Vernair, Alexandra, KC Aviation & Yeoward

[viscount]

VERNAIR TRANSPORT SERVICES

A Liverpool Airport based operator, 1967-1987

This article by Brian Jones, approved by Cpt Milne of Vernair, first appeared in the paper based 'North West Air News', the members magazine of Air Britain (Merseyside) Branch in February 1987. Repeated in full here with a little editing, especially to the last few paragraphs which were originally written just before close-down of operations.

VERNAIR TRANSPORT SERVICES

Early Years

Vernair Transport Services (VTS) was formed during 1967 by the Vernons Organisation to provide air transport facilities for the company. On 11th May 1967 a three-year old Queen Air D-ILBO was demonstrated to VTS at Liverpool and was subsequently purchased, being delivered as G-AVNG on May 29th. Initially available only for the carriage of Vernons personnel and the company owners. At first the aircraft was hangared with British Eagle. After the collapse of British Eagle in November 1968, Vernair employed a full time engineer and on 1st April 1969 they moved into No.3 Hangar, which remained their base until the company closed down in 1987. The hangar, which faced the West Apron on the North Airfield provided plenty of room for workshop accomodation for both their own fleet and for associated private owners.

A popular type handled in the early '70s was the DH. Dove, with several being overhauled, including one, G-APZU owned by an employee and used by Vernair if required. One such charter being for the MSAE to the Paris Air Salon in June 1969. To permit commercial charter, Vernair had by this stage been awarded its Air Operators Certificate (AOC) by the CAA. Subsequently, a subsidiary company, Vernair Flying Services (VFS), was founded to undertake charter operations.

Regular Work

A regular operation undertaken by Vernair's aircraft was the collection of Football Pool's Coupons. Throughout the football season, early on Saturday mornings from the early '70's, a Queen Air would fly from Liverpool to Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle to collect the Coupons. By the mid 1980's a King Air was used, but now only to Belfast, although throughout the year as the Pools now included Australian football.

With an increase in trade, during 1972 Aztec 250 G-AWPK was acquired from John Finlan Ltfd, this aircraft having previously been hangared and maintained by them on behalf of Finlanair. Further expansion occurred in 1974 with the acquisition of two further Aztecs and a second Queen Air. A project in early 1973 was for the operation of a Bell 47G on behalf of Littlewoods for the ferrying of cash. Although Vernair advertised in 'Flight International' for an experienced pilot and engineer, these plans were never realised.

UKAEA Contracts

A major boost to VFS's operations began on April 1st 1975 when the comany began flying a Manchester to Dounreay service on behalf of the Government. They replaced Northern Air Taxis who had operated Beagle 206's on the contract. Although initially operated from Manchester with one Queen Air and two Aztecs, within a week all flights were flown from Liverpool. As a result of this extra work, a further two Queen Airs were added to the fleet being more suited to the long flights than the Aztecs. Initially the flights were on an ad-hoc, when required, basis. In August 1975 Vernair were awarded a formal initial one-year contract for the continued operation on a regular basis. In the following year Vernair logged a total of 2,000 flying hours, flying over 300,000 miles and carried 3,000 passengers in support of this contract.

With the sucess of the operation, the Government renewed the contract for a further twelve months in August 1976, which required a minimum of 18 fllights weekly, with additional flights as required. From May 1976, with the dellivery of King Air 100 G-BAVE, Vernair became one of the first UK air taxi operators to introduce a pressurised twin turboprop aircraft. In late 1978 and early 1979 two King Air 90s were introduced onto the Dounreay flights, almost entirely replacing the Queen Airs. The faster, pressurised, turbo-prop proving much more suitable for these flights. The majority of the Queen Airs were withdrawn from regular operation mid 1979, although it was not until October '82 that the last one departed Liverpool. G-AYPC had been retained for a while, mostly in the freighter role, for the weekend Pools Coupons flights to Glasgow and Belfast.

In 1976 the company employed 11 pilots, 19 engineers and office personnel. The board of Directors of VTS consisted of Mr Vernon Sangster, Robert Sangster, G.R. Kennerley and R.R. Stephenson, with Captain Sharples as the company's Chief Pilot and Operations Manager.

