/07/1934*G-ADFI 05/09/1935 > 22/01/1938
DH.86B ExpressG-AETM 06/04/1937 > 08/05/1939
DH.89A RapideG-ACZE 07/02/1942 > 20/06/1942**G-ACZF 16/05/1942 > 12/05/1947
G-ADAH 26/10/1938 > 02/12/1942**>> 31/10/1944 > 25/07/1946>> 25/07/1946 > 18/02/1959**
G-AGDM 11/11/1941 > 10/09/1947G-AGHI 02/12/1943 > 19/07/1947G-AIDL 23/08/1946 > 19/04/1950
*Aberdeen Airways** Gandar Dower
Altavia Jet Services
Altavia Jet Services
2009
Base: Birmingham (BHX / EGBB)IATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
25/09/2009: Altavia Jet Services, headquartered at Birmingham Airport, was a private charter airline established as part of the Gill Group Companies.
21/12/2009: The airline was restructured and renamed Cello Aviation before operations commenced.
21/12/2009: The airline was restructured and renamed Cello Aviation before operations commenced.
Refer to Cello Aviation
Ambassador Airways
Ambassador Airways
1992 - 1994
Base: GatwickIATA: B3 ICAO: AMYCallsign: AMBASSADOR
1992: Established as an in house airline of tour operator Best Travel Ltd, trading as Grecian and Cypriana Holidays.
28/11/1994: Operations ceased when Best Travel Ltd went into bankruptcy.
v Tap for Fleet History v
28/11/1994: Operations ceased when Best Travel Ltd went into bankruptcy.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Boeing 737-204ADVG-BAZH 02/03/1994 > 15/12/1994G-BFVB 02/03/1994 > 15/12/1994
Boeing 757-236G-BUDX 02/06/1993 > 10/05/1995G-BUDZ 28/04/1993 > 10/05/1995G-SRJG 10/05/1994 > 06/04/1995
Boeing 737-204ADVG-BAZH 02/03/1994 > 15/12/1994G-BFVB 02/03/1994 > 15/12/1994
Boeing 757-236G-BUDX 02/06/1993 > 10/05/1995G-BUDZ 28/04/1993 > 10/05/1995G-SRJG 10/05/1994 > 06/04/1995
Amberair
Amberair
1988 - 1989
> Amber Airways
Min base: Cardiff Airport (CWL)IATA: DD ICAO: ABMCallsign: DIAMOND
Amber Airways (also known as AmberAir) was a short lived Welsh charter airline, established by Red Dragon Travel following the collapse of Airways International Cymru in spring 1988. The airline was initially formed as Diamond Airways but had to rebrand as Amber Airways following a trademark dispute with British Midland. AmberAir operated charter flights from several UK airports, but was sold to Paramount Airways in 1989 because Red Dragon was unable to provide additional financing.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Boeing 737-204ADVG-BAZI 11/04/1988 > 26/04/1988(Diamond Airways, re-registered to G-BOSA)G-BOSA 26/04/1988 > 26/05/1989
Boeing 737-2Q8G‑BKMS 15/04/1988 > 15/11/1989
Boeing 737-204ADVG-BAZI 11/04/1988 > 26/04/1988(Diamond Airways, re-registered to G-BOSA)G-BOSA 26/04/1988 > 26/05/1989
Boeing 737-2Q8G‑BKMS 15/04/1988 > 15/11/1989
Anglo Cargo
Anglo Cargo
1983 - 1992
Main base: GatwickIATA: ML ICAO: ANCCallsign: ANGLO
With origins from Pelican Cargo, Anglo Cargo was a family run airline, operating freighters worldwide from their base at Gatwick Airport.
1983: Established
January 1984: Operations begun using a single B707 freighter acquired from British Caledonian Airways.
1992: Ceased trading
v Tap for Fleet History v
1983: Established
January 1984: Operations begun using a single B707 freighter acquired from British Caledonian Airways.
1992: Ceased trading
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
BAC ONE ELEVEN 487GKG-TOMO 17/09/1987 > 09/07/1992
Boeing 707-338CG-BDEA 04/01/1984 > 26/08/1992G-EOCO 06/10/1989 > 02/09/1992
Boeing 757-23APFG-OBOZ 29/08/1991 > 07/02/1992
BAC ONE ELEVEN 487GKG-TOMO 17/09/1987 > 09/07/1992
Boeing 707-338CG-BDEA 04/01/1984 > 26/08/1992G-EOCO 06/10/1989 > 02/09/1992
Boeing 757-23APFG-OBOZ 29/08/1991 > 07/02/1992
Anglo-European Airways Ltd
Anglo-European Airways Ltd
1937 - 1944
Main base: Croydon > CardiffAirline designators n/a
Anglo-European Airways Ltd was established on 18 March 1937 at Croydon Airport. The company had close links to The Hon. Mrs Victor Bruce (Mildred Bruce), a record-breaking British racing motorist, speedboat racer, and aviator. She established multiple commercial aviation enterprises during the 1930s interwar aviation boom, including Commercial Air Hire and Air Dispatch. Anglo-European Airways operated as part of this network of independent operators. In early 1940 the company relocated to Pengam Moors (Cardiff Airport) with operating independent charters, regional light transport, and specialised contracts like Territorial Army co-operation exercises involving night flying to help train searchlight crews.
