British Marine Air Navigation Co Ltd
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Airline |
| Founded | 1923 |
| Founder | Supermarine and Southern Railway |
| Defunct | 31 March 1924 |
| Fate | Merged to form Imperial Airways |
| Headquarters | Woolston , United Kingdom |
Area served | English Channel, including Cherbourg, Le Havre, Channel Islands |
| Products | Flying boat passenger services |
British Marine Air Navigation Co Ltd was an airline based in the United Kingdom that operated flying boat services over the English Channel during 1923 and 1924. In 1924, it combined with three other carriers to establish Imperial Airways.
Formation
In 1923, British Marine Air Navigation Co Ltd was founded as a collaboration between Supermarine and Southern Railway, which managed Southampton Docks. The company’s Woolston location became the first commercial flying boat terminal in Britain, featuring Customs and Immigration amenities. Passenger flights commenced on 14 August 1923, serving destinations such as Cherbourg, Le Havre, and the Channel Islands.
Aircraft
The fleet initially consisted of three Supermarine Sea Eagle flying boats, crafted by Reginald Mitchell, who later gained recognition for designing the Supermarine Spitfire. These aircraft were introduced in 1923.
Imperial Airways
British Marine Air Navigation Co Ltd joined forces with Handley Page Transport, Instone Air Line, and Daimler Airway on 31 March 1924, resulting in the formation of Imperial Airways, a significant step in the unification of commercial aviation within the UK.