Demonstration Flights & Executive Operations

During the second half of the 1970's with thoughts to expansion and re-equipment a number of types were demonstrated. These included Beech King Air C90 HB-GCV on 11th July 1971 and trial operation of this aircraft 25th July to 5th August; Commander 690 N57108 on 9th November 1973; GAF Nomad VH-AUN demonstrated 27th October 1976; Twin Otter C-GDHC on 7th July 1976. The largest of all being a HS.748 YV-46C on 13th October 1976, at which time Vernair were giving consideration to establishing a full scheduled service between Liverpool and Glasgow and/or the Isle of Man though, sadly, these plans came to nought.

The initial reason for the establlishment of VTS was to convey Vernons personnel around the country, but in particular the Sangster family. The first aircraft, Queen Air G-AVNG was used by the family until replacement by a new Super King Air 200 G-VRES in June 1978. Although occasionally used as a back-up aircraft for the Dounreay operation or on charter work, the King Air 200 was principally retained as an executive aircraft for the Sangster family until replaced by a new King Air 300, G-SRES in March 1985. At times the larger King Air was based for periods at the Isle of Man, which was the family home.

Equine Transport

The horse training and racing interests of the Sangster family led directly in early 1978 to the acquisition in America of a second-hand Skyvan 3. Although delivered to Liverpool on 4th May 1978, it was not until 22nd January 1979 that it was reflown as G-AWWS and able to enter service. The feasability of carrying two race horses was tested in early April 1979 with Doug Francis' horses Prime Justice and Hilton York. After the flight Chief Pilot Capt. Arthur Milne reported no problems, with horses seemingly happy enough, despite poor weather conditions. The type's STOL capabilities enabled it to land at race courses, although the most frequent route would be Liverpool-Ballydoyle-Cambridge-Liverpool, connecting Sangster's stables. The aircraft was also used for a 7 month period to carry the Isle of Man mail from and to Liverpool during the period 7th October 1980 to 9th May 1981. The aircraft did not fit into Vernair's portfolio well, so was transferred to the care of Shannon Executive Aviation as EI-BNN, May 1983, although it continued to carry race horses for the Sangster stables.

Miscellaneous Endeavours

The company, have had over the years a regular flow of aircraft, both singles and twins on maintenance, mainly for private owners. Liverpool based twins maintained included Ralli Bros & Coney's Queen Air G-AWKX early 1979 til September 1981 and Cessna 414 G-BBYT March 1977 through to May 1981.

In the early 1970s Vernair assembled a number of U.S. built Cessna singles which arrived in crates, including G-BAYO, G-BAYP, G-BBGX, G-BBJD, G-BBKZ and G-BIDH. They also converted imported Jodels G-AYFP, G-AYYO and G-AYUT and F8L Falco G-AZAY to British standards on behalf of General Aircraft Services during 1971.

Vernair also acted as agents in the sale of aircraft. Some of these deals were the sale of Aztec 250 G-BAUJ, Cessna 421B G-BCBK and Cessna 414 G-AZSJ on behalf of the estate of Graham Bourne late 1974 into early 1975, while others were King Air 200 G-BFOL stored for Ogden's August 1980 until sale March 1981 and Navajo G-BGOM stored by VTS at Liverpool April to July 1981 when it was repossessed by a Vernon's finance company on the collapse of Air Commuter of Coventry.

Vernair's operating expertise enabled them to operate a number of aircraft under contract from the owners. Queen Air G-ARFF was operated for British Domestic Appliances (later General Electric) in 1972 until early 1973 when replaced until October 1975 by G-AWOI, and more recently Cessna 421C G-TLOL for Littlewoods from the start of 1982 until February 1987 when the operating contract was passed onto Westair at Blackpool.

Towards the End

During the final full year of operations, 1986, Vernair operated a fleet of six aircraft, two each of King Air 90, King Air 100 and single examples of a King Air 200 and King Air 300. While the King Air 300 was used by the Sangster family, often from the Isle of Man, the other five aircraft operated mostly under the UKAEA contract flying between Liverpool and Dounreay, with Wick as the usual weather alternative. However the fleet ranged far and wide, for example in November 1986 destinations included: Ballydoyle, Belfast, Bristol, Cambridge, Chester, Dublin, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Fairoaks, Gatwick, Glasgow, Heathrow, Isle of Man, Leeds, Lyneham, Manchester, Northolt, Prestwick, Shannon and Woodvale. The company employed 13 pilots, 20 engineers and office staff. Captain Milnes being the Chief Pilot and Operations Manager.