By mid-1940, Anglo-European's aircraft were officially requisitioned (impressed) by the Air Ministry into military service. The company effectively ceased active operations, and its corporate records conclude around 1944.
v Tap for Fleet History v
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
de Havilland DH.84 DragonG-ACBW 22/04/1938 > 28/02/1939 > Commercial Air HireG-ACEK 23/04/1938 > 01/05/1939 > Commercial Air HireG-ACHV 22/04/1938 > 10/12/1938G-ACKU 22/04/1938 > 01/05/1939 > Commercial Air Hire
de Havilland DH.89 Dragon RapideG-ADAK 01/02/1940 > 14/05/1940G-ADNI 27/02/1940 > 11/02/1940
de Havilland DH.90 DragonflyG-AEDK 12/03/1940 > 07/07/1940G-AFRF 12/03/1940 > 22/06/1940G-AFRI 24/01/1940 > 02/06/1940
de Havilland DH.84 DragonG-ACBW 22/04/1938 > 28/02/1939 > Commercial Air HireG-ACEK 23/04/1938 > 01/05/1939 > Commercial Air HireG-ACHV 22/04/1938 > 10/12/1938G-ACKU 22/04/1938 > 01/05/1939 > Commercial Air Hire
de Havilland DH.89 Dragon RapideG-ADAK 01/02/1940 > 14/05/1940G-ADNI 27/02/1940 > 11/02/1940
de Havilland DH.90 DragonflyG-AEDK 12/03/1940 > 07/07/1940G-AFRF 12/03/1940 > 22/06/1940G-AFRI 24/01/1940 > 02/06/1940
Anglo-Scottish Air Parcels (ASAP)
Anglo-Scottish Air Parcels (ASAP)
1981 - 1982
Main base: GlasgowIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
K.P.C. (Scotland) Limited trading as Anglo-Scottish Air Parcels (ASAP) was introduced by Burnthills Aviation (the air transport arm of the Scottish conglomerate Burnthills Demolition/Plant Hire Group) on 01 October 1981. The round-Britain parcel service involved two Piper PA-31 Navajo Chieftains, which linked Manchester, Aberdeen, Newcastle, Teeside, Coventry, Norwich and Leavesden. The service had ceased by the end of March 1994, along with the other Burnthill Aviation operations.
Fleet history
Piper PA-31 Navajo ChieftainG-BGOX 03/11/1981 > 15/07/1982 [ K.P.C. (Scotland) Ltd ]G-BGOY 09/11/1981 > 15/07/1982 [ K.P.C. (Scotland) Ltd ]
Piper PA-31 Navajo ChieftainG-BGOX 03/11/1981 > 15/07/1982 [ K.P.C. (Scotland) Ltd ]G-BGOY 09/11/1981 > 15/07/1982 [ K.P.C. (Scotland) Ltd ]
Aquila Airways
Aquila Airways
1948 - 1958
Main base: SouthamptonAirline designators n/a
18/05/1948: independent airline established at Southampton
July 1958: Operations ceased
v Tap for Fleet History v
July 1958: Operations ceased
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Short S.25 Sunderland Mk3G-AGER 06/12/1945 > 26/07/1956G-AGEU 19/01/1949 > 18/08/1953G-AGHZ 19/01/1949 > 17/01/1950G-AGIA 23/07/1948 > 09/02/1951G-AGJJ 05/02/1949 > 07/01/1952G-AGJK 24/03/1949 > 07/01/1952G-AGJL 24/03/1949 > 07/01/1952G-AGJM 17/02/1949 > 07/01/1952G-AGJN 25/02/1949 > 27/01/1953G-AGKX 28/05/1949 > 18/08/1953G-AGKY 10/01/1949 > 05/05/1953G-AGLA 10/01/1949 > 11/08/1949G-AHEO 23/07/1948 > 10/11/1949G-AHER 22/10/1949 > 07/01/1952
Short S.25 Sunderland Mk5 (modified)G-ANAK 25/06/1953 > 05/04/1955
Short S.45 Solent Mk3G-AHIN 17/06/1957 > 05/12/1958G-AKNU 16/11/1957 > 09/04/1958G-ANAJ 25/06/1953 > 15/10/1956
Short S.45 Solent Mk4G-ANYI 17/01/1955 > 27/10/1961G-AOBL 12/04/1955 > 27/10/1961
Short S.25 Sunderland Mk3G-AGER 06/12/1945 > 26/07/1956G-AGEU 19/01/1949 > 18/08/1953G-AGHZ 19/01/1949 > 17/01/1950G-AGIA 23/07/1948 > 09/02/1951G-AGJJ 05/02/1949 > 07/01/1952G-AGJK 24/03/1949 > 07/01/1952G-AGJL 24/03/1949 > 07/01/1952G-AGJM 17/02/1949 > 07/01/1952G-AGJN 25/02/1949 > 27/01/1953G-AGKX 28/05/1949 > 18/08/1953G-AGKY 10/01/1949 > 05/05/1953G-AGLA 10/01/1949 > 11/08/1949G-AHEO 23/07/1948 > 10/11/1949G-AHER 22/10/1949 > 07/01/1952
Short S.25 Sunderland Mk5 (modified)G-ANAK 25/06/1953 > 05/04/1955
Short S.45 Solent Mk3G-AHIN 17/06/1957 > 05/12/1958G-AKNU 16/11/1957 > 09/04/1958G-ANAJ 25/06/1953 > 15/10/1956
Short S.45 Solent Mk4G-ANYI 17/01/1955 > 27/10/1961G-AOBL 12/04/1955 > 27/10/1961
Ascend Airways
Ascend Airways
2004 - 2026
HQ: Bishop's StortfordIATA: YD ICAO: SYGCallsign: SYNERGYAOC No. 2279
13/09/2004: Company incorporated initially as Synergy Aviation Limited for Non-scheduled passenger air transport
23/10/2023: Name changed to Ascend Airways Limited following acquisition by the Avia Solutions Group
28/04/2026: Avia Solutions Group surrendered Ascend Airways UK air operator's certificate, blaming ongoing tensions in the middle east, increased jet fuel costs and ongoing issues with the Boeing 737 MAX fleet for the cessation of operations.
