A - Z UK Airlines

Defunct - L

Lancashire Aircraft Corporation

1942 - 1958

> Merged into Silver City Airways-Northern Division

Main Base: Samlesbury / Blackpool Squires GateIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -

Lancashire Aircraft Corporation (LAC) was one of UK's most important independent post-war airlines. Founded during the WW2, initially as an aircraft engineering and repair organisation, it developed into a substantial charter and scheduled operator, with operations centred on Lancashire and later Bovingdon. After the war LAC operated passenger, freight and pleasure flights and subsequently acquired a large fleet of Handley Page Halifaxes to established itself as a significant long-range freight and charter operator, flying throughout Europe, the Middle East and beyond. LAC made an important contribution to the Berlin Airlift. On 12 December 1956 Lancashire Aircraft Corporation was sold to British Aviation Services. LAC's remaining operations were subsequently absorbed into Silver City's Northern Division, and the LAC name disappeared as an operating airline during 1957-58.
v Tap for fleet history and historical timeline v

Fleet history
Airspeed AS40 Oxford IG-ALXV 26/01/1950 > 13/02/1950G-ALXW 26/01/1950 > 13/02/1950G-ALXX 26/01/1950 > 13/02/1950G-ALXY 26/01/1950 > 13/02/1950
Airspeed AS65 ConsulG-AHMD 14/08/1946 > 21/03/1951 18/03/1953 > 28/08/1956G-AHZV 19/07/1946 > 09/11/1950G-AHZW 19/07/1946 > 11/11/1953 25/01/1954 > 28/02/1955G-AIKS 20/04/1951 > 28/08/1956G-AIKZ 20/04/1951 > 03/04/1955G-AJGA 02/06/1949 > 21/03/1951 17/04/1952 > 28/02/1955G-AJLH 14/05/1949 > 07/05/1951
Avro 685 York C1G-AGJA 05/06/1951 > 28/02/1955G-AGJE 03/08/1951 > 28/02/1955G-AGNL 03/06/1952 > 18/03/1954G-AGNO 05/06/1951 > 28/02/1955G-AGNP 14/07/1953 > 31/08/1953G-AGNT 14/07/1953 > 28/02/1955G-AGNW 05/06/1951 > 11/03/1954G-AGNX 30/05/1951 > 29/03/1955G-AGOA 05/06/1951 > 09/04/1959G-AGOB 31/07/1954 > 28/02/1955G-AGOD 05/06/1951 > 28/02/1955G-AGOE 11/08/1951 > 28/02/1955G-AGOF 05/03/1952 > 18/02/1955G-AGSL 05/06/1951 > 31/05/1954G-AGSM 05/06/1951 > 24/08/1954G-AGSN 03/08/1951 > 09/04/1953G-AHEY 08/04/1952 > 28/02/1955G-AHFA 11/12/1951 > 27/01/1954G-AHFB 27/09/1951 > 27/08/1954G-AHFC 03/04/1952 > 28/02/1955G-AHFD 05/11/1951 > 28/02/1955G-AHFE 07/08/1951 > 28/02/1955G-AHFF 16/01/1952 > 28/02/1955G-AHFG 14/09/1951 > 28/02/1955G-AHFH 22/11/1951 > 28/02/1955G-ANAW 28/07/1953 > 28/02/1955