Only months from recording twenty years of continuous profitable operation from Liverpool Airport, in January 1987 following a review of group activities by the Vernon's board faced with the cost of relocating hangarage onto the southern airfield at Liverpool Airport, it was announced that Vernair would cease operations and be sold on as a going concern. While the King Air 300 would remain in Sangster's ownership, four of the other five aircraft would be handed onto Northern Executive Aviation at Manchester, who would also take over operating the UKAEA contract. A very sad decision for the employees who had spent a large proportion of their working lives building up the company and keeping it profitable.

The date set for Vernair to cease flying operations at Liverpool was Saturday 14th February. However due to paperwork complications with the CAA affecting the transfer of AOC authority the end was slightly delayed. The final UKAEA flights operated from Liverpool on Friday 6th March, although on NEA 'Netax' call-signs.

The first aircraft to leave was King Air 90 G-BFVX to Manchester on 9th February for short term storage. On Friday 6th March King Air 100s G-BBVM departed at 1223, G-BAVE at 1235 and King Air 200 G-VRES at 1818, all for Manchester. King Air 90 G-BFVY operated a Belfast Pool's flight late on the 6th, before leaving for Manchester at 0017 on 7th March. Operation of the King Air 300 G-SRES seemed to change from Liverpool based to Isle of Man based operation from 17th March.

So ended the operations of a well established, highly successful Liverpool based operation. One can but speculate where the company would be now if they had decided to invest in a move to the South Airfield.

Aircraft Operated

Regn    Aircraft type           Arrived   Departed      N o t e s
G-ASIU  Beech 65 Queen Air      05.05.77  24.06.81  wfu 4.79-2.81 (became 5X-SAM 9.81)
G-AVNA  Beech 65-80 Queen Air   20.06.74     11.74  (became N48133 6.75)
G-AVNG  Beech A65 Queen Air     29.05.67       .81  (became G-REXY 1.85)
G-AWKX  Beech 65-A80 Queen Air  18.03.75  early.79  wfu 10.78-2.79 sold locally
G-AWPK  PA-23-250D Aztec          .08.72  31.01.78  ex local owner (became N62RS 5.83) 
G-AWWS  SC-7 Skyvan 3           04.05.78  21.05.83  to S.E.A. as EI-BNN 5.83
G-AYPC  Beech 70 Queen Air      24.04.75  01.10.82  (became G-REXP 9.85)
G-AZFE  PA-23-250E Aztec        21.05.74  10.02.77  (became EI-BPA 5.84)
G-BAUJ  PA-23-250E Aztec          .12.74     05.75  Op 2.75-4/75 while up for onward sale (eventually pwfu 10.02)
G-BAVE  Beech King Air A100     30.04.76  06.03.87  to NEA (became N..... 7.90)
G-BAWY  PA-23-250E Aztec        06.12.74  23.09.75  (became OO-BBY 12.76)
G-BBVM  Beech King Air A100     18.08.82  06.03.87  to NEA (became C-.... 12.92)
G-BDKG  Beech 65-A80 Queen Air  20.10.75  08.06.79  accident 12.77, wfu 1.78-5.79 (crashed 08.07.79 Karachi)
G-BFVX  Beech King Air C90      17.11.78  09.02.87  then stored (became G-OLAF 11.87)
G-BFVY  Beech King Air C90      05.01.79  07.03.87  then op by NEA (became N...... 5.88)
G-SRES  Beech King Air 300      28.03.85  15.03.87  to IoM base (to Colombia 8.89)
G-VRES  Beech King Air 200      23.06.78  06.03.87  to NEA (re-regd G-ONEX 2.93, then 5Y-... 6.94)

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Operated on behalf of their owners

G-APZU  DH.104 Dove 6             .04.69    .08.71  owned by employee J.White, was available for Vernair use.
G-ARFF  Beech 65 Queen Air        .02.72    .02.73  Op for owners British Domestic Appliances (became OO-AWA 4.76)
G-AWKX  Beech 65 Queen Air        .02.79    .09.81  Op for owners Ralli Bros & Coney (eventually pwfu 12.90)
G-AWOI  Beech A80 Queen Air     26.02.73  15.10.74  Op for owners BDA/General Electric (became LN-TST 5.83)
G-TLOL  Cessna 421C             30.12.82  02.02.87  Op for owners Littlewoods Organisation, moved to Blackpool.