v Tap for Fleet History v
23/10/2023: Name changed to Ascend Airways Limited following acquisition by the Avia Solutions Group
28/04/2026: Avia Solutions Group surrendered Ascend Airways UK air operator's certificate, blaming ongoing tensions in the middle east, increased jet fuel costs and ongoing issues with the Boeing 737 MAX fleet for the cessation of operations.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Boeing 737-82R
G-HODL 09/01/2024 > 18/05/2026
Boeing 737-Max 8
G-HAGI 23/12/2024 > 15/04/2025
G-WEAH 08/03/2024 > 08/05/2026
Synergy Aviation / Ascend
Beech B200 Super Kingair
Cessna 510 Citation Mustang
G-FFFC 03/09/2018 > 19/11/2021
Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2
Cessna 550 Citation Bravo
Assistair
Assistair
1974 - 1975
> Burnthills Aviation
HQ: Glasgow AirportIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
Assistair Ltd was formed in December 1974 by former Airgo captain Geoff Rosenbloom. Based primarily at Glasgow Airport, a set up was also held at Aberdeen to take full advantage of the lucrative oil rig support business. Services commenced during January 1975 utilising two Piper Aztecs. In addition operations were regularly flown from Sumburgh and Edinburgh, and to continental destinations including Amsterdam, Bergen, Brussels, Esbjerg, Rotterdam and Stavanger. Assistair also held a Post Office contract for mail flights operating a service every night, except Sunday, from Edinburgh to Aberdeen and Montrose.
In 1975 the company sold out to Glasgow based Burnthills Aviation. The Assistair name disappeared and Geoff Rosenbloom left to form another air taxi company Air Charter Scotland.
Fleet history
Piper PA27 Aztec 250E (Both registered to Site Aviation Ltd)G-BAVWG-BBCM
Fleet history
Piper PA27 Aztec 250E (Both registered to Site Aviation Ltd)G-BAVWG-BBCM
Astraeus Airlines
Astraeus Airlines
2001 - 2011
Main base: GatwickIATA: 5W ICAO: AEUCallsign: FLYSTARAOC No. 2343
Established as a charter airline in 2001, Astraeus changed its business model in May 2008 and ceased full-time charter and scheduled service flying to concentrate on subleasing.
06/02/2002: Commenced charter operations, also operating under the 'Flystar' brand for a short period.
21/11/2011: Ceased operations and company in Administration.
v Tap for Fleet History v
06/02/2002: Commenced charter operations, also operating under the 'Flystar' brand for a short period.
21/11/2011: Ceased operations and company in Administration.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Airbus A320-211G-STRP 10/09/2009 > 06/01/2012
Boeing 737-300G-BZZA B737-3L9 02/06/2003 > 05/11/2003G-STRA B737-3S3 17/04/2002 > 15/12/2006G-STRB B737-3Y0 07/06/2002 > 30/03/2006G-STRE B737-36N 27/03/2003 > 10/01/2007G-STRI B737-33A 10/11/2009 > 22/12/2011G-STRJ B737-33A 26/10/2011 > 21/12/2011
Boeing 737-500G-PJPJ B737-5H6 08/05/2009 > 01/12/2011
Boeing 737-700G-STRC B737-7BX 30/05/2002 > 17/12/2004G-STRD B737-7BX 31/05/2002 > 21/12/2004G-STRF B737-76N(WL) 01/04/2004 > 01/12/2011G-STRH B737-76N 17/05/2004 > 23/01/2010G-STRN B737-7L9 30/04/2009 > 22/11/2011
Boeing 757-200G-OAVB B757-23A 12/08/2004 > 12/12/2007G-OJIB B757-23A 31/03/2006 > 22/12/2011G-OOOB B757-28A 10/12/2004 > 02/11/2007G-OPJB B757-23A 19/03/2005 > 21/04/2009G-STRW B757-28A 21/07/2009 > 08/12/2011G-STRX B757-28A 05/02/2008 > 15/12/2011G-STRY B757-28A 16/12/2007 > 15/12/2011G-STRZ B757-258 01/04/2007 > 07/11/2011
Airbus A320-211G-STRP 10/09/2009 > 06/01/2012
Boeing 737-300G-BZZA B737-3L9 02/06/2003 > 05/11/2003G-STRA B737-3S3 17/04/2002 > 15/12/2006G-STRB B737-3Y0 07/06/2002 > 30/03/2006G-STRE B737-36N 27/03/2003 > 10/01/2007G-STRI B737-33A 10/11/2009 > 22/12/2011G-STRJ B737-33A 26/10/2011 > 21/12/2011
Boeing 737-500G-PJPJ B737-5H6 08/05/2009 > 01/12/2011
Boeing 737-700G-STRC B737-7BX 30/05/2002 > 17/12/2004G-STRD B737-7BX 31/05/2002 > 21/12/2004G-STRF B737-76N(WL) 01/04/2004 > 01/12/2011G-STRH B737-76N 17/05/2004 > 23/01/2010G-STRN B737-7L9 30/04/2009 > 22/11/2011
Boeing 757-200G-OAVB B757-23A 12/08/2004 > 12/12/2007G-OJIB B757-23A 31/03/2006 > 22/12/2011G-OOOB B757-28A 10/12/2004 > 02/11/2007G-OPJB B757-23A 19/03/2005 > 21/04/2009G-STRW B757-28A 21/07/2009 > 08/12/2011G-STRX B757-28A 05/02/2008 > 15/12/2011G-STRY B757-28A 16/12/2007 > 15/12/2011G-STRZ B757-258 01/04/2007 > 07/11/2011
Atlanta Airways
Atlanta Airways
1996
Main base: GatwickUsed Caledonian Airways Airline designators
Founded in June 1996 and operating from Gatwick, Atlanta Airways was a short-lived airline established as a low-cost subsidiary by Inspirations plc., the parent company of Caledonian Airways.
