Airways International Cymru
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Airline |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Founder | Tony Clemo, Brian Proctor, David Whiteman |
| Defunct | 1988 |
| Fate | Entered receivership |
| Headquarters | Cardiff , Wales, United Kingdom |
Area served | Europe |
Key people | Tony Clemo (Chairman, resigned 1986), Brian Proctor (Co-founder) |
| Products | Air transport services |
Number of employees | 150 (at closure) |
Airways International Cymru was an airline headquartered in Cardiff, founded by Red Dragon Travel, a prominent Welsh travel agency and tour operator. It operated from early 1984 until it ceased activities in 1988 due to financial setbacks related to leasing an aircraft to a US-based carrier.
History
The airline was established by Tony Clemo, Brian Proctor, and David Whiteman, with its inaugural flight to Malaga taking place on 13 April 1984. Initial operations utilized a single BAC One-Eleven 300 (G-YMRU) obtained from Quebecair. During its first summer season, the company leased a BAC One-Eleven 400 (G-AXMU) from British Island Airways, which was subsequently replaced by another BAC One-Eleven 300 (G-WLAD), also purchased from Quebecair.
In 1985, the fleet expanded with the addition of a Boeing 737-200 (G-BAZI), formerly operated by Britannia Airways and leased through GPA. By 1986, Airways International Cymru introduced a Boeing 737-300 (G-PROC), facilitating the extension of its route network to various popular European holiday destinations. The airline reported profits amounting to £500,000 in its second year of operation.
Tensions emerged within the leadership in 1986 when chairman Tony Clemo disputed co-founder Brian Proctor over the use of overseas investment accounts that financed the airline. Clemo resigned from his board position in November but retained a 25% ownership stake and later initiated unsuccessful legal proceedings in 1987 concerning the financial arrangements.
The fleet continued to grow with the addition of another Boeing 737-300 (G-BNCT) in 1987, alongside an extra leased 737-300 (G-PROK) deployed for the summer season. The airline earned recognition from Thompson Holidays through its Certificate of Excellence for inflight service during the summer of 1987.
As part of a diversification strategy, Airways International Cymru acquired travel company Tour Reps in 1987, rebranding this division as Airways Holidays and launching marketing campaigns aimed at travel agencies.
To optimize fleet utilization during off-peak winter months, aircraft were leased out to several operators including Air New Zealand, Aer Lingus, British Midland Airways, and Manx Airlines.
Contract disputes
In 1987, Airways International Cymru leased a Boeing 737-300 to American airline SunCoast Airlines under a six-month agreement worth $67,000 per week. Conflicts arose when SunCoast alleged that the aircraft, scheduled for delivery in November, only arrived in December without the required FAA registration documentation. SunCoast's chairman accused Airways International Cymru of providing false assurances regarding the filing of FAA paperwork, resulting in substantial financial losses.
Airways International Cymru responded by stating that SunCoast delayed payment of a $55,000 insurance deposit which caused delivery postponements and argued that responsibility for FAA registration rested with SunCoast.
Following SunCoast’s filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 1988, the aircraft was grounded and Airways International Cymru was unable to repossess it without legal intervention. Subsequently, SunCoast initiated legal action seeking $301,725 in damages from Airways International Cymru.
On 4 January 1988, Airways International Cymru attempted to reclaim the plane by moving it off SunCoast’s premises at the airport security area and began taxiing it before police intervened. Although no charges were filed by SunCoast and Airways International Cymru claimed unfamiliarity with US regulations, the episode lasted about an hour. SunCoast suspected an attempt by the airline to fly the aircraft back to Wales but noted that no flight plans had been submitted.
A court order mandated SunCoast either return the aircraft or resume lease payments.
Meanwhile, Airways International Cymru encountered financial difficulties with other lessors, resulting in grounding of G-CYMRU at Luton Airport along with other planes. Efforts were made either to lease four new aircraft or repossess existing ones. Paramount Airways Limited assumed responsibility for their Cardiff Airport flights using its own fleet to minimize disruption for customers.
The company entered receivership in February 1988, leading to approximately 150 job losses.
Destinations
Airways International Cymru serviced 20 destinations across Europe, including the following:
- Austria
- France
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Italy
- Portugal
- Spain
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- Aberdeen – Aberdeen Airport
- Birmingham – Birmingham Airport
- Bristol – Bristol Airport
- Cardiff – Cardiff Airport, headquarters and main base
- Derby/Leicester/Nottingham – East Midlands Airport
- Edinburgh – Edinburgh Airport
- Exeter – Exeter Airport
- Glasgow – Glasgow Airport
- London – Gatwick Airport
- Southend-on-Sea – Southend Airport
Fleet
| Aircraft type | Quantity | Operational routes | Registration codes | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAC One-Eleven-304AX | 2 | Short-haul services | G-YMRU, G-WLAD | Named to emphasize Welsh heritage (Cymru and Gwlâd) Both aircraft subsequently dismantled |
| BAC One-Eleven-432FD | 1 | Short-haul services | G-AXMU | Decommissioned and scrapped |
| Boeing 737-200 | 1 | Short to medium-haul routes | G-BAZI | Scrapped in 2006 after operating as CC-CSP under LAN Express |
| Boeing 737-300 | 3 | Short to medium-haul routes | G-PROC, G-PROK, G-BNCT | G-PROC retired from Southwest Airlines in 2016 G-PROK stored at Victorville G-BNCT leased via ILFC, currently serving as cargo aircraft with Swiftair (EC-KLR) |