[/size]
Grounded Airframes and Other Aircraft Owned by Vernair

Dismantled Cessna 310 G-ARBI was acquired for spares 12.01.77, the remains eventually scrapped.
G-BABX King Air 100 fuselage arrived 04.05.77 from Leavesden (crashed 12.01.77).  Nose retained for use as a simulator.
A2-ZFM DH.104 Dove arrived 16.06.71 for spares recovery, eventually scrapped.
DH.104 Doves G-AJHX & G-AMUZ both registered to Vernair arrived by road 12.70 and eventually dumped and scrapped.
Both G-AZSJ Cessna 414 12.74-02.75 and G-BBJD Cessna 172M 12.74-01.75 registered to Vernair to facilitate onward sale, 
but were never actually operated.

[/size]

[Deleted]

A very comprehensive and interesting report

Happy Days

Bob

[Beemer]

Excellent as usual, Viscount.

[Beemer]

For and behalf of Viscount

Very typical view of the Western with Vernair aircraft by No. 1


Queen Air 70 G-AYPC


King Air 200 G-VRES first in the blue/green colour scheme.


Skyvan G-AWWS in 1983.


King Air C90 G-BFVX in 1983 in front of Hangar 3.


King Air C90 G-BFVY December 1986.

[viscount]

Although a company whose aeroplanes were based at Liverpool to fly their own executives and staff around Europe, its aircraft were used at times for charters. Its inclusion here is mainly on the grounds that the owners went on to own an airline subsidiary, although never based at Liverpool. Much of the information provided here gathered for nwan forum, only a brief mention being possible in the 1976 published ‘British Independent Airlines since 1946’ by Tony Merton Jones.

Alexandra Aviation Ltd, 1975-1979

Their initial aircraft was an Aztec 250 G-AXAX, arriving at Liverpool in July 1975 and used by parent company Alexandra Towing Company Ltd, a long established tug operator for the Port of Liverpool, as an executive transport. Soon after arrival the aircraft was named “Flying Kestrel”. The aircraft was hangared, maintained and operated by Keenair Services and was made available to them when not required by the owners. An Islander G-AWVY arrived at Liverpool 9th January 1977 as N48BN from the USA via Reykjavik. A respray and check over with Keenair and the first flight in UK marks was made on 28th January. A third aircraft in the form of Navajo Chieftain 350, G-BXBX, arrived at Liverpool on 24th December 1977, having previously been demonstrated here, while still as OY-ASC on 25th October. These two 9-seaters were capable of transporting a complete tug crew, with a number of flights being flown from Liverpool to near European sea-ports such as Esbjerg, Hamburg and Rotterdam. The Navajo Chieftain spent periods of 1978 away from Liverpool on behalf of Alexandra Towing, while the Islander was used by Keenair during June 1978 for parachute dropping work at weekends and at other times for night newspaper work when required. All three aircraft departed from Liverpool during 1979, first the Islander and in September both the Aztec and Navajo. The Islander initially having been leased to Euroair Ltd for use from 1st April on their Luton to Dublin mail contract.

Euroair Transport Ltd, 1979-early ‘90s

To diversify their transport interests, Alexandra purchased small operator Euroair Transport of Biggin Hill, during late summer 1979. This was followed by the acquisition of flight brokers, London Air Taxi Centre (also called Business Air Centre) at Aberdeen, formerly a Davies & Newman (as in Dan-Air) company. Euroair gained a second night mail contract from 29th October 1979 linking Cardiff and Liverpool.

Alexandra’s expansion plans for Euroair Transport was initially based on the purchase of three Cessna 404 Titan aircraft through dealers Northair of Leeds, followed soon after by two Embraer Bandeirante aircraft. The first of the Titans to be delivered, G-WING appeared at Liverpool, f&t Biggin Hill as EZ901 on 3rd December 1979, flying four local flights on demonstration to Alexandra Directors and Press, just days after delivery. It was back again, on 11th December routing Biggin Hill-Liverpool-Aberdeen-Liverpool-Biggin Hill, this time collecting Directors in connection with a publicity launch for LATC/BAC at Aberdeen. The second Titan G-GOSH appeared at Liverpool 4th and 17th January 1980, both times t&f Biggin Hill. Their next new type, a Bandeirante, was also soon demonstrated to Alexandra Directors and the Press in connection with their Liverpool scheduled service applications. G-HGGS was at Liverpool on 27th November 1980 when it operated 6 local flights, this shortly after delivery and repaint into a new black and gold scheme. Subsequently, during 1981, most other aircraft in fleet appeared in this smart scheme too, as did the later Viscounts and HS.748s.