The company Lockheed L1011 Tristar operated by Caledonian Airways.
Operations ceased in July 1996.
v Tap for Fleet History v
The company Lockheed L1011 Tristar operated by Caledonian Airways.
Operations ceased in July 1996.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Lockheed L1011-385-1 TristarG-CEAP(registered to and operated by Caledonian Airways)
Lockheed L1011-385-1 TristarG-CEAP(registered to and operated by Caledonian Airways)
Atlantic Air Transport
Atlantic Air Transport
1984 - 1993
Main base: StanstedIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -
16/05/1984: Air Atlantique relocated all cargo operations to Stansted Airport under a new Atlantic Air Transport subsidiary brand name. An association was formed with Instone Air Line at the same time, who had imported a couple of Bristol Freighters from New Zealand in 1981 to operate freight services. One was transferred to the Air Atlantique AOC and they operated it on behalf of Instone until 1987.
The Trading name of Air Atlantique freight operations became Atlantic Cargo from early 1993.
Refer to Air Atlantique / Atlantic Air Transport Ltd for Fleet History
The Trading name of Air Atlantique freight operations became Atlantic Cargo from early 1993.
Refer to Air Atlantique / Atlantic Air Transport Ltd for Fleet History
Atlantic Airlines
Atlantic Airlines
1994 - 2017
> West Atlantic UK
Main base: Coventry Baginton (CVT / EGBE)IATA: -- ICAO: NPTCallsign: NEPTUNE
1994: Formed part of the Air Atlantique Group of Companies
July 2001: Atlantic Airlines trades independently
October 2008: Merge with West Air Sweden to form West Atlantic, with their headquarters in Sweden
01/11/2017: Name officially changed to West Atlantic UK Limited
v Tap for Fleet History v
July 2001: Atlantic Airlines trades independently
October 2008: Merge with West Air Sweden to form West Atlantic, with their headquarters in Sweden
01/11/2017: Name officially changed to West Atlantic UK Limited
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
BAE.ATPG-BTPA 19/01/2009 > 20/10/2015G-BTPC 31/08/2010 > 04/09/2015G-BTPE 29/10/2008 > 01/02/2016G-BTPF 29/10/2008 > 21/06/2016G-BTPG 11/10/2011 > 24/11/2015G-BTPH 29/10/2008 > 07/06/2016G-BTTO 26/08/2008 > 29/04/2016G-BUUP 01/07/2008 > 18/03/2016G-BUUR 26/08/2008 > 22/09/2016G-MANH 26/08/2008 > 16/11/2015G-MANM 04/09/2013 > 24/09/2015G-MANO 12/05/2011 > 18/02/2016
Lockheed L-188C(F) ElectraG-FIJR 16/06/2004 > 08/10/2010G-FIJV 16/06/2004 > 29/09/2016G-FIZU 16/06/2004 > 01/12/2014G-LOFB 16/06/2004 > 29/09/2016G-LOFC 16/06/2004 > 10/05/2013G-LOFD 16/06/2004 > 12/02/2010G-LOFE 16/06/2004 > 16/04/2013G-LOFF 16/06/2004 > 02/06/2008
BAE.ATPG-BTPA 19/01/2009 > 20/10/2015G-BTPC 31/08/2010 > 04/09/2015G-BTPE 29/10/2008 > 01/02/2016G-BTPF 29/10/2008 > 21/06/2016G-BTPG 11/10/2011 > 24/11/2015G-BTPH 29/10/2008 > 07/06/2016G-BTTO 26/08/2008 > 29/04/2016G-BUUP 01/07/2008 > 18/03/2016G-BUUR 26/08/2008 > 22/09/2016G-MANH 26/08/2008 > 16/11/2015G-MANM 04/09/2013 > 24/09/2015G-MANO 12/05/2011 > 18/02/2016
Lockheed L-188C(F) ElectraG-FIJR 16/06/2004 > 08/10/2010G-FIJV 16/06/2004 > 29/09/2016G-FIZU 16/06/2004 > 01/12/2014G-LOFB 16/06/2004 > 29/09/2016G-LOFC 16/06/2004 > 10/05/2013G-LOFD 16/06/2004 > 12/02/2010G-LOFE 16/06/2004 > 16/04/2013G-LOFF 16/06/2004 > 02/06/2008
Atlantic Cargo
Atlantic Cargo
1993 - 1998
Merged
Main base: Coventry Baginton (CVT / EGBE)IATA: -- ICAO: AAGCallsign: ATLANTIC
1993: Cargo division for the Air Atlantique Group of Companies
1998: Merged into Air Atlantique
v Tap for Fleet History v
1998: Merged into Air Atlantique
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
The airline used Group Company / other leased aircraft. The following were seen in Atlantic Cargo livery - actual ownership indicated in [ ]
Lockheed L-188C(F) ElectraG-LOFA [ Atlantic Air Transport ]G-LOFD [ Atlantic Air Transport ]
The airline used Group Company / other leased aircraft. The following were seen in Atlantic Cargo livery - actual ownership indicated in [ ]
Lockheed L-188C(F) ElectraG-LOFA [ Atlantic Air Transport ]G-LOFD [ Atlantic Air Transport ]
Atlantic Express
Atlantic Express
2002 - 2009
Main base: Coventry Baginton (CVT / EGBE)IATA: -- ICAO: RYMCallsign: RYMER
August 2002: The Air Atlantique Group established the Atlantic Express brand to cater for executive passenger and ad-hoc freight charter work. Operations began using some of the group's aircraft, but subsequently utilised leased ATR 42's.
