Donaldson International Airlines
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Donaldson International Airlines was a British charter airline from 1968 to 1974.
[edit] History
The airline was formed in 1968 to provide provide inclusive tour and charter flights for Mercury Air Holidays of Glasgow. The airline took delivery of two four-engined Bristol Britannia turboprop aircraft and commenced flights from its bases at London Gatwick Airport and Glasgow Airport. As business expanded the airline acquired another two Britannia aircraft.
Donaldson Airlines started charter flights across the North Atlantic with the delivery of two Boeing 707 aircraft in 1971. Another two 707s were obtained in 1972, and the Britannia aircraft were sold.
Three of the 707s were fitted with a cargo door to enable the airline to operate both passenger and freight charters. One Boeing 707 was used in all-cargo configuration during 1973 and 1974.
In May 1974 the airline operated services for Iraqi Airways, but all flying ceased on 8 August, 1974 and the Boeing 707s were repossessed by Pan American Airways.
[edit] Aircraft operated
[edit] References
- Merton Jones, T. (1972). British Independent Airline & Operators Since 1947. LAAS International. NONE.
- Pither, Tony (1998). The Boeing 707 720 and C-135. Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd. ISBN 0 85130 236 X.