Although Euroair’s Cessna 404s, Bandeirantes and HS.748s were frequently to be seen at Liverpool, especially on night mail ‘Spokes from Speke’ flights, as Euroair Transport were never Liverpool based, their subsequent story mostly lies outside the scope of this coverage of Liverpool based operators. Although the aircraft were only seen at Liverpool on commercial services, the airline was controlled from Castle Chambers until late 1980 when financial control was moved to the airline’s Gatwick headquarters. However it is worth recording that Euroair Transport in July 1980 applied for the route licence between Gatwick and Liverpool, with an intention to commence 2 return flights daily with Bandeirante or Cessna Titan aircraft, with a tariff of one way economy £35 fare, with services to commence 1st February 1981 for a ten year period. A little later in 1980, they applied for Cardiff and/or Swansea to Chester and/or Liverpool using Islander or Navajo equipment, with a start date of 19th January 1981. This was effectively replacing Air Wales and their Navajo service, employing their aircraft based at Cardiff for night mail flights. While it would appear that the Gatwick route licence application was either withdrawn or not awarded, the Cardiff to Chester route was certainly awarded and operated by Euroair for a while.

Alexandra Towing Aircraft

Regn.  Aircraft type     Delivery  Departure Comments
G-AXAX  PA-23 Aztec 250D  11.07.75  12.09.79  to Manchester for CofA; 
             by 18.12.79 on Euroair mail flights. Sold late.85
G-AWVY  BN-2A Islander    09.01.77  27.03.79  to Fairoaks; 
             on 1.4.79 on DUB-LTN Euroair mail service. To Sweden 1.81
G-BXBX  PA-31 Navajo 350  24.12.80  10.09.79  to Teesside for Euroair ops. 
             To USA as N350SC ex Biggin Hill 15.03.81

Euroair Transport Aircraft (most were registered to Alexandra Aviation)

G-BDWG  BN-2A Islander    23.09.77   late .82 Operated from Biggin Hill initially. Sold end.82
G-WING  Cessna 404        19.11.79   04.02.80 when crashed overshooting at Leeds in a blizzard
G-GOSH  Cessna 404        31.12.79  summer.82 sold in Holland
G-BFUS  Cessna 404       early .80  summer.82 sold in Holland 
G-BHOB  Cessna 404         mid .80  summer.82 sold in Holland
G-IANT  Cessna 404       autumn.80  summer.82 sold in Holland
G-BBSL  PA-23 Aztec 250E   late.80  summer.81 sold in USA
G-HGGS  Bandeirante       10.10.80   19.11.84 when flew in hillside near Inverness at night
G-LATC  Bandeirante       21.11.80     end.95 was re-regd G-BVRT 8.94
G-BHXI  BN-2A Islander    10.12.80  summer.85 sold and became G-UERN
.
Further Bandeirantes: G-BHJY/G-BTAA/G-OEAA .82-.94, G-BKWS 9.83-2.85, G-BLVG 1.85-4.94,
G-BGYT 12.86-3.88  
also Viscounts: G-BLNB 7.83 to 8.85, G-AOHT from 5.84 to 8.85 and G-BNAA 3.85-8.85.
and HS.748s G-VAJK 6.85 to early .90s (later G-DAAL) and G-BMFT 10.85 to mid-90s (later G-OPFW).
Also quite probably others?

In may be worthwhile recording that Euroair Transport faded out around 1994, with the leasing-out and subsequent sale of their final Bandeirantes and HS.748s.

London Air Taxi Centre (LATC) became Business Air Centre (BAC). At some stage gained independence with a management buy-out. The Aberdeen section of BAC became Business Air in 1987 and built up a very successful airline in their own right before purchase in April 1996 by British Midland Airways, becoming British Midland Commuter January 1998 and later bmi regional. Separately the Gatwick section of BAC evolved into BAC Group, including freight carrier BAC Express (formed 1992). Became somewhat confused with evolution of Business Air Centre from different internet and paper sources, hope I have the summary figured out correctly here!