06/07/2006: The airline became fully registered and was renamed Atlantic Express Ltd., and operated a scheduled service between Jersey and Stansted between 27th May 2006 and 15th January 2007.
05/05/2009: Operations ceased
v Tap for Fleet History v
06/07/2006: The airline became fully registered and was renamed Atlantic Express Ltd., and operated a scheduled service between Jersey and Stansted between 27th May 2006 and 15th January 2007.
05/05/2009: Operations ceased
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
The airline used Group Company and other leased aircraft. The following were seen in Atlantic Express livery - actual ownership indicated in [ ]
ATR 42-320G-DRFC [ RVL Aviation ]
Fairchild Swearingen SA.227AC Metro IIIG-BUKA [ Atlantic Air Transport ]
Reims-Cessna F406 Caravan IIG-LEAF [ RVL Aviation ]
The airline used Group Company and other leased aircraft. The following were seen in Atlantic Express livery - actual ownership indicated in [ ]
ATR 42-320G-DRFC [ RVL Aviation ]
Fairchild Swearingen SA.227AC Metro IIIG-BUKA [ Atlantic Air Transport ]
Reims-Cessna F406 Caravan IIG-LEAF [ RVL Aviation ]
Autair Ltd / Autair International
Autair Ltd / Autair International
1953 - 1969
> Court Line Aviation
Main base: Luton (LTN / EGGW)IATA: OU ICAO: ---Callsign: -
1953: Commenced initially as Autair Helicopters primarily carrying out Aerial surveys
1957: Commenced Airline operations at Luton Airport, initially as Argus Air Transport
1960: Became Autair (Luton), and began fixed wing operations using an ex-BEA DC-3 initially for contract work for other airlines
27/09/1963: Name changed to Autair International Airways
01/01/1970: Became Court Line Aviation
v Tap for Fleet History v
1957: Commenced Airline operations at Luton Airport, initially as Argus Air Transport
1960: Became Autair (Luton), and began fixed wing operations using an ex-BEA DC-3 initially for contract work for other airlines
27/09/1963: Name changed to Autair International Airways
01/01/1970: Became Court Line Aviation
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador 2G-ALZS 04/12/1963 > 06/10/1967G-ALZV 17/12/1963 > 30/10/1967G-ALZZ 09/08/1963 > 24/11/1966
BAC 111-408EF One-ElevenG-AVGP [ Leased British Aircraft Corporation (Holdings) Ltd ]
BAC 111-416EK One-ElevenG-AVOE 06/06/1967 > 03/12/1969G-AVOF 06/06/1967 > 14/11/1969G-AWBL 17/01/1968 > 01/01/1970G-AWXJ [ Leased British Aircraft Corporation (Holdings) Ltd ]
Douglas C-47B DakotaG-AMGD 13/04/1960 > 30/11/1961G-AMNV 19/02/1965 > 11/11/1965
Handley Page HPR-7 Herald 100G-APWB 28/11/1966 > 01/01/1970G-APWC 28/11/1966 > 01/01/1970G-APWD 28/11/1966 > 01/01/1970
Hawker Siddeley HS-748 Srs.2/225G-ATMI 04/01/1966 > 13/11/1967G-ATMJ 04/01/1966 > 15/01/1968
Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador 2G-ALZS 04/12/1963 > 06/10/1967G-ALZV 17/12/1963 > 30/10/1967G-ALZZ 09/08/1963 > 24/11/1966
BAC 111-408EF One-ElevenG-AVGP [ Leased British Aircraft Corporation (Holdings) Ltd ]
BAC 111-416EK One-ElevenG-AVOE 06/06/1967 > 03/12/1969G-AVOF 06/06/1967 > 14/11/1969G-AWBL 17/01/1968 > 01/01/1970G-AWXJ [ Leased British Aircraft Corporation (Holdings) Ltd ]
Douglas C-47B DakotaG-AMGD 13/04/1960 > 30/11/1961G-AMNV 19/02/1965 > 11/11/1965
Handley Page HPR-7 Herald 100G-APWB 28/11/1966 > 01/01/1970G-APWC 28/11/1966 > 01/01/1970G-APWD 28/11/1966 > 01/01/1970
Hawker Siddeley HS-748 Srs.2/225G-ATMI 04/01/1966 > 13/11/1967G-ATMJ 04/01/1966 > 15/01/1968
Automobile Association Aviation Dept
Automobile Association Aviation Dept
1929 - 1990
Main base: Coventry (Numerous others)IATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: FANUM
The Automobile Association (AA) had a long and often overlooked involvement with aviation, dating from the establishment of its Aviation Section in 1929. The original section was created to support the growing number of motorists and private pilots using Britain's developing network of airfields and landing grounds. Its activities included the provision of aviation information, route and airfield surveys, weather information and assistance to visiting pilots, as well as aerial observation and photography. The Aviation Section ceased operations with the outbreak of WW2 but the Association returned to aviation in the post-war period.
