note
Airline was formed with the help of British government seeking consolidation in the airline industry to better compete against continental Europe's airlines and to serve British Empire. Decision was made to join British Marine Air Navigation Company Ltd, the Daimler Airway, Handley Page Transport Ltd and the Instone Air Line Ltd which occurred on March 31st 1924. From the beginning, airline's focus was transport of passengers mail and cargo to British Empire's African, Middle and Far Eastern holdings as well as India. British government provided subsidies in early years. Flights to Paris and other European capitals commenced in 1924. Cairo and Basra were added to network in 1927, Karachi in 1929. In 1932 regular service to Cape Town was introduced at first carrying only mail. Company helped to establish partner airlines in Australia and New Zealand - QANTAS and TEAL which connected with Imperial Airways flights at Singapore to serve Australia and New Zealand starting in 1934.
founded - demised (age)
March 31 1924 - November 24 1939 (15)
headquarters
, Croydon, London
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base airports
related operators
current /stored fleet (0)
