South West Aviation

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

South West Aviation was a British airline formed in 1966 to undertake air charter work from a base at Exeter Airport, Devon, England. In 1973 the airline was taken over by Skyways Aviation.[1]

History[edit]

After it was formed the company operated air taxi and charter work with a twin-engined Piper Aztec and Beechcraft Travel Air.[2] In May 1968 the company bought a Douglas DC-3 which enabled it to expand into passenger and freight charters from both Exeter Airport and Hurn Airport. A second DC-3 was soon acquired. The charters were flown around the British Isles, Channel Islands and into Northern France.[2]

Also in 1968 the company bought a Short Skyvan which enabled it to operate out of small grass airfield in South West England for charters and parachute drooping, although the aircraft was also used to operate a scheduled service between Heathrow and Plymouth.[2] The airline also operated summer time scheduled services between Exeter, Cherbourg and Southampton and on behalf of Dan-Air a service between Bristol and the Isle of Mann.[2]

Fleet[edit]

South West Aviation fleet in 1970 [3]
Aircraft Total Orders Notes
Douglas DC-3 2 0
Piper Aztec 1 0
Short Skyvan 1
Total 4 0

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

References[edit]

  • Merton Jones, A. (1972). British Independent Airlines since 1946, Volume One. UK: LAAS International.