Compagnie des Messageries Aériennes
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aviation |
| Founded | February 1919 |
| Founder | Louis Charles Breguet, Louis Blériot, Louis Renault, René Caudron |
| Defunct | January 1, 1923 |
| Fate | Merged with Grands Express Aériens to form Air Union |
| Headquarters | France |
Area served | France, Belgium, United Kingdom |
| Products | Passenger and mail air transport services |
Compagnie des messageries aériennes was an early French airline that operated between 1919 and 1923 before merging with Grands Express Aériens to establish Air Union.
History
Established in February 1919 by notable figures in aviation and industry such as Louis Charles Breguet, Louis Blériot, Louis Renault, and René Caudron, the airline commenced its inaugural commercial mail and cargo service on 18 April 1919. This initial route connected Le Bourget Airport in Paris with Lille-Lesquin Airport, employing former military Breguet 14 aircraft. By August of the same year, the network extended to include Brussels, and on 19 September, the company introduced an international passenger flight linking Paris with London (Hounslow Heath Aerodrome), also utilizing Breguet 14 planes.
The airline strengthened its position in the European aviation market through a strategic merger with Grands Express Aériens on 1 January 1923, resulting in the formation of Air Union.
Accidents and incidents
- On 23 June 1921, a Blériot-SPAD S.27 (registration F-CMAY) suffered mechanical failure during a flight from Croydon to Le Bourget, leading to an emergency landing near a railway track in Kent. Both passengers survived without injury, while the pilot sustained minor wounds. The aircraft was subsequently deemed irreparable.
- On 3 June 1922, a CMA-operated Blériot-SPAD S.33 (F-ACMH) crashed into the English Channel near Folkestone, resulting in the loss of all individuals on board.
- On 15 March 1923, a Farman F.60 Goliath (F-AEIE) overran the runway at Croydon Airport and collided with a structure; the aircraft was repaired and returned to operational status.
- On 3 December 1923, Goliath F-AEIF, potentially operated by CMA, crashed at Littlestone Airfield, Kent.
Fleet
- Breguet 14 (capacity: 2 passengers)
- Farman F.60 Goliath (carrying up to 12 passengers; fleet size: 15)
- Blériot-SPAD S.27 (2-passenger capacity; 10 aircraft)
- Blériot-SPAD S.33 (5-passenger capacity; total of 15 aircraft)