Alexandra Towing, with their tugs on the Thames and Mersey were taken over in 1994 by Australian Howard Smith Group, retaining the Alexandra Towing name and Castle Chambers headquarters. In 2001 the towage operation of Howard Smith was acquired by Adstream Marine, with headquarters in Hull and offices at Liverpool.

[viscount]

A company that operated its aircraft mostly for its own executives, but may well have at times made their aircraft available for charter when not needed for their own operations.

KC Aviation Ltd, 1975-1982

Formed by Cassir & Co Ltd, trading from the Cotton Exchange in Liverpool, the name reflecting the initials of Ken Cassir. The initial aircraft, a Cherokee Six was registered to G. Cassir and flown with the Liverpool Aero Club. It was damaged early June 1975 in an accident at Penrhos airfield and taken by road to Oxford for repair. Possibly in part exchange, the company purchased a Seneca July 1975, based at Liverpool Airport, primarily for company executive flights. This was replaced a year later by a larger Cessna 402B and this in turn, a year later by a Cessna 414 acquired from Northair of Leeds. During 1981 the Cessna twin was sold and departed for the USA a few days after a Cessna 500 Citation was delivered from Cambridge. The company had links with Keenair Services, all their aircraft being hangared and maintained by them at Liverpool, it is believed that at least the Citation was made available through Keenair Aviation Services for executive and organ transfer charter, although it is thought few charter operations were ever flown from Liverpool. In late 1982 the aircraft left Liverpool on contract operating from Bristol. It returned to Liverpool from Bristol 8th September 1983, flew a return trip to Barcelona, then out to Geneva and home via Paris Le Bourget, before departing to Cardiff 2nd October. By early 1984 it had been sold and registered to Oxford based new owners.

FLEET

G-BBFV  PA-32 Cherokee Six    06.11.73  07.06.75  damaged accident, Penhros
G-BCID  PA-34 Seneca 200 II   06.07.75  07.08.76
G-BCBI  Cessna 402B           16.10.76   late.77
G-KCAV  Cessna 414            18.03.78  21.07.81  dep on sale in the USA
G-BEIZ  Cessna 500 Citation I 02.07.81  03.11.82  then away contract based Bristol until 08.09.83. 
                              Dep. 02.10.83 and regd to new owners 03.84

[viscount]

This small company did not have their base at Liverpool for long, however was credited by the 1976 publication ‘British Independent Airlines since 1946’ as being Liverpool based. This entry is adapted from Tony Merton-Jones’ entry.

Yeoward Line Aviation, 1972-1977/1982

Yeoward Line Aviation Ltd was the aviation subsidiary of Yeoward Brothers Ltd, a firm of Liverpool shipping agents with interests in Spain and the Canary Islands. Their aircraft were mainly used for executive flights in connection with Yeoward Brothers shipping business, but charter flights were also operated. Initially the aircraft was based at Liverpool, although soon moved to Hawarden/Chester, probably during 1974 and may have also operated from Wrexham/Borras at times. It was a frequent visitor to Liverpool until 1977 collecting and dropping off passengers, after which far fewer flights called.

Their first aircraft, Seneca G-AZTO was delivered to Liverpool from Kidlington in May 1972,. Shortly after arrival it acquired the name “Hairy Mole”. The Seneca G-AZTO last appeared at Liverpool, inbound from Santiago Spain 11th July 1976 and continued onto Hawarden the next day. Its replacement G-BEAG first visited 2nd August in from Wrexham and onwards to Valley. During 1978 visits to Liverpool reduced to around 6 during the whole year but involved flights from or to Geneva, Beauvais, East Midlands, Northolt, Wrexham and Hawarden.

FLEET

G-AZTO  PA-34 Seneca 200     25.05.72    July.76
G-BEAG  PA-34 Seneca 200 II   July.76  Spring.82

[viscount]

Finlanair, 1963/1968-1972/1996

Finlanair was the name given by John Finlan Ltd of Halebank, Widnes, to the operation of their company aircraft. Initially a Cherokee 140 G-ARUP purchased late '63 and flown until late 1966. Comanche 260 G-AVCM was in use from January 1967 until sold to a Southport company, November 1968. Quite likely the Comanche was initially based at Manchester with Northern Executive Aviation, before moving to Liverpool later on during 1967.