v Tap for Fleet details & Historical Timeline v
v Tap for Fleet details & Historical Timeline v
Fleet history
Registered to Ivor Herbert McClure, head of theAviation Dept of the Automobile Association
de Havilland DH60X MothG-EBUR ??/??/1929 > ??/06/1930
de Havilland DH60G MothG-AAAA ??/04/1930 > 12/06/1935
Automobile Association, Fanum House, London
Auster J/5R AlpineG-APAA 23/06/1956 > 29/11/1958
de Havilland DH.89A Dragon RapideG-AHKV 29/11/1957 > 04/06/1963
Piper PA-23-160 Apache G-APZE 22/05/1963 > 28/07/1972
Piper PA-31-310 Navajo G-AXAZ 31/12/1971 > 29/04/1974
Automobile Association Developments Ltd, Fanum House, Basingstoke (Fairoaks)
Cessna 421B Golden EagleG-BBUJ 30/01/1974 > 15/07/1983
Cessna 441 ConquestG-AUTO 13/02/1979 > 16/08/1984G-BHLP 24/04/1984 > 25/02/1987G-BMOA 18/03/1987 > 23/08/1988
Learjet 35AG-GAYL 28/06/1984 > 24/03/1987* 24/03/1987 > 14/08/1990
*Automobile Association Travel Services Ltd, Aviation Services Department - Coventry Airport
Registered to Ivor Herbert McClure, head of theAviation Dept of the Automobile Association
de Havilland DH60X MothG-EBUR ??/??/1929 > ??/06/1930
de Havilland DH60G MothG-AAAA ??/04/1930 > 12/06/1935
Automobile Association, Fanum House, London
Auster J/5R AlpineG-APAA 23/06/1956 > 29/11/1958
de Havilland DH.89A Dragon RapideG-AHKV 29/11/1957 > 04/06/1963
Piper PA-23-160 Apache G-APZE 22/05/1963 > 28/07/1972
Piper PA-31-310 Navajo G-AXAZ 31/12/1971 > 29/04/1974
Automobile Association Developments Ltd, Fanum House, Basingstoke (Fairoaks)
Cessna 421B Golden EagleG-BBUJ 30/01/1974 > 15/07/1983
Cessna 441 ConquestG-AUTO 13/02/1979 > 16/08/1984G-BHLP 24/04/1984 > 25/02/1987G-BMOA 18/03/1987 > 23/08/1988
Learjet 35AG-GAYL 28/06/1984 > 24/03/1987* 24/03/1987 > 14/08/1990
*Automobile Association Travel Services Ltd, Aviation Services Department - Coventry Airport
Historical timeline
Late 1920s
Growing interest in private flying saw more AA members joining flying clubs and purchasing their own aircraft. During the 1920s, the AA used an airship for traffic observation and, in 1928, two light aircraft to support its growing number of flying members.
1929
The AA established its Aviation Section in response to the growing interest in private flying. Its initial role was to survey landing grounds and provide pilots with information about changes, obstructions and other relevant conditions. The AA produced early air-route maps and pioneered the use of aircraft to drop messages to its patrols, supplementing communication by telephone and post.
1931
The AA introduced an hourly weather information service for pilots, broadcasting reports to assist with flight planning.
1932
The AA worked with the pioneering aviator Amy Johnson to plan her record-breaking flight to Cape Town in a de Havilland Puss Moth.
1933
The Air Ministry took over the AA's weather information service, recognising its value to aviation. The AA Aviation Section continued to operate until the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939.
1950s onwards
Following the war, the AA re-established its aviation activities and developed a progressively more substantial aircraft operation. Aircraft including the de Havilland DH.89A Dragon Rapide, Auster J/5R Alpine, Piper PA-23 Apache and Piper PA-31 Navajo supported the Association's activities, particularly aerial photography, traffic observation and the preparation of motoring information.