de Havilland DH.86B ExpressG-ACZP 20/04/1951 > 28/10/1957
de Havilland DH.89A Dragon RapideG-AGOJ 08/07/1948 > 28/02/1955G-AGUG 08/07/1948 > 11/04/1953G-AHAG 31/01/1946 > 17/10/1946G-AHEA 27/02/1946 > 09/11/1950 03/02/1951 > 31/03/1954G-AHGD 01/04/1946 > 17/10/1946G-AJKW 22/03/1947 > 28/12/1950 09/06/1952 > 02/05/1957G-AJKX 22/03/1947 > 09/11/1950 09/04/1951 > 07/01/1953G-AJKY 22/03/1947 > 09/11/1950 09/04/1951 > 12/04/1954G-AKLA 08/06/1949 > 09/11/1950 03/02/1951 > 22/03/1954G-AKNV 02/12/1947 > 11/12/1953G-AKNW 02/12/1947 > 22/04/1949G-AKOD 26/05/1949 > 24/11/1950 04/07/1951 > 12/04/1954G-AKOE 26/05/1949 > 09/11/1950 03/02/1951 > 28/10/1957G-AKOY 03/05/1949 > 11/04/1953G-AKRO 21/11/1951 > 16/01/1954G-ALEJ 24/06/1949 > 22/11/1956G-ALPK 03/05/1949 > 09/09/1957
Douglas C-47B DakotaG-AMWV 04/12/1952 > 28/10/1957G-AMWX 05/12/1952 > 28/02/1955G-ANAE 15/06/1953 > 28/10/1957
Handley Page HP70 Halifax C Mk VIIIG-AHWN 20/04/1948 > 01/05/1950G-AHYH 29/09/1948 > 01/11/1949G-AIHU 06/09/1946 > 05/12/1947G-AIHV 06/09/1946 > 01/05/1950 17/11/1950 > 27/02/1953G-AIHW 06/09/1946 > 03/07/1947G-AIHX 06/09/1946 > 03/09/1945G-AIHY 06/09/1946 > 18/01/1950G-AILO 03/06/1946 > 01/02/1952G-AJZY 03/03/1948 > 08/03/1951G-AJZZ 03/03/1948 > 21/03/1949G-AKBJ 29/09/1948 > 01/06/1949G-AKBK 29/09/1948 > 28/12/1951G-AKEC 12/02/1948 > 04/03/1953G-AKXT 20/04/1948 > 28/12/1951G-ALBZ 29/09/1948 > 12/04/1949G-ALCX 29/09/1948 > 28/12/1951
Handley Page HP70 Halton IIG-AGZP 10/01/1951 > 27/02/1953G-AHDV 05/02/1951 > 04/03/1953
Miles M.57 Aerovan 3G-AIIG 20/04/1951 > 22/10/1953
Miles M.65 Gemini 1AG-AJEX 03/02/1947 > 21/05/1947
Percival P.10 Vega GullG-AFEH 14/06/1946 > 09/11/1950
Percival P.28 Proctor 1G-AIHE 06/08/1946 > 23/04/1947G-AIHF 06/09/1946 > 18/12/1950 10/08/1951 > 30/04/1953G-AIHG 06/09/1946 > 29/01/1947G-AIHH 06/09/1946 > 29/01/1947
Percival P.24 Proctor 3G-AIHD 06/09/1946 > 02/04/1953G-ALCH 18/06/1948 > 01/05/1950G-ALCI 18/06/1948 > 09/02/1949G-ALCJ 18/06/1948 > 01/05/1950G-ALCK 18/06/1948 > 05/05/1954
Percival P.31C Proctor 4G-AKFR 02/09/1947 > 06/11/1947G-AKFS 02/09/1947 > 06/11/1947G-AKFT 02/09/1947 > 06/11/1947G-AKYI 16/04/1948 > 09/02/1949G-AKYJ 16/04/1948 > 30/08/1953G-AKYK 16/04/1948 > 09/11/1950
also
Auster 5G-AJLE 21/03/1947 > 16/10/1953G-AJLF 21/03/1947 > 08/02/1949G-AJLG 21/03/1947 > 13/10/1953G-AKTF 01/03/1948 > 28/09/1956G-ALCT 28/07/1948 > 22/09/1953
Auster J/1 AutocratG-AGXD 24/05/1946 > 28/08/1953G-AJRC 02/05/1949 > 28/02/1955