Our story really begins with a recently imported Aztec 250 G-AWPK, being delivered to Liverpool from agents CSE Aviation at Kidlington in early November 1968. The Aztec was offered for charter, flown by Cliff Watson. Two of the charters operated were flown on behalf of the MSAE, to Hannover for the German air show 21st April 1970, and to Beauvais 29th May 1971 for a day at the Paris Air Salon.

The step up from the Aztec was carefully considered. On 3rd June 1971 they had the former British Steel Cessna 411 G-AVEK demonstrated and also looked at former Gregories Air Taxis Cessna 401 G-AWXM, while a brand new Cessna 414 was also on offer.

John Finlan Ltd did indeed purchase a larger Cessna twin, with Cessna 401B G-AZRD, arriving from Westair at Blackpool in June 1972. The Aztec was immediately sold to Vernair Transport Services at Liverpool and was used by them for a further six years. Their Cessna 401 was not permitted to be used for ‘hire or reward’, so was used solely by the Finlan Group of companies, the officially registered company owner changing occasionally over the years. Indeed ‘RD must go on record as the longest resident twin at Liverpool, although it did spend spells away with Westair at Blackpool, it was here for 25 years until final departure for Blackpool in 1996.

On a personal note, I well remember during the ‘70s watching Cliff Watson’s “trademark” very tight finals onto 08 or 26 at Liverpool, a visual treat compared to the standard straight and wings level ‘ finals’ approach flown by everyone else.

FLEET

G-ARUP PA-28 Cherokee 140      .63      .66 when sold in the Channel Islands
G-AVCM PA-24 Comanche 260    01.67   .11.68 when sold to a Southport company
G-AWPK PA-23 Aztec 250D   06.11.68     6.72 when sold locally to Vernair
G-AZRD Cessna 401B        18.06.72 15.01.96 spent periods away at Blackpool

Finlanair's Cessna 401B G-AZRD at Liverpool 26th April 1973.

[viscount]

Probably the work of 'Photogenix', a night shot of Vernair's Queen Air 70 G-AYPC - notoriously difficult to get right on the equipment available at the time.



Illustrating the post relating to Cassir & Co, Citation G-BEIZ.

[l1049g]

Hiya

i am updating my flying log with photographs and i am searching for PA Aztec GAWPK circa 1968 ...any assistance will be most appreciated ...thanks L1049G





Amended by Administrator, so the title and thread reflect the request.

[maverick]

Not the best photo in the world but..



Maverick

[Airbus A346]

Sept 6, 2011 22:37:49 GMT 1 viscount said:

Finlanair, 1963/1968-1972/1996

John Finlan Ltd did indeed purchase a larger Cessna twin, with Cessna 401B G-AZRD, arriving from Westair at Blackpool in June 1972. The Aztec was immediately sold to Vernair Transport Services at Liverpool and was used by them for a further six years. Their Cessna 401 was not permitted to be used for ‘hire or reward’, so was used solely by the Finlan Group of companies, the officially registered company owner changing occasionally over the years. Indeed ‘RD must go on record as the longest resident twin at Liverpool, although it did spend spells away with Westair at Blackpool, it was here for 25 years until final departure for Blackpool in 1996.


FLEET

G-AWPK PA-23 Aztec 250D   06.11.68     6.72 when sold locally to Vernair
G-AZRD Cessna 401B        18.06.72 15.01.96 spent periods away at Blackpool

G-AZRD by MARTIN CHELL, on Flickr

[Airbus A346]

Sept 4, 2011 21:48:13 GMT 1 viscount said:

Yeoward Line Aviation, 1972-1977/1982

Yeoward Line Aviation Ltd was the aviation subsidiary of Yeoward Brothers Ltd, a firm of Liverpool shipping agents with interests in Spain and the Canary Islands. Their aircraft were mainly used for executive flights in connection with Yeoward Brothers shipping business, but charter flights were also operated. Initially the aircraft was based at Liverpool, although soon moved to Hawarden/Chester, probably during 1974 and may have also operated from Wrexham/Borras at times. It was a frequent visitor to Liverpool until 1977 collecting and dropping off passengers, after which far fewer flights called.

Their first aircraft, Seneca G-AZTO was delivered to Liverpool from Kidlington in May 1972,. Shortly after arrival it acquired the name “Hairy Mole”. The Seneca G-AZTO last appeared at Liverpool, inbound from Santiago Spain 11th July 1976 and continued onto Hawarden the next day. Its replacement G-BEAG first visited 2nd August in from Wrexham and onwards to Valley. During 1978 visits to Liverpool reduced to around 6 during the whole year but involved flights from or to Geneva, Beauvais, East Midlands, Northolt, Wrexham and Hawarden.