1957
The AA acquired the de Havilland DH.89A Dragon Rapide G-AHKV for aerial photography and traffic observation, including monitoring traffic flows on roads such as the new M1. The aircraft also undertook humanitarian work, dropping supplies to snowbound villages in Scotland.
1963
The AA acquired Piper PA-23-160 Apache G-APZE, fitted with a camera for aerial photography. Images taken from the aircraft helped the Association compile route maps and other touring information.
1970s
The fleet became increasingly sophisticated, with the Cessna 421B Golden Eagle G-BBUJ joining the operation, followed by the Cessna 441 Conquest G-AUTO. The AA's aviation activities also developed an important role in medical repatriation and air ambulance work, returning members who became ill or injured while travelling overseas.
1980s
The AA's aviation operation had developed into a substantial specialist air transport activity. Its aircraft operated under the FANUM radiotelephony callsign allocated to the Automobile Association. The fleet included pressurised twin-turboprop Cessna 441 Conquests and, from 1984, the Association's first jet, the Learjet 35A G-GAYL.
AA aircraft were photographed at locations across the United Kingdom and Europe, including Coventry (Baginton), Cranfield, Biggin Hill, Yeovilton, Jersey, Newcastle and Luton. The Cessna 441 Conquests and Learjet formed the final known fleet of the AA's own fixed-wing aircraft operation, with contemporary photographs documenting its aircraft as late as 1988.
1990s
The AA stopped using its own aircraft in 1987. The final known aircraft in the fleet register, Learjet 35A G-GAYL, remained registered under Automobile Association Travel Services Ltd until 14 August 1990. The AA continued to arrange medical repatriation for members taken ill or injured abroad through a partnership with the St John Ambulance Aeromedical Service, a service that continued until 1994.
Additional source of information: AAs own website www.theaa.com/about-us/aa-history/timeline#aviationsection
AV8 Air
AV8 Air
2003 - 2004
Base: ManchesterIATA: -- ICAO: MNFCallsign: RINGWAY
Established in June 2003 as Man-Air.com Ltd, AV8 Air was a subsidiary and trading name of tour operator CT2 Flights.
25/11/2003: Operations commenced with a long-haul flight from Manchester to Capetown using a leased Boeing 767 from Icelandair. A Boeing 757-200 aircraft was intended for use on short-haul Mediterranean flights, but the aircraft only operated weekly check flights due to problems in obtaining an Air Operators Certificate (AOC).
March 2005: the UK-South Africa route ceased.
December 2005: The airline ceased trading altogether.
v Tap for Fleet History v
25/11/2003: Operations commenced with a long-haul flight from Manchester to Capetown using a leased Boeing 767 from Icelandair. A Boeing 757-200 aircraft was intended for use on short-haul Mediterranean flights, but the aircraft only operated weekly check flights due to problems in obtaining an Air Operators Certificate (AOC).
March 2005: the UK-South Africa route ceased.
December 2005: The airline ceased trading altogether.
v Tap for Fleet History v
Fleet history
Boeing 757-23AG-OOOI 21/11/2003 > 12/08/2004
Boeing 767-300ERTF-FIB(leased from Icelandair)
Boeing 757-23AG-OOOI 21/11/2003 > 12/08/2004
Boeing 767-300ERTF-FIB(leased from Icelandair)
Aviation West
Aviation West
Trading name of Avon Aviation Services Ltd
Avro Transport Company
Avro Transport Company
1919 - 1920
Base: BlackpoolAirline designators n/a
The Avro Transport Company (ATC) was formed by A. V. Roe & Co. Ltd (Avro) following the end of the First World War to take advantage of the growing public interest in civil aviation. On 26 May 1919, ATC inaugurated a scheduled service between Manchester, Southport and Blackpool, which is generally regarded as the first scheduled domestic airline service in the UK. The company also operated numerous 'joy-riding' flights from beaches, racecourses and other suitable sites, with operations extending from northern England and Wales to southern England. Although pleasure flying proved popular, the post-war aviation boom was short-lived and Avro decided to discontinue its civil flying activities in December 1919, with ATC ending trade in early 1920.
v Tap for Fleet details and historical timeline v
v Tap for Fleet details and historical timeline v
Fleet history
Avro Transport Company (ATC) Primary fleet(All aircraft were registered to A.V. Roe & Co. Ltd. End dates are not necessarily operational dates for ATC )
ATC1 K114 > G‑EACC - Avro 504L Seaplane > 536 30/06/1919 > ??/07/1921
ATC2 K104 > G‑EAAQ - Avro 536 30/04/1919 > ??/09/1920
ATC3 K105 > G‑EAAP - Avro 536 30/04/2019 > ??/12/1919
ATC4 K106 > G‑EAAO - Avro 504K > 536 30/04/2019 > ??/07/1919
ATC5 K137 > G‑EADC - Avro 536 06/06/1919 > ??/??/????
ATC6 K161 > G‑EAGM - Avro 536 10/07/1919 > ??/10/1919
ATC7 K165 > G‑EAHA - Avro 536 14/07/1919 > ??/09/1920
ATC8 K166 > G‑EAHB - Avro 536 14/07/1919 > ??/??/????
ATC9 K116 > G‑EACG - Avro 536 20/05/1919 > ??/12/1919
ATC10 K134 > G‑EACX - Avro 504M Limousine 29/05/1919 > ??/??/????
