There are few airlines globally that get a new lease of life under the same name. One such name was the regional carrier British Island Airways, which flew from 1970 to 1980 and again from 1982 to 1991. Here's the story of BIA.

First flight

British Island Airways (BIA) found its beginnings in 1970 as a spin-off of the regional affiliate of British United Airways after the latter was sold. BIA then became its own airline on December 1st, 1970, kicking off operations from London Gatwick.

From its base, the airline flew to destinations across the UK, including the Channel Islands, and even internationally. Scheduled destinations included Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Southampton, and more. Internationally, the airline flew to Antwerp, Paris (Orly), and Dublin.

Handley Page Dart Herald airliner of British Air Ferries
The carrier operated the Handley Page Dart Herald for its early operations before adding more aircraft. Photo: Getty Images

BIA also took advantage of its inherited fleet of DC-3s by using them exclusively as freighters. These jets were phased out by 1974, making the Dart Herald the go-to plane for all passenger and charter operations.

After finding success on short-haul routes across the country, BIA attempted to enter major trunk routes like Frankfurt, Zurich, Geneva, and more using the Fokker 28. However, the CAA turned down the request, citing a lack of experience.

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Merger

BIA continued to grow its regional business, taking over routes for British Air Ferries from its Southend base. This added seven more Herald's fleet, bringing the total to 19. BIA even added larger jets like BAC One-Eleven 400 for exclusive charter operations in 1979. Other carriers like Sabena and Dan-Air also transferred some scheduled routes to BIA for operations.

In 1980, BIA became part of a merger with Air Anglia, Air Wales, and Air Westward to form 'Air UK.' The carrier hoped that this new airline would have balances revenues from seasonal routes flown by BIA and year-round services by Anglia.

Air UK F100
Air UK became the successor to BIA in terms of routes, but the name would be making a come back very soon. Photo: G B_NZ via Wikimedia Commons

Charters only

Only two years after BIA became part of Air UK, the brand was once again planning on returning to the skies. Air UK MD Peter Villa purchased the charter arm of the merged carrier's brand, which it had hoped to sell off and focus on scheduled flights only.

On April 1st, 1982, British Island Airways returned to the skies as a chartered airline using a fleet of four BAC One-Eleven 400s.

British Island Airways BAC One Eleven
From no jet aircraft to all jets, the new BIA was set for a new course. Photo: Eduard Marmet via Wikimedia Commons

The carrier competed with operators of the Boeing 737-200s using the One-Eleven 400s and 500s, which could seat 89 and 119 passengers (close to the 130 on the Boeing) but came at a far lower acquisition cost. BIA began offering tour flights across Europe, collaborating with brands like Thomas Cook and more.

BIA turned out to be a major success by the late-1980s, even turning a profit thanks to a turnaround plan. The carrier's future hinged on joining a major brand such as ILG, with which it reached advance negotiations but failed to come to a deal.

Finally, in 1991, on the back of a UK recession, higher operating costs, and lack of travel demand, BIA ceased all operations on February 9th.