FLEET

G-AZTO  PA-34 Seneca 200     25.05.72    July.76
G-BEAG  PA-34 Seneca 200 II   July.76  Spring.82

G-AZTO by MARTIN CHELL, on Flickr

[Airbus A346]

Jun 1, 2010 13:41:32 GMT 1 viscount said:

VERNAIR TRANSPORT SERVICES

Aircraft Operated

Regn    Aircraft type           Arrived   Departed      N o t e s
G-ASIU  Beech 65 Queen Air      05.05.77  24.06.81  wfu 4.79-2.81 (became 5X-SAM 9.81)
G-AVNA  Beech 65-80 Queen Air   20.06.74     11.74  (became N48133 6.75)
G-AVNG  Beech A65 Queen Air     29.05.67       .81  (became G-REXY 1.85)
G-AWKX  Beech 65-A80 Queen Air  18.03.75  early.79  wfu 10.78-2.79 sold locally
G-AWPK  PA-23-250D Aztec          .08.72  31.01.78  ex local owner (became N62RS 5.83) 
G-AWWS  SC-7 Skyvan 3           04.05.78  21.05.83  to S.E.A. as EI-BNN 5.83
G-AYPC  Beech 70 Queen Air      24.04.75  01.10.82  (became G-REXP 9.85)
G-AZFE  PA-23-250E Aztec        21.05.74  10.02.77  (became EI-BPA 5.84)
G-BAUJ  PA-23-250E Aztec          .12.74     05.75  Op 2.75-4/75 while up for onward sale (eventually pwfu 10.02)
G-BAVE  Beech King Air A100     30.04.76  06.03.87  to NEA (became N..... 7.90)
G-BAWY  PA-23-250E Aztec        06.12.74  23.09.75  (became OO-BBY 12.76)
G-BBVM  Beech King Air A100     18.08.82  06.03.87  to NEA (became C-.... 12.92)
G-BDKG  Beech 65-A80 Queen Air  20.10.75  08.06.79  accident 12.77, wfu 1.78-5.79 (crashed 08.07.79 Karachi)
G-BFVX  Beech King Air C90      17.11.78  09.02.87  then stored (became G-OLAF 11.87)
G-BFVY  Beech King Air C90      05.01.79  07.03.87  then op by NEA (became N...... 5.88)
G-SRES  Beech King Air 300      28.03.85  15.03.87  to IoM base (to Colombia 8.89)
G-VRES  Beech King Air 200      23.06.78  06.03.87  to NEA (re-regd G-ONEX 2.93, then 5Y-... 6.94)

Operated on behalf of their owners

G-ARFF  Beech 65 Queen Air        .02.72    .02.73  Op for owners British Domestic Appliances (became OO-AWA 4.76)

G-ARFF by MARTIN CHELL, on Flickr


G-ASIU by MARTIN CHELL, on Flickr


G-AVNG by MARTIN CHELL, on Flickr


G-AVNG 2 by MARTIN CHELL, on Flickr


G-AWKX 1 by MARTIN CHELL, on Flickr


G-AWKX 2 by MARTIN CHELL, on Flickr


G-AYPC by MARTIN CHELL, on Flickr


G-BDKG by MARTIN CHELL, on Flickr


G-BAVE by MARTIN CHELL, on Flickr


G-BBVM by MARTIN CHELL, on Flickr


G-BFVY by MARTIN CHELL, on Flickr


G-BFVY 2 by MARTIN CHELL, on Flickr

N7978 by MARTIN CHELL, on Flickr

G-AWWS by MARTIN CHELL, on Flickr

[Airbus A346]

Jun 1, 2010 13:41:32 GMT 1 viscount said:

VERNAIR TRANSPORT SERVICES

A Liverpool Airport based operator, 1967-1987

Operated on behalf of their owners

G-BBYT  Cessna 414 Chancellor    c/n 0505           Op for Ralli Bros and Coney, sold in Denmark 30.12.82 as OY-BSD

G-TLOL  Cessna 421C             30.12.82  02.02.87  Op for owners Littlewoods Organisation, moved to Blackpool.



G-BBYT by MARTIN CHELL, on Flickr


G-TLOL by MARTIN CHELL, on Flickr