Historical timeline
1942Lancashire Aircraft Corporation was established at Samlesbury Aerodrome during the Second World War, initially concentrating on aircraft engineering and repair work. The company became involved in the repair and overhaul of Bristol Beaufighters and Beauforts.
1944LAC expanded its Beaufighter repair activities to Blackpool's Stanley Park Aerodrome. As the war progressed, the company also became involved in the disposal and scrapping of surplus military aircraft.
10/02/1946Following the end of wartime repair contracts, LAC entered commercial flying, operating pleasure flights from Blackpool Stanley Park and Yeadon, followed by charter operations from Squires Gate.
1946-47The company acquired former RAF Airspeed Consuls and Percival Proctors and expanded its charter activities. Large numbers of Handley Page Halifax aircraft were obtained for conversion to civil freight and passenger use.
16/04/1947The first LAC Halifax, G-AIHV, operated a revenue flight carrying fresh fruit from Italy to London.
Mid-1947LAC moved part of its long-range operation to Bovingdon, Hertfordshire. Halifax aircraft were used for freight charters carrying fresh produce from Continental Europe and longer-distance cargoes to destinations including India and the Far East.
12/09/1947A Halifax operated a passenger charter from Liverpool to New York via Prestwick, Iceland and Gander, carrying 20 seamen. Further Halifax aircraft were subsequently converted for passenger work.
December 1947LAC Halifax G-AIHY became the first British commercial aircraft to land in post-war Budapest while operating a freight charter.
1948LAC expanded its charter and scheduled operations. The company also entered into associate arrangements connected with British European Airways, operating routes involving Leeds, the Isle of Man and Blackpool.
16/10/1948Lancashire Aircraft Corporation committed three Halifax aircraft to the Berlin Airlift, initially transporting supplies from Wunstorf.
Late 1948LAC began transporting diesel fuel into Berlin using specially modified Halifax tanker aircraft.
1948-49At the height of the Berlin Airlift LAC operated 13 aircraft and completed approximately 2,760 sorties, flying 8,715 hours and carrying 16,413 tons of supplies. It was the second-largest civilian contributor to the Airlift by tonnage.
March 1949A LAC Halifax was lost in a landing accident near Schleswigland during the Berlin Airlift, killing all three crew members.
1949Following the Airlift, LAC returned its attention to commercial freight and charter work. Its Halifax aircraft continued carrying textiles, fruit and vegetables, while the Rapide and Consul fleet operated passenger charters and pleasure flights.
1950The company's scheduled network had expanded to include destinations such as Penzance, Isle of Man, Blackpool, Carlisle, Leeds, London Northolt, Manchester, Jersey and Newcastle. LAC also acquired Northern Air Charter/Astral Aviation and its Isle of Man service.
1951LAC began replacing its ageing Halifax fleet with a substantial fleet of Avro York aircraft purchased from BOAC. The Yorks provided considerably greater passenger and freight capacity and became important in trooping, charter and inclusive-tour operations.
1951-52The Yorks were increasingly employed on Air Ministry trooping flights, including services to the Canal Zone in Egypt, as well as commercial freight and passenger charters.
March 1952Lancashire Aircraft Corporation acquired Skyways for approximately £157,000. Much of LAC's York fleet was subsequently transferred to Skyways, together with Samlesbury Engineering. LAC itself concentrated increasingly on scheduled services and pleasure flying from Blackpool.
1952LAC acquired four Douglas DC-3/Dakota aircraft to strengthen its scheduled and charter operations.
1953LAC ceased its Leeds operations after failing to obtain management of Yeadon Aerodrome. Four Dakotas acquired during the year increased capacity on the company's remaining services. The aircraft were also used for crew movements and inclusive-tour flights, including a Manchester–Tarbes service for passengers travelling to Lourdes.
1953LAC carried more than 21,000 passengers and 133 tons of freight during the year.
1954Passenger traffic increased to more than 30,000. LAC also operated a summer road-air service in conjunction with East Yorkshire Motor Services, bringing passengers to Blackpool for onward flights to the Isle of Man.
1954-55Eric Rylands developed a London–Paris coach-air service using coaches between London and Lympne, with the Channel crossing made by air between Lympne and Beauvais.
1955LAC began thrice-weekly inclusive-tour flights from Gatwick to Perpignan under contract to travel company See Spain.
30/09/1955The first London–Paris coach-air service operated using two LAC Dakotas. Passengers travelled by coach from London to Lympne, flew to Beauvais and continued by coach to Paris. The service subsequently became associated with Skyways Coach-Air.
1956Eric Rylands acquired Lympne Airport, strengthening the group's developing coach-air operation.
12/12/1956Lancashire Aircraft Corporation was sold by Eric Rylands to British Aviation Services, the parent group of Silver City Airways. The transaction did not include Skyways, the coach-air operation or Samlesbury Engineering.
1957LAC's remaining Blackpool operations were progressively incorporated into the Northern Division of Silver City Airways alongside Manx Airlines and Dragon Airways. The company's independent airline operation effectively came to an end.
1958The Lancashire Aircraft Corporation name disappeared from Silver City's Northern Division, bringing the company's independent identity to an end. The name was later briefly revived in connection with Samlesbury Engineering and the Lancashire Aircraft Prospector agricultural aircraft project.

Laker Airways

1966 - 1982

HQ: Gatwick (LGW / EGKK)IATA: GK ICAO: LKRCallsign: LAKER

Laker Airways was one of Britain's most influential independent airlines, founded by aviation entrepreneur Sir Freddie Laker. Established in 1966 and based at London Gatwick Airport, the airline revolutionised long-haul air travel through the introduction of its pioneering Skytrain no-reservation, low-fare transatlantic service.
Initially specialising in inclusive-tour (IT) charters and affinity group travel, Laker Airways expanded into worldwide charter operations before launching scheduled services across the North Atlantic.
Financial pressures, intense competition and recession ultimately led to the airline entering receivership in 1982, but its low-cost philosophy had a lasting influence on the airline industry.
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Fleet history
Airbus A300B4-203 G-BIMA 07/01/1981 > 18/02/1983G-BIMB 07/02/1981 > 18/02/1983G-BIMC 11/06/1981 > 28/06/1984
BAC 1-11 Series 300G-ATPK 18/02/1971 > 05/03/1981G-AVBW 15/11/1966 > 06/04/1982G-AVBX 15/11/1966 > 22/04/1982G-AVBY 15/11/1966 > 22/04/1982G-AVYZ 29/11/1967 > 22/04/1982
BAC 1-11 Series 400G-AXMU [ Leased ]
Boeing 707-138BG-AVZZ 14/01/1969 > 14/03/1974G-AWDG 14/01/1969 > 14/03/1974
Boeing 707-351BG-BFBS 02/05/1978 > 05/05/1982G-BFBZ 02/05/1977 > 05/05/1982
Bristol 175 Britannia 102G-ANBM 10/11/1966 > 10/01/1969G-ANBN 02/12/1966 > 10/01/1969
McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10G-AZZC 14/07/1972 > 01/10/1982G-AZZD 14/07/1972 > 30/04/1982G-BBSZ 22/11/1973 > 14/05/1982G-BELO 24/01/1977 > 19/05/1983G-GFAL 19/05/1978 > 23/04/1982G-GSKY 19/05/1978 > 31/03/1982
McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30G-BGXE 14/12/1979 > 14/09/1984G-BGXF 14/12/1979 > 31/08/1984G-BGXG 24/03/1980 > 21/09/1984G-BGXH 30/04/1980 > 04/09/1984G-BGXI 24/06/1980 > 04/09/1984
VC-10-1100G-ARTA [ Leased ]

Historical timeline
1966
Laker Airways Ltd was established by Sir Freddie Laker following the sale of his previous airline, Aviation Traders (Engineering). The new airline was created to operate charter passenger and cargo services.
29/07/1966: Commenced operations
1967
The airline commenced commercial operations using Bristol Britannia turboprop aircraft, operating inclusive-tour charters and affinity group flights from the United Kingdom to destinations across Europe.
1968
Laker Airways expanded its charter network and introduced BAC One-Eleven jet aircraft, enabling faster services and increased passenger capacity.
1970
The airline introduced the McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10, becoming one of the first European operators of the new wide-body airliner. The aircraft significantly expanded Laker's long-haul charter capabilities.
1971
Operations continued to expand with long-haul charter flights to North America, the Caribbean and Africa, establishing Laker Airways as one of Britain's leading independent charter airlines.
1973
The airline applied to operate a low-fare scheduled transatlantic service under the name Skytrain, proposing a revolutionary no-reservation, one-way fare system between London and New York.
1977
Following lengthy regulatory approval in the UK and United States, Skytrain commenced services between London Gatwick and New York (JFK). The service transformed public perceptions of affordable long-haul air travel and achieved high passenger demand.
1978
Additional Skytrain routes were introduced, including services to Los Angeles and Miami, while the airline continued its successful charter programme.
1979
Laker Airways expanded its fleet of McDonnell Douglas DC-10 aircraft and carried record passenger numbers on both charter and scheduled services.
1980
The airline continued developing its long-haul network despite increasing competition from established scheduled carriers and rising operating costs.
1981
Economic recession, high fuel prices, increased interest rates and aggressive fare competition placed severe financial pressure on the airline's operations.
05/02/1982
Laker Airways entered receivership and ceased operations, ending sixteen years of service. Although the airline closed, its pioneering low-fare business model became a major influence on later generations of low-cost airlines.

Leg Air Ltd

2017 - 2024

HQ: SywellIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -AOC: 2452

Legair was a VIP charter company, based at Sywell.
13/07/2017: Company incorporated for Non-scheduled passenger air transport, initially as Legs Aviation Ltd
22/08/2017: Name changed to Leg Air Ltd
30/01/2024: Company dissolved
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Fleet history
Rockwell Commander 695G-LEGZ 29/05/2019 > 30/09/2025

Leisure International Airways

1996 - 1998

Air UK Leisure < > Air 2000

Main base: London Stansted (STN / EGSS)IATA: MV ICAO: ULECallsign: LEISURE

October 1988: Air UK Leisure established as the charter branch of AirUK
1996: Air UK Leisure sold to Unijet and renamed Leisure International Airways, with its base at Gatwick Airport.
1998: Acqured by Air 2000 with aircraft transferred to them
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Fleet history
Airbus A320-212G-UKLJ 18/03/1996 > 16/02/1998G-UKLK 11/04/1996 > 06/11/1998G-UKLL 17/04/1996 > 04/05/1999
Airbus A321-211G-OOAE 14/07/1998 > 01/12/1998G-UKLO 07/11/1997 > 15/01/1998 >> G-UNID 15/01/1998 > 04/12/1998G-UNIE 03/03/1998 > 04/01/1999
Boeing 767-39HERG-UKLH 23/09/1997 > 26/01/1999G-UKLI 23/09/1997 > 11/01/1999

Lloyd International Airways

1961 - 1972

Main base: London Stansted (STN / EGSS)IATA: LW ICAO: ---Callsign: -

1961: Independent airline established to operate worldwide charter flights
16/06/1972: Operations ceased, company in liquidation
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Fleet history
Boeing 707-321G-AYRZ 29/01/1971 > 08/12/1972
Bristol 175 Britannia 307(F)G-ANCD 17/01/1969 > 27/07/1973G-ANCE 26/02/1969 > 07/11/1973
Bristol 175 Britannia 312(F)G-AOVP 17/01/1969 > 10/07/1973G-AOVS 17/01/1969 > 27/07/1973
Douglas C54BG-ARWI 22/02/1962 > 01/12/1966
Douglas C-54G SkymasterG-ARWK 03/05/1962 > 05/05/1965

Loch Lomond Seaplanes

2003 - 2025

Main base: Glasgow Seaplane TerminalIATA: -- ICAO: ---Callsign: -AOC: 2252

Loch Lomond Seaplanes began operations in April 2004 providing tour and charter flights out of Loch Lomond.
Based in Helensburgh, Scotland they received approval to launch services from Glasgow Seaplane Terminal, and a scheduled service to Oban commenced in August 2007, making it the UK's first commercial seaplane service and Europe's first city centre seaplane service.
The company ceased trading on 11th April 2025.
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Fleet history
Cessna 208G-MDJE 13/06/2007 > 31/08/2012G-LAUD [registered to Laudale Estate LLP]
Cessna T206H Stationair TCG-OLLS 24/05/2004 > 25-Aug-2015

London Aero & Motor Services (L.A.M.S.)

1946 - 1948

Main base: Elstree > StanstedAirline designators: n/a

London Aero & Motor Services Ltd (LAMS) was a pioneering post-war air-freight operator founded in 1946 by Dr Graham Humby. Based initially at Elstree and subsequently at Stansted, the company specialised in long-range freight operations using converted Handley Page Halifax C.Mk.8 aircraft. LAMS carried cargo throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa and developed an ambitious worldwide “tramp” freight service, including an around-the-world flight in 1947.
At its height LAMS operated a fleet of around 18 Halifax freighters and established associated companies in Australia and Africa. The business was severely affected when Humby, its driving force, became seriously ill in late 1947. The operation subsequently collapsed and LAMS was compulsorily wound up in July 1948.
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Fleet history
Handley Page Halifax B.Mk.VIG-AKLI 17/11/1947 > 04/05/1948G-AKLJ 17/11/1947 > 04/05/1948G-AKLK 17/11/1947 > 04/05/1948
Handley Page Halifax C.Mk.VIIIG-AHZJ 17/07/1946 > 19/08/1947G-AHZK 17/07/1946 > 23/12/1948G-AHZL 17/07/1946 > 23/12/1948G-AHZM 17/07/1946 > 31/10/1952G-AHZN 17/07/1946 > 01/01/1947G-AHZO 17/07/1946 > 23/12/1948G-AIWI 18/11/1946 > 20/03/1950G-AIWJ 18/11/1946 > 19/12/1950G-AIWK 18/11/1946 > 30/10/1952G-AIWL 18/11/1946 > 19/12/1950G-AIWM 18/11/1946 > 19/12/1950G-AIWN 18/11/1946 > 23/06/1947G-AIWO 18/11/1946 > 18/06/1948G-AIWP 18/11/1946 > 20/03/1950G-AIWR 18/11/1946 > 16/12/1947G-AKJF 26/09/1947 > 19/12/1950AlsoZS-BUL

Historical timeline
Early 1946London Aero & Motor Services Ltd (LAMS) was established by Dr Graham Humby, with the aim of developing a worldwide air-freight “tramp” service using surplus military transport aircraft.
1946Humby acquired former RAF Handley Page Halifax C.Mk.8 aircraft and had them converted for civil freight work, incorporating large belly freight panniers. The aircraft were painted in LAMS blue and named after ports.
27 August 1946The first LAMS Halifax, G-AHZN Port of London, entered service on freight operations to Continental Europe and Africa. Early traffic included fresh fruit imported into Britain.
September 1946LAMS suffered its first major aircraft losses. G-AHZM was written off at Elstree on 16 September following an accident on approach, while G-AHZN was ditched off Knokke, Belgium, on 26 September after navigation difficulties while carrying a cargo of Italian grapes.
November 1946LAMS moved its main operating base from Elstree to Stansted, establishing a dedicated freight operation there as the company expanded its Halifax fleet.
December 1946Further Halifax freighters joined the company, allowing LAMS to expand its European, Middle Eastern and African freight network.
April 1947LAMS had a fleet of approximately 15 Halifax freighters and was carrying large quantities of fruit into Britain from Continental Europe. The company began preparations for a worldwide irregular freight service.
23 April 1947LAMS Halifax G-AIWT Port of Sydney departed Stansted on the company's first experimental around-the-world freight flight, commanded by Captain Keith Thiele with Graham Humby aboard. The route included Canada, the United States, Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and India.
16 May 1947G-AIWT reached Sydney, marking the first LAMS visit to Australia. Humby used the opportunity to promote plans for a Pacific freight operation and the establishment of an Australian subsidiary.
4 June 1947G-AIWT completed the around-the-world flight and returned to Stansted, having demonstrated the feasibility of long-distance irregular freight operations.
1947LAMS established associated companies including LAMS (Africa) Ltd and LAMS Australia Pty Ltd, intended to develop regional freight business and provide local support for the company's worldwide operations.
31 July 1947LAMS Halifax G-AHZJ Port of Marseilles was destroyed in a take-off accident at Bergamo, Italy. All five crew members survived.
Late 1947At its peak, LAMS had about 18 Halifax freighters and appeared to have established itself as one of Britain's leading independent long-distance cargo operators. Humby travelled to the United States to investigate further expansion, including possible orders for Boeing Stratocruisers.
Late 1947Humby became seriously ill while in the United States and was diagnosed with tuberculosis. His enforced withdrawal from the business deprived LAMS of the driving force behind its rapid expansion.
Early 1948The company entered a severe financial crisis. Most of the Halifax fleet became inactive at Stansted, while staff and crews reportedly went unpaid.
January 1948LAMS operations in Australia effectively ended, with the associated Sydney operation being wound down following the collapse of the parent company's British business.
July 1948London Aero & Motor Services Ltd was compulsorily wound up, bringing its short but ambitious experiment in worldwide independent air freight to an end.
1948–1949Many of the surviving LAMS Halifaxes found new operators or were broken up. Several aircraft continued to appear in the British register under the LAMS name for administrative purposes after the company's operational collapse.

