British Airlines of the Past

Photographic Copyright Caz Caswell © 1968-2008

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Douglas Holland Writes:
During its 20 year History (1948-1968) Morton Air Services were involved in some significant events (for example the last Aircraft to depart Croydon Airport before it closed).
It also had more than it fair share of 'characters' on its staff, the exploits/stories of whom, even 40 years later I am loath to put in writing, even those I have been able to confirm!

When this picture was taken Morton Air Services was about to become part of British United Island Airways (BUIA), a division of British United Airways (BUA). When BUA was taken over by Caledonian Airways, BUIA remained with the previous owners and became British Island Airways (BIA) (see BIA - G-APWF Herald 201 in this album).

In 1980, BIA merged with: Air Anglia (see Air Anglia G-AGJV C-47A in this album) as well as Air Wales and Air Westward to form Air UK, which eventually became KLM UK and finally the story ended in 2003 when the UK operations were absorbed in KLM Cityhopper.

The British Island Airways Name was resurrected for a Charter Airlines, but that s another story.

For more about:
British Island Airways - Wikipedia Entry
BIA - British Island Airways In Memorium

Air UK - Wikipedia Entry
KLM UK - Wikipedia Entry

BUIA - Wikipedia Entry
BUA - Wikipedia Entry

For more a detailed history of G-AMHJ/KG652 See
History of Dakota C47A G-AMHJ - KG651

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