ATC11 K139 > G‑EADV - Avro 536 06/06/1919 > ??/??/????
ATC12 K145 > G‑EAFF - Avro 504L Seaplane. 19/06/1919 > ??/07/1921
ATC13 K146 > G‑EAFG - Avro 504L 19/06/1919 > ??/12/1919
ATC14 K147 > G‑EAFH - Avro 504K ( > 548)
ATC15 G‑EALH - Avro 504L Seaplane 21/08/1919 > ??/10/1920
ATC16 G‑EAJX - Avro 504L Seaplane 12/08/1919 > ??/10/1920
ATC17 G‑EALI - Avro 504L Seaplane 21/08/1919 > ??/10/1920
ATC18 G‑EANB - Avro 504L Seaplane 16/09/1919 > ??/07/1921
ATC23 G‑EAOM - Avro 536 14/10/1919 > ??/??/????
The Avro Transport Company would also rely on other aircraft maintained in the A. V. Roe & Co. Ltd inventory dependant on demand.
Avro Transport Company (ATC) Primary fleet(All aircraft were registered to A.V. Roe & Co. Ltd. End dates are not necessarily operational dates for ATC )
ATC1 K114 > G‑EACC - Avro 504L Seaplane > 536 30/06/1919 > ??/07/1921
ATC2 K104 > G‑EAAQ - Avro 536 30/04/1919 > ??/09/1920
ATC3 K105 > G‑EAAP - Avro 536 30/04/2019 > ??/12/1919
ATC4 K106 > G‑EAAO - Avro 504K > 536 30/04/2019 > ??/07/1919
ATC5 K137 > G‑EADC - Avro 536 06/06/1919 > ??/??/????
ATC6 K161 > G‑EAGM - Avro 536 10/07/1919 > ??/10/1919
ATC7 K165 > G‑EAHA - Avro 536 14/07/1919 > ??/09/1920
ATC8 K166 > G‑EAHB - Avro 536 14/07/1919 > ??/??/????
ATC9 K116 > G‑EACG - Avro 536 20/05/1919 > ??/12/1919
ATC10 K134 > G‑EACX - Avro 504M Limousine 29/05/1919 > ??/??/????
ATC11 K139 > G‑EADV - Avro 536 06/06/1919 > ??/??/????
ATC12 K145 > G‑EAFF - Avro 504L Seaplane. 19/06/1919 > ??/07/1921
ATC13 K146 > G‑EAFG - Avro 504L 19/06/1919 > ??/12/1919
ATC14 K147 > G‑EAFH - Avro 504K ( > 548)
ATC15 G‑EALH - Avro 504L Seaplane 21/08/1919 > ??/10/1920
ATC16 G‑EAJX - Avro 504L Seaplane 12/08/1919 > ??/10/1920
ATC17 G‑EALI - Avro 504L Seaplane 21/08/1919 > ??/10/1920
ATC18 G‑EANB - Avro 504L Seaplane 16/09/1919 > ??/07/1921
ATC23 G‑EAOM - Avro 536 14/10/1919 > ??/??/????
The Avro Transport Company would also rely on other aircraft maintained in the A. V. Roe & Co. Ltd inventory dependant on demand.
Historical Timeline
Early 1919 – A. V. Roe & Co. establishes the Avro Transport Company to participate in the emerging British civil aviation market following the First World War. The company operates from Alexandra Park Aerodrome, Manchester.
1 May 1919 – Civil flying is officially permitted to resume in Britain following the introduction of the new Air Navigation Regulations.
6 May 1919 – Avro director John Lord obtains permission from Blackpool Corporation to use a site on Blackpool Sands as a terminus for an air service linking Manchester, Southport and Blackpool.
26 May 1919 – The Avro Transport Company inaugurates its scheduled Manchester–Southport–Blackpool service. The route is widely regarded as the first scheduled domestic airline service in Britain. The service operated during the summer of 1919 and used Avro 504 aircraft modified to carry passengers. Flights between Manchester and the Lancashire coast were particularly popular during the summer holiday season.
Summer 1919 – Alongside the scheduled service, the company operated numerous pleasure flights from locations around Britain. Its aircraft were used for "joy-riding" flights from beaches, racecourses and other suitable sites, with operations extending from northern England and Wales to southern England. Centres were established at locations including Blackpool, Southport, Fleetwood, Rhyl, Liverpool, Manchester, Douglas on the Isle of Man, Hounslow Heath, Southsea, Weston-super-Mare, Brighton, Swansea, Paignton and Porthcawl.
Late 1919 – By the end of 1919, more than 30,000 flights had reportedly been made in aircraft belonging to A. V. Roe & Co. and its associated operations.
December 1919 – Although pleasure flying proved popular, the post-war aviation boom was short-lived. Avro decided in December 1919 to discontinue its civil flying activities and begins winding down its operations.
Early 1920 – The Avro Transport Company ceases trading. Some former Avro Transport pleasure-flying activities continue independently under licence, using aircraft previously associated with the company.
Legacy – The Avro Transport Company's short-lived Manchester–Southport–Blackpool service occupies an important place in the history of British commercial aviation, while its extensive pleasure-flying activities helped popularise civilian flying during the first post-war summer.
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