London City Airways

1988 - 1990

Main base: London City (LCY / EGLC)IATA: II ICAO: LCYCallsign: STOL

1986: Incorporated as Eurocity Express by British Midland to operate from London City Airport
22/02/1988: Renamed London City Airways
01/09/1990: Operations ceased, due to sustained financial losses, and aircraft transferred to British Midland.
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Fleet history
*Registered to Eurocity Express
de Havilland Canada DHC-7-102 DASH 7G-BNDC 06/03/1987 > 26/04/1988*G-BNGF 09/04/1987 > 29/07/1988G-BOAZ 23/05/1989 > 04/03/1992
De Havilland Canada DHC-7-110 Dash 7G-BOAW 16/03/1988 > 09/07/1991G-BOAX 25/04/1988 > 03/08/1990G-BOAY 07/07/1988 > 09/07/1991

London European Airways

1984 - 1991

Main base: Luton (LTN / EGGW)IATA: UQ ICAO: LONCallsign: EUROPEAN

1984: Formed to operate a business class service between Luton and Amsterdam
25/02/1985: Operations commenced
17/02/1986: Services suspended following financial issues and loss of operators licence
April 1987: Operations relaunched following finacial rescue package by Ryanair
January 1988: Renamed Ryanair Europe
January 1989: scheduled services stopped to become charter airline for Ryanair
1991: Having reverted back to the London European name, operations ceased following Ryanair's move to Stansted and finacial losses
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Fleet history
BAC One ElevenG-AZUK 476FM 05/05/1989 > 26/06/1991G-BNIH 561RC 17/08/1987 > 01/06/1990G-DJOS 531FS 25/04/1990 > 17/12/1990G-EKPT 523FJ 30/04/1990 > 17/12/1990G-FLRU 518FG 04/05/1990 > 02/05/1991
Vickers Viscount 806G-LOND 08/02/1985 > 22/04/1986

Luxury Air Tours

1932 - 1936

Main base: CroydonAirline designators: n/a

Luxury Air Tours Ltd was established by The Hon. Mrs Victor Bruce (Mildred Bruce) in 1932, predating her main airlines, Commercial Air Hire and Air Dispatch Ltd, and making her the UK’s first female airline entrepreneur. The company was actually founded for high-stakes publicity stunts, barnstorming stunts in flying circuses, and moving aircraft within her network of associate companies based around Croydon Airport.

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1932: The Air-to-Air Refuelling Record
Mrs Bruce created the company to promote and finance an audacious plan: to break the world flight-refuelled endurance record by flying non-stop for four weeks over the Solent.
The Fleet: The Hon. Mrs Victor Bruce leased a Saro A21 Windhover amphibian flying boatG-ABJP named City of Portsmouth.
Bristol F.2b Fighter (converted into custom refuelling tankers).G-ABXA 00/05/32 > 31/10/1933G-EBIO 00/05/32 > 30/11/1934
The mission was flown alongside co-pilot Flt. Lt. John B.W. Pugh (who would later fly the Dawn Express). The 1932 attempts ultimately failed due to treacherous weather, mechanical glitches, and thick coastal fog that prevented the tanker from locating the flying boat in mid-air.
1933: The Barnstorming
In early 1933, Luxury Air Tours was invited to join the famous British Hospital Air Pageants flying circus, which traveled the country offering aerial displays and joyrides. The Hon. Mrs Victor Bruce used the company to register a highly eccentric fleet:
Miles M1 Satyr G-ABVG 21/04/1933 > 00/09/1936The single seat biplane was the only one ever built, and was specifically acquired to perform the aerobatic displays for the circus.
Fairey Fox 1G-ACAS 24/11/1932 > 00/12/1933ex-RAF light bomber bought from Coley's scrapyard in Hounslow for just £12 10s (including £10 for the engine). Under the Luxury Air Tours banner, The Hon. Mrs Victor Bruce spent £1,000 to completely overhaul and modify it to carry two passengers. A forced landing incident in July 1933 resulted in fire and burned out.
1935: The International Scandal
By 1935, Luxury Air Tours had largely stopped running public tours and was used as a corporate holding shell. It made front-page news when it was accused of being involved in a "hot aircraft" smuggling scandal. The company obtained British Certificates of Airworthiness on four military Fairey Fox aircraft, which press libels alleged were being illegally exported to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) amidst looming international conflict.
1936 - 1939
de Havilland DH.84 DragonG-ACDL 02/05/1936 > 00/09/1936
When The Hon. Mrs Victor Bruce established her primary business, Air Dispatch Ltd at Croydon Airport in 1936, Luxury Air Tours was officially kept active on paper as a specialised subsidiary. Along with Advance Airlines and Inner Circle Air Lines, Luxury Air Tours was used regularly to shuffle aircraft back and forth to manage liabilities and isolate fleet assets right up until the outbreak of the Second World War.

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