South West Aviation

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]

Not to be confused with Southwest Airlines, South West Aviation (South Sudan), Southwest Air Lines, or Southwest Airways.

History

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
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


Notes
  1. Flight International 26 July 1980
  2. Merton Jones 1972, p 74
  3. Flight International 26